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Market Season

Central Oregon's farmers markets offer flavor, community, & unique experiences.

BY Donna Britt

A Fresh Season Begins

Farmers markets across Central Oregon are now in full bloom, welcoming locals and visitors to experience the region’s vibrant food culture, community spirit, and handcrafted goods. From the high desert towns of Redmond and Madras to the mountain charm of Sisters and Sunriver and the urban energy of Bend, each market offers its own distinct flavor, making every stop a destination worth exploring.


More Than Just Fresh Produce

These markets are about more than food—they’re weekly celebrations of community, sustainability, and connection. Unlike grocery store produce that may have traveled hundreds of miles, items at local markets are often harvested just hours before the market opens. That freshness means more flavor and nutrients in every bite. Willa Bauman, manager of the Sisters Farmers Market, emphasizes the economic impact, “Farmers markets have been shown to provide a lot of support to the local economy. One of my favorite stats from Farmers Market Coalition is that for every dollar spent at a farmers market, two dollars are generated for the local economy.”

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Bend: City Vibe, Local Roots

The Bend Farmers Market transforms downtown Brooks Alley into an open-air grocery and gathering space every week. Managed by Ann Pistacchi-Peck, the market emphasizes access and education. “In a world where many people don’t know where their food comes from, farmers markets provide a way for people to reconnect to their food system and rethink how they shop and eat,” she explains. As a nonprofit, the downtown market offers robust food access programs. SNAP shoppers can turn $26 into $92 worth of market goods—a huge boost for families looking to eat well on a budget.

 

Redmond: A Family-Friendly Friday Night

The Redmond Farmers Market, operated by three sisters from Harvest House Events, is a true family affair. Known for its warm atmosphere and community-centered programming, the market is adding a weekly children’s story time this season. “Our goal is to make sure children are included in the market experience and that it’s a space where the community can gather every Friday evening with the whole family,” says co-organizer Emma Meyers.

 

Terrebonne: Crooked River Ranch Artisan & Farmers Market

More than just a destination for the world-famous Smith Rock, Terrebonne also hosts the Artisan & Farmers Market at Crooked River Ranch from April to December. The market showcases a variety of locally made products crafted by the talented residents of the Crooked River Ranch community, including homemade canned goods, seasonal homegrown produce, fresh eggs, handmade jewelry, garden art and plants, home decor, apparel, and more!

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Sundays at Worthy: A New Market for East Bend

New to the scene is the Worthy Farmers Market at the Worthy Brewing Biergarten on Bend’s East Side. With over 30 food and craft vendors, live music, a coffee bar by Bohemian Roastery and on-site beer and cocktails, it’s designed to be a festive, flavorful way to wrap up your weekend. Market Manager Jeff Akers, who also owns Bohemian Roastery, believes in the more profound impact: “People who know and care about their neighbors through community events like farmers markets tend to be much kinder. We really support local!”

 

Sisters, Sunriver, and Madras: Unique Local Flavors

Each town brings its own flair.

Sisters Farmers Market offers small-town charm and mountain views, often accompanied by live music and artisan goods.

Sunriver’s market pairs fresh food with a resort-town vibe, perfect for bike rides and summer picnics.

Madras showcases a proud agricultural heritage and a diverse mix of local farmers and producers.

 

A Season of Flavor and Community

Central Oregon’s farmers markets are more than a place to shop—they’re a way to eat well, live well, and support local. Whether filling your basket with heirloom tomatoes, chatting with a local rancher, or enjoying a pastry with live music in the background, every market offers a unique and memorable experience. So, pack your tote bags, grab your family or friends, and hit the markets. With something happening almost every day of the week, this abundant summer market season is one of connection, abundance, and joy—one market at a time. 

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MARKET DAYS ACROSS CENTRAL OREGON

Plan your week around these vibrant local markets.

Bend Farmers Market; Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (May – October); bendfarmersmarket.com

Redmond Farmers Market; Fridays, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. (May – August); redmondoregonfarmersmarket.org

The Farmers & Artisans Market at Crooked River Ranch; first and third Saturday every month (April – December); facebook.com/FAMarketatCRR

Northwest Crossing Farmers Market in Bend; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (June – September); nwxfarmersmarket.com

Sunriver Saturday Market; Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (May – September, once a month); @sunriversaturdaymarket

Madras Saturday Market; Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (June – September); madrassaturdaymarket.com

Sisters Farmers Market; Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (June – October); sistersfarmersmarket.com

Worthy’s Farmers Market (East Bend); Sundays, 10 a.m. (April – September); @worthybrewing

Bend Moonlight Market; 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. (dates vary); bendmoonlightmarket.com

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