Downtown farmers market returns for the summer season this weekend

A quick reminder that the cornucopia, that is the Summer farmers market, returns to downtown Salt Lake this weekend. Saturday, June 6th, will see the market kick off its 35th year, running 8.00 a.m. through 2.00 p.m. The weekly gathering will then run every Saturday until October 24th.

For newbies, a little backstory. The market sprang to life way back in 1992 and has grown exponentially over the intervening years. The weekly lineup of farmers, makers, artisans, and more now attracts more than ten thousand visitors each Saturday. The event has served as a launchpad for a number of well-known food names: Rico Foods, Saffron Valley, and Laziz Kitchen, to name just three. Here’s a previous story on what to expect and how to prepare if it’s your first visit.

Speaking of upcoming names, you’ll want to review this year’s ‘food fairway’ lineup, which for 2026 will line up along 400 West. Names you expect to see (and grab a bite from) include:

• Makaya SLC
• Kin Kao Thai
• S.A.L.T Suburban Kitchen
• Girls Who Smash
• Bona Parte Food Farmers Grill
• Argentina’s Best Empanadas
• Yuchi Crispy Crepes
• Grumpy Dough
• Green Jar Beverage Company
• Old Cuss Coffee
• Uinta Coffee
• Base Camp Kitchen
• Pyne Farms Apple Cider Donuts
• La Cubana
• Thai Rex
• Dragon Noodlz
• Olive’s Oasis
• Los Cipotes Pupusas
• Poffertjes
• Fancy Burger
• The Happy Chick

There are a few updates to note for this year, first and foremost, a word from the organizers on certain farmers who might be struggling due to adverse weather conditions – and how you can help:

“A Note About Fruit This Season: Our Farmers Need You. Vegetables will be plentiful. However, Utah’s fruit growers were hit hard by a late freeze that devastated orchards across the state. Many of the Market’s cherished fruit farmers, who have shown up to Pioneer Park for decades and who grow the cherries, pears, plums, peaches, and apples that regulars look forward to all year, saw their crops wiped out. While the trees will recover some of your favorite fruits will be in short supply.

This season, they’re pivoting — offering fruit jams and preserves, fresh-pressed apple slush, and the apple cider donuts Market-goers love. They’re resilient and they need your support now more than ever.”

Also, this year, expect a few logistical changes. As you might have heard, Pioneer Park is currently undergoing a year-long, nearly $19 million update. The refresh will bring new pavilions, playgrounds, pickleball courts, a mist fountain plaza, and improved landscaping to the park. The current expected completion date is late 2026, and as a result, be prepared for a new layout.

Director for the market, Carly Gillespie, writes that “The Downtown Farmers Market will expand onto adjacent streets. The layout will be different this summer, but the experience, energy, and community vibes will be the same.”

Guidance from the market organizers explains, “With construction underway northbound traffic on 400 West will be closed during market hours. Patrons may need to plan alternate routes. Patrons are encouraged to consider using the free Market Bike Valet, or taking TRAX, a bus, with several routes stopping within easy walking distance of Pioneer Park. Plan your trip at rideuta.com.” See the map above (provided by market organizers) fot this years setup.

Utah Asian Festival

Another quick reminder for this weekend. Saturday is also the date for the 49th Utah Asian Festival. The event held at the Utah State Fairpark runs 11.00 a.m. – 10.00 p.m. The family-friendly festival is completely free to attend and will include:

• 100 local, Asian marketplace and food vendors featuring trendy, fusion, and traditional foods
• Extended festival hours featuring KPOP and Asian Hip-Pop performances
• Beer garden
• Silent auction supporting the Asian Association of Utah’s trafficking survivor support services
• Children’s activities featuring a Labubu and lucky envelopes filled with Pokémon cards
• Mobile children’s bookstore, Books on the Bus

Other useful links

• Free newsletter – signup and receive our weekly newsletter for free
• Food talk group – chew the fat with other like-minded Utah foodies over on Facebook.
• Best of SLC 2024 – what you can’t miss in the Beehive right now.

Stuart Melling

Hi, I’m Stuart, nice to meet you!  I’m the founder, writer and wrangler at Gastronomic SLC.  I’m a multiple-award winning journalist and have written in myopic detail about the Salt Lake City  dining scene for the better part of seventeen years.

I’ve worked extensively with multiple local publications from Visit Salt Lake to Salt Lake Magazine, not least helped to consult on national TV.   Pause those credits, yep, that’s me! I’m also a former restaurant critic of more than five years, working for the Salt Lake Tribune.    I’m largely fueled by a critical obsession with rice, alliteration and the use of big words I don’t understand.   What they’re saying about me: “Not inaccurate”, “I thought he was older”, “I don’t share his feelings”.

Want to know more? This is why I am the way I am.