During the summer, Alaska boasts some pretty amazing produce, thanks to our long summer days. To sample that produce, all you have to do is find a farmer’s market! Check out these Anchorage markets to shop local before you head off on your adventures. Find produce, honey, seafood, breads and pastries, homemade soda and locally roasted coffee, and more! Most markets start in late May or early June, and continue through late September.
South Anchorage Farmers Market
If you’re heading down the Kenai Peninsula for your first adventure, this one is on your way! Stop by on Wednesday or Saturday mornings to find fresh produce including tomatoes, greens, and herbs, along with Alaska seafood, eggs, baked goods, and even ice cream!
Saturdays, 9am – 2pm, O’Malley Sports Center, (mid-May thru early October)
Wednesdays, 10am – 4pm, Dimond Center (July thru September)
Center Market
The Center Market is actually the closest one to our office, and is the only market open year-round. It’s held inside the Midtown Mall, and its proximity to REI (one of the mall’s anchor stores) makes this a one-stop shop with everything you need for a camping trip! Find produce, local meats, honey, mushrooms, pastries and pickled veggies. With its central location, it should be easy to get to no matter which direction you’re heading.
Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 10am – 6pm, Midtown Mall
Spenard Farmers Market
This one has a local craft fair vibe, as the market includes local Alaska-made handicrafts as well as produce, herbs and dry goods. You can usually find a food truck or two and a coffee stand as well. It’s located under the iconic windmill in Anchorage’s Spenard neighborhood, next to Alaska’s most famous dive bar, Chilkoot Charlie’s.
Saturday, 9am – 2pm, Spenard & 26th (mid-May thru September)
Northway Mall
On the north side of town, just off the Glenn Highway as you head out of town, this one’s convenient if you’re headed toward Denali or Fairbanks. Featuring more Alaska produce, honey, eggs, and pastries.
Wednesdays, 9am – 4pm, Northway Mall parking lot
Downtown Anchorage Market
Held in the parking lot of the Central Lutheran Church, this is the only nonprofit market with a board made up of farmers themselves. This market is more focused on the produce, with broccoli, greens, zucchini, herbs, plus potatoes, turnips and cut flowers.
Saturdays, 9am – 2pm, 15th & Cordova (May thru mid-October)
Anchorage Market and Festival
This one is oriented toward out-of-state visitors, as many of the booths offer souvenirs and crafts. You’ll also find a few food trucks as well as fresh seasonal produce. This market has the distinction of being the largest open air market in the state.
Saturdays & Sundays, 10am – 5pm, 3rd Ave & E Street (May thru September)
There are also neighborhood markets in other corners of the city, as well as in other towns around the state, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities throughout your trip to sample local Alaska produce, meats, seafood and honey. As it turns out, farmers markets also a great place to find your souvenirs as well. Shop locally, and you support the farmers, the artists, the markets, the town—not to mention the fabulous produce you get to go with it.
Check out some of the other farmers markets around the state, and don’t forget your reusable shopping bags!
We’ve also got a few recipe ideas for your fresh Alaska veggies!
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