Saturday, August 29, 2026
Bounty is Upon Us! I have heard market managers say it- after our late spring, wet July, and chilly summer, local produce took some time to appear and now it is here! I couldn’t wrap my Meet Me At The Market summer blog without going to bask in the bounty myself. And I wanted to help my friend- farmer and local food activist Theresa Brown- invite produce donations for her Free Farm Stands for neighbors in need.
So I set myself the goal of visiting all 7 Saturday markets in Anchorage. 5 hours and 97 pictures later, here are the highlights.
First stop- Anchorage Midtown Farmers Market. This one is a classic. Bountiful produce, lovely live music, lots of happy shoppers, and a big parking lot remarkably full (that’s a good thing). From sunflowers to sauerkraut, this market beams! Farmer Theresa Brown and I are photographed with her Free Farm Stand flyer as she works to ensure the last of the season’s harvest reaches those most in need. The market, in its 7th season, runs Saturdays from 9a-2p through October 3rd.
Second stop- Anchorage Farmers Market (at 15th and Cordova). This market was a Saturday highlight for market shopper James (my husband who came along for the loop). He liked its simple- farmers selling farm produce- vibe. Plus who can resist a child in a ballet costume shopping alongside a neighbor whose produce bag is looped over her wheelchair handles- thank you farmers markets for bringing us all together. The market, celebrating its 25th anniversary this summer, runs Saturdays from 9a-2p through October 10th.
Third stop- Spenard Farmers Market. Think music with lawn chairs, kids activities, a spray paint artist, a food truck, and more! This market has a new volunteer market manager this summer Nancy Tone who is also a fearless farmer. We’ve talked a lot about this notoriously hard farming season weather-wise and yet still, she is bringing the joy. I encourage all Spenardians, known for your support of all things local, to make it to the market this season to cheer her on. Highlights this Saturday included sweet raspberries and literal gallons of honey. The market runs Saturdays from 9:30a-2:30p through September 26th.
Fourth stop- Peña Park Market. It’s lunchtime, so definitely time for the Pena Park Market! Have you ever been heading out of town on the Glenn Highway and passed what looked like a festival or fair, in a big park, with greens so bountiful you could see them from the car…but you’d already passed the entrance? The key is to slow down for the exit onto Starview Drive- and prepare for magic. The Hmong market (4-min Indie Alaska film on its history here) is full of some of the most bountiful farm stands at some of the lowest prices in town (see the proud shoppers holding out what they bought for $5). And the hot food options can’t be beat. The market runs Saturdays & Sundays 10a-6p through September 27th.
Fifth stop- Muldoon Community Market. Here’s another market I am really rooting for…and what’s not to love? It’s in a park with a playground, on a paved walking path, beside a creek and food forest, with a volunteer ‘lead coordinator of the live music scene,’ and amazing farmers! Retired US Army Veteran Jude Metoyer has taken over as volunteer market manager of this market his mother helped found in 2015. They’ve re-launched with the word community in their name and are giving many first-time vendors a chance at living their dream. If that’s not enough to convince you to go next Saturday, just check out at these carrots, kohlrabi, and tomatoes! Reminder that this market runs Saturdays 9:30a-3p through September 26th.
Sixth stop- South Anchorage Farmers Market. Founded in 2006 by farmer Arthur Keyes, “SAFM exists to support farmers, foster community, and inspire a deeper appreciation for local food.” This is a tried and true sort of market- you know that stopping here on your way to your weekend grocery shopping will provide all the veggies you could need for the week. My pictures this time are of the last 10-minutes of market (I was running out of time)- so don’t let that lovely lone eggplant or last of the sweet onion bundles keep you from imagining the bounty that had already been sold. The market runs Saturdays 9a-2p through September 26th.
Last stop- Anchorage Weekend Downtown Market. First up, let’s thank farmer Babbling Brook Farm for driving from Wasilla to set up this beautiful farm stand here every weekend this summer. I left munching on his sweet peas and apples and proudly holding a giant $5 zucchini. After Bill Webb passed in January, Kristin George and Brad Erikson were hired to launch a new version of the long-standing downtown market and festival. Recruiting farmers is hard, because this market is a long day and full weekend. It is also big and full of potential with a beer garden, stage, and bike trail access. With 2 more weekends to go, let’s let our farmer know that locals, not only tourists, are downtown. The market runs Saturdays & Sundays 10a-5p through September 13th.
Now, if you are thinking…that’s a LOT of markets (awesome options for Anchorage customers and a big effort for our local farmers and market managers), don’t forget we also have markets in Anchorage on Tuesdays (1), Wednesdays (3), and Thursdays (1)- see my other blog posts for pictures of each. If we expand to the full Anchorage municipality, we can add market days on Tuesdays in Eagle River and Sundays in Girdwood. Thanks farmers and market managers!
For the full list of statewide farmers markets this season, here’s our farmers markets directory with notes on which markets double SNAP dollars and accept WIC and Seniors benefits.
To offer Free Farm Stand support– to share your harvest (garden or farm), volunteer your time, or make a donation, contact Theresa at 907-947-8217 or email anchorgardensanc@gmail.com.
Thanks to everyone for supporting locally grown!