Ballard Farmers Market — Local services in Seattle

Easily the best farmers market in Seattle, and probably up there with some of the best in the world. There is literally always fresh local produce, year round. The fresh fruit you get in the summer is simply unbeatable; it's almost not even the same food as what you'd find at the grocery store, even one that also carries local produce. You can also find a huge selection of dairy products, baked goods, eggs, preserved goods, and meats from local farms and butchers. I tend to do most of my grocery shopping here (but be warned that, if you do so, your grocery bill will skyrocket).

Aside from groceries, though, there's also an endless supply of freshly prepared food to be eaten right away. My favorites are the breakfast sandwiches from Nature's Last Stand (the line is worth it), Backyard Bagel (though their brick and mortar location is just a little ways away in Fremont), Sam's Crab Mac and Cheese, and T'Juana Tacos, but you pretty much can't go wrong. The lesser quality stalls don't last long in this competitive market!

You can also find crafts and other home goods, plus all the shops along Ballard Ave are great for wandering into as you walk.

Parking can seem rough at first, but there are usually a few spots along Shilshole or up in the neighborhoods northeast of Market & 24th. Or just arrive early and beat the crowd; it's usually much quieter right at 9:00 am!

The Ballard Farmers Market is truly one of my favorite places...

A friend recommended me this place, I never heard of this market. There is only street parking and it might take some time to find a parking spot. The market itself is amazing. They have some crafts, food stalls, produce stalls and other miscellaneous stalls. The produce was so fresh and high quality. I got some daikon radish, potatoes, blueberry juice, blueberry powder, fresh young ginger, Asian eggplant, cabbage. I was hoping to see more Asian vegetables but i think this farmers market doesn't have any. Highly recommend this market, you won't be disappointed.

UPDATE - This market is absolutely captivating. The sheer size and liveliness of it all is invigorating. You'll come across an abundance of fresh seasonal produce, an array of delightful food stalls, charming flower shops, artisanal craft stalls, and countless other food-related vendors. Just be sure to plan ahead for parking, as it can be a bit of a challenge. Personally, I love to peruse the market, picking up fresh seasonal produce and treating myself to a gorgeous bouquet of in-season flowers before settling down for a delicious meal. Even if you don't make any purchases, taking a stroll through the market is an enjoyable experience in itself. I cannot recommend this farmer's market...

This is a really great market, it's an uber market! Most Seattle Farmers Markets are managed by a homoginizing conglomerate, they're essentially run as grocery stores. It's great that we have them but they don't involve the neighborhoods like it used to be. For instance, only food, no arts and crafts.

Ballard's Not just farmers, but arts and crafts and lots of eclectic music... you'l see lotions and skin care, handmade dishes and flatware, carnivorous plants, and several stands selling ready to eat foods or made to order. This isn't tourist merchandise.

Also, the location makes it easy to check out one of Seattle's last collection of local shops, boutiques, wild and retro furniture consignment, restaurants and other cool treasures. Almost empty of corporate franchises. Parking can be tricky and plan your visit according to what you want buy... if you're there to browse its fun to just go with flow and sample stuff... don't be shy about taking samples! If you're there to get, among other things, raw goats milk or fresh duck eggs, go early because they sell out and there's currently no mobile app to buy in advance and pick up later.

If there's one market to catch, this is the one. U Dist Farmers...