Celebrating 30 Years of
Neighborhood Farmers Markets
30 Years Ago…
2023 marks the Neighborhood Farmers Markets’ 30th anniversary. Just as we did in 1993, we see a field of opportunity for local food to enrich our lives, relationships, and the planet. Moving forward, we are focused on providing support and resources for beginning and BIPOC producers in our markets. We opened a new weekday market at our Capitol Hill site, are creating an equipment library for new vendors, and are integrating action rooted in a more equitable food future for everyone.
1993 - 2023
1993
Founder Chris Curtis opens the University District Farmers Market in the University Heights south playfield
1994
University District Farmers Market organizes as a 501c3 non-profit called the University District Neighborhood Fund
1994
University District farmers begin accepting Food Stamps, helping to make the markets more accessible for everyone in the community
1996
Chris becomes an advocate for increasing the types of agriculture products allowable for sale at farmers markets in King County, seeking allowances for eggs, dairy, meat and fish
1998
Columbia City Farmers Market Founder Karen Kinney opens the market in the parking lot at Columbia City Plaza
1999
West Seattle Farmers Market opens in the parking lot behind Key Bank
2001
Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) is established. The University District Neighborhood Fund becomes NFMA
2001
NFMA Markets surpass $1 Million in sales
2002
Lake City Farmers Market opens in the city parking lot next to the fire station
2003
Beginning in 2002, and becoming legal in 2003, NFMA advocates at the state level for beer and wine to be allowed to be sold at the farmers markets
2003
Magnolia Farmers Market opens in the Magnolia Community Center parking lot
2005
Broadway Farmers Market (now known as Capitol Hill Farmers Market) opens in the Bank of America parking lot off of Thomas and Broadway
2005
Lake City Farmers Market moves to the street
2007
Phinney Farmers Market opens in the PNA lower parking lot
2007-2012
Magnolia, Phinney, Columbia City, Broadway, University District, and West Seattle Farmers Markets move
2008
The Good Farmer Fund is established
2014
Fresh Bucks program launches in the Neighborhood Farmers Markets
2018
Chris Curtis retires as NFMA's Founding Director. Jennifer Antos steps in as Executive Director
2020
Growing for Good is established
2022
Columbia City expands to include Second Saturdays, November - April
2023
Capitol Hill Farmers Market expands to include weeknights
2023
Neighborhood Farmers Markets celebrates 30 years!
Farmers Markets on Film
Celebrate with Us!
Farmers Market Bingo
Summer is the best season for visiting farmers markets, so to kick off our 30th summer of making farmers markets happen, we’re encouraging you to burst your neighborhood bubble and visit ALL of our markets! Grab a bingo card at our year-round markets (University District, West Seattle, and Capitol Hill) or we will have a limited number of cards available at our seasonal markets. All you have to do is bring your bingo card to the Manager’s Tent at any of our markets to get a stamp. Collect 5 stamps to enter our raffle to win a $20 farmers market gift certificate (10 prizes available) or blackout your card by visiting all of our markets before September 17 and enter to win a market prize basket (estimated value $200, 3 prizes available)!
University District Anniversary Celebration
Kick off National Farmers Market Week, and celebrate 30 years of the University District Farmers Market with us on August 5, 2023! The celebration will include cookies, stickers, market trivia, activities, and special-edition 30th Anniversary merchandise available for purchase.
National Farmers Market Week
National Farmers Market Week 2023 runs from August 6-12, and to celebrate Farmers Market Week and our 30th Anniversary, we are debuting special-edition merchandise that we created in collaboration with local artist, Stevie Shao, with proceeds from each purchase going toward the next generation of farmers markets.
An Incredible Feast
Join us on September 17 for a night to remember! An Incredible Feast features some of Seattle’s most talented and innovative chefs, paired with market farmers to create an incredible feast of unique and delicious bites, showcasing fresh farm ingredients. (21+ event)