Pasco Farmers Market

Fast Facts

Market Overview

The Pasco Farmers Market brings downtown Pasco to life every Saturday morning where covered pavilions shelter shoppers browsing fresh produce from the fertile Columbia Basin alongside handcrafted artisan goods reflecting the Tri-Cities region’s agricultural heritage and creative community. Established in 1988 as a project of the Downtown Pasco Development Authority, this non-profit market has spent nearly four decades connecting Washington State farming families directly with consumers seeking the freshest locally-grown products without the markup of intermediaries.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Pasco at Peanuts Park, the market operates throughout the growing season from May’s first tender greens and strawberries through October’s autumn harvest of squash and pumpkins. The covered pavilion design ensures comfortable shopping regardless of weather, protecting vendors and customers from both the intense Eastern Washington summer sun and occasional spring showers while maintaining the open-air market atmosphere that distinguishes farmers markets from conventional grocery shopping.

The Pasco Farmers Market serves as a vital community gathering place in the Tri-Cities area where farmers, artisans, and neighbors meet to exchange not just products but stories and relationships that strengthen the social fabric of this rapidly growing agricultural hub just off the Columbia River.

What You’ll Find

Fresh Produce & Seasonal Offerings

• Spring arrivals (May-June): Fresh greens, asparagus, strawberries, herbs, and early vegetables
• Summer abundance (July-August): Tomatoes, melons, sweet corn, stone fruits, berries, squash, and peppers reflecting the Columbia Basin’s prime growing conditions
• Fall harvest (September-October): Pumpkins, winter squash, late-season tomatoes, and storage crops
• Locally-grown fruits and vegetables picked at peak ripeness for maximum flavor
• Plant starts, seedlings, and herbs for home gardeners
• Fresh-cut flowers and potted plants

Prepared Foods & Artisan Products

• Artisanal breads and pastries baked with locally-sourced ingredients
• Homemade preserves, jams, and specialty food items
• Local honey from Eastern Washington apiaries
• Handcrafted cheeses and dairy products
• Specialty items reflecting the region’s agricultural diversity

Handcrafted Goods & Artisan Crafts

• Pottery and ceramics from local artisans
• Handmade soaps and body care products
• Textiles and woven goods
• Jewelry and decorative items
• Bespoke arts and crafts perfect for gifts or home décor

Community Programs & Events

K.E.R.N.E.L. Kid Cash Program
The Kids Eating Right Nutrition and Exercise for Life (K.E.R.N.E.L.) program engages children in learning about lifelong healthy eating habits through interactive demonstrations, gardening education, and physical activity promotion. This youth-oriented nutrition initiative makes the farmers market experience educational and fun for young visitors.

Special Events Throughout the Season

The market typically features themed events that celebrate community, culture, and local food throughout the season. Recent years have included:

• Opening Day (Early May): Season kickoff featuring fresh produce, vibrant flowers, and strong community spirit
• Kids Day (Mid-June): Special activities, education, and engagement designed for young market-goers
• Dog Days of Summer (August): Bring your furry friends to interact with vendors and enjoy the market atmosphere
• Fiery Foods Fest (September): Celebrate spicy flavors with the hottest offerings from market vendors
• Halloween/Día de Los Muertos (Late October): Festive fusion of costumes, culture, and community traditions

Check the market website or social media for current year event dates and details.

Ongoing Programs

• “Meet Your Farmer” days connecting shoppers directly with producers
• Cooking demonstrations using seasonal market produce
• Family-friendly activities enhancing the market experience
• Live entertainment throughout the season

Planning Your Visit

Arrival Tips: Arrive early in the morning for the best selection of fresh produce when farmers first set up their stalls. The market runs until 1:00 PM, but popular items sell out quickly during peak summer months. Free parking is available in downtown Pasco near Peanuts Park.

What to Bring: Reusable shopping bags for carrying produce and goods, cash for vendors who may not accept cards (though many do), and sun protection during Eastern Washington’s hot summer months. The covered pavilions provide shade, but sunscreen is recommended for walking between vendor stalls.

Getting There: Peanuts Park is located at 426 W. Lewis Street in downtown Pasco, easily accessible from Interstate 182 and State Route 395. The market is pedestrian-friendly and integrated into the historic downtown district near Viera’s Bakery.

Payment Options: SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) are accepted, promoting food equity by making fresh, locally-grown produce accessible to all community members regardless of income level.

Special Considerations: The market integrates with downtown Pasco’s historic district, making it easy to combine farmers market shopping with exploration of local shops, restaurants, and cultural sites. The market typically runs from early May through late October – check the market’s website or social media for the current year’s opening date, closing date, and special event schedule.

Final Word

The Pasco Farmers Market delivers nearly four decades of tradition connecting Columbia Basin farmers with Tri-Cities families every Saturday morning from May through October, where covered pavilions shelter fresh seasonal produce, artisan goods, and community programs that make this DPDA-operated market a cornerstone of downtown Pasco’s social and agricultural life.

Exploring More Washington Farmers Markets

The Washington State Farmers Market Directory features detailed guides to farmers markets across Washington, from the San Juan Islands to the Columbia River Gorge. Whether you’re seeking farm-fresh produce in your neighborhood, planning weekend market tours through different regions, or looking for markets that accept SNAP/WIC benefits, the directory helps you discover Washington’s diverse community of farmers, artisans, and local food producers.

Contact Info

Address: Peanuts Park, 426 W. Lewis Street, Pasco, WA 99301
Phone: (509) 606-2078
Email: DDavis@downtownpasco.com (Damien Davis, Market Coordinator – for vendor inquiries and entertainment bookings)
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 688, Pasco, WA 99301
Website: https://www.pasco-wa.gov/1253/Pasco-Farmers-Market
Instagram: @pascofarmersmarket
Operated by: Downtown Pasco Development Authority (DPDA), a non-profit organization