Vancouver Farmers Market – Downtown Market

Fast Facts

Market Overview

The Vancouver Farmers Market operates as Southwest Washington’s premier visitor attraction and one of the state’s largest farmers markets, where 150-270+ vendors gather year-round at Esther Short Park in downtown Vancouver, offering fresh local produce, flowers, plants, baked goods, artisan crafts, and international food specialties with extended weekend hours during summer months (Saturdays 9 AM-3 PM, Sundays 10 AM-3 PM) and consistent Saturday winter markets (10 AM-2 PM) that make this a year-round community gathering place. Operating continuously at this location since 1990, the market has evolved from a seasonal operation into a year-round institution serving Vancouver’s growing population with direct access to regional farms, food producers, and artisan makers while claiming status as Washington’s second-largest farmers market.

Located at Esther Short Park where 6th and Esther Streets meet in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the market transforms this historic green space into a vibrant outdoor marketplace filled with hundreds of vendor booths offering everything from vine-ripened tomatoes and seasonal berries to handcrafted jewelry, artisan soaps, international cuisine, and specialty beverages. The market’s convenient downtown location with ample free parking nearby and proximity to restaurants, shops, and the adjacent children’s playground at Esther Short Park makes it an ideal weekend destination for families, tourists exploring the Columbia River Gorge region, and Portland-area residents crossing the Columbia River to shop locally in Washington.

The Vancouver Farmers Market serves as more than a shopping destination, functioning as an eclectic mixture of food, high-end crafts, farm-direct produce, and thriving nursery stock where live music from local entertainers provides festive atmosphere, international food booths keep the crowd well-fed with diverse culinary options, and the park setting allows families to combine market shopping with outdoor recreation at one of Vancouver’s most beloved community gathering spaces.

What You’ll Find

Fresh Produce & Farm-Direct Products

The market features extensive selections of locally-grown fruits and vegetables reflecting the Pacific Northwest’s agricultural diversity and seasonal availability. Expect farm-direct produce including vine-ripened tomatoes, seasonal berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), stone fruits, apples, pears, salad greens, root vegetables, squash, corn, and specialty crops from regional farms. The emphasis on unwashed, farm-fresh produce maintains maximum freshness and shelf life for market shoppers.

Flowers & Plants: Fresh-cut flower bouquets provide weekly beauty at exceptional prices, while thriving nursery stock including hanging baskets, bedding plants, perennials, and garden starts help gardeners establish productive plots and ornamental displays using varieties proven successful in the maritime Pacific Northwest climate.

International Food & Prepared Foods

The market has gained recognition for its diverse international food vendors offering prepared meals and specialty items:

Taiwanese Cuisine: Small Eats serves dan bing (Taiwanese egg crepes) and fan tuan (rice rolls)

Hawaiian Specialties: Husubis’ Poke Shop offers spicy ahi poke

Detroit Pizza: Pi Square, operated by Sally Huynh from Houston, serves Detroit-style pizza

Additional Food Vendors: Multiple booths provide ready-to-eat meals representing local and international culinary traditions, making the market a destination for breakfast, lunch, or take-home dinners.

Baked Goods & Artisan Foods

Local bakers provide fresh breads, pastries, pies, and specialty baked goods. Artisan food producers showcase jams, preserves, honey, sauces, condiments, and other specialty items made in small batches using regional ingredients.

Beverages

Coffee vendors provide morning beverages for market shoppers, while specialty beverage producers offer wines, ciders, kombuchas, and other craft drinks from Pacific Northwest makers.

Handcrafted Goods & Artisan Crafts

The market features an extensive selection of high-end crafts including:

• Hand-stitched fashion items and clothing
• Jewelry from local artisans
• Home décor and accessories
• Artisan soaps and body care products
• Pottery and ceramics
• Woodwork and furniture
• Seasonal decorations and gift items

Pet Products

Vendors offer treats and accessories for pets, recognizing that dogs are a common sight at this dog-friendly market where well-behaved pets accompany their owners through the outdoor vendor aisles.

Community Programs & Accessibility

SNAP Market Match Program: Doubles SNAP/EBT benefits for eligible food purchases, maximizing food access for low-income families throughout Clark County. SNAP Market Match currency can be used for fresh vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, and fresh herbs from eligible vendors. Currency expires December 31 each year, and the color changes annually to prevent confusion.

Food Access Programming: As a non-profit organization, the Vancouver Farmers Market believes in the power of healthy communities and provides comprehensive food access initiatives ensuring fresh local food remains accessible to all community members regardless of income level.

Small Business Development: The market supports 270+ small businesses and makers through vendor opportunities, technical assistance, and economic development programming that strengthens local food systems and artisan commerce.

Youth Education: Educational programming engages young people in learning about local agriculture, healthy eating, and community connections to food systems.

Live Entertainment: Local musicians and buskers perform throughout market hours, providing festive atmosphere and supporting the local arts community.

Community Gathering Space: The market’s location at Esther Short Park allows families to combine shopping with playground activities for children, creating an all-day weekend destination in downtown Vancouver.

Planning Your Visit

Arrival Tips: Arrive early during summer season hours (9:00 AM Saturdays) for the best selection of fresh produce and popular prepared foods. The market operates year-round with extended hours spring through fall and consistent winter Saturday markets, so check current seasonal hours before visiting.

What to Bring: Reusable shopping bags for produce and goods, cash for vendors who may not accept cards (though many do), appetite for international prepared foods, and layers for Pacific Northwest weather conditions. The outdoor market setting means rain or shine operation throughout the year.

Parking: Ample free parking is available nearby, a significant advantage compared to many urban farmers markets. Street parking and public lots provide convenient access to Esther Short Park. Additional pay parking options exist in downtown Vancouver.

Getting There: The market is located at Esther Short Park in downtown Vancouver, easily accessible from Interstate 5 (Exit 1C or 1D), State Route 14, and Interstate 205. Portland-area residents can cross the Columbia River via I-5 or I-205 to reach Vancouver.

Market Schedule:

• Summer Season (typically April – October): Saturdays 9 AM-3 PM, Sundays 10 AM-3 PM
• Winter Season (typically November – March): Saturdays 10 AM-2 PM
• Holiday Closures: The market closes for select holidays during winter season (typically December 27 and January 3)
• Check the market website or social media for current year schedule details and any weather-related changes

Special Considerations: The market is dog-friendly, and you’ll see many well-behaved pets accompanying shoppers through the outdoor aisles. The Esther Short Park setting means families can enjoy the adjacent playground and green space, making this a multi-hour weekend destination rather than just a quick shopping stop. The market’s reputation for beautiful flower bouquets at excellent prices makes it especially popular during spring and summer months.

Additional Vancouver Farmers Market Locations

The Vancouver Farmers Market organization operates multiple locations serving different Vancouver neighborhoods:

East Vancouver Market: Established in 2014, this seasonal market operates June through September at the Columbia Tech Center, providing convenient access to Vancouver’s eastern neighborhoods and supporting the growth of this thriving area.

Vancouver Holiday Market: A three-day event (November 27-29) at the Vancouver Convention Center supporting 120+ local artisans and makers with vital economic opportunities during the holiday shopping season.

Final Word

The Vancouver Farmers Market delivers more than three decades of year-round tradition at Esther Short Park in downtown Vancouver, where 150-270+ vendors create Southwest Washington’s largest farmers market offering everything from vine-ripened produce and spectacular flower bouquets to Taiwanese dan bing, Detroit pizza, handcrafted jewelry, and thriving nursery stock, supported by SNAP Market Match doubling programs, live music, and the park setting that makes this Washington’s second-largest market and a beloved community institution serving both local residents and Columbia River Gorge tourists.

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

Downtown Market Address: Esther Short Park, 6th & Esther Streets, Vancouver, WA 98660
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 61638, Vancouver, WA 98666-1638
Phone: (360) 737-8298
Email: info@vancouverfarmersmarket.com
Website: https://vancouverfarmersmarket.org
Facebook: Vancouver Farmers Market
Instagram: @vancouverfarmersmarket
Operated by: Vancouver Farmers Market (non-profit organization)