The Tacoma Farmers Market was the brainchild of two visionary women: Marcia Moe and Norma Honeysett. In 1990, during a walk downtown, they were brought to tears by what they saw. The streets were deserted, the buildings dilapidated, and it looked like a ghost town. Choosing action over despair, they vowed then and there to do what they could to bring back the city they loved. They started with three primary goals in mind:

1. Dispel, once and for all, the prevailing notion that downtown Tacoma is a dangerous, forbidding place.

2. Create a sense of community through the sharing of food. Wholesome, fresh, locally grown food.

3. Create a lively street scene on Antique Row and in the Theater District. That activity would increase awareness of what downtown had to offer and act as a catalyst for further development.

What came from this shared vision and ambitious set of goals was the first Tacoma Farmers Market in May of 1990. There were fewer than 30 vendors that first year, and the founders were so concerned about attendance, they convinced 100 of their friends to pledge to attend opening day and spend at least ten dollars each. They needed to show the farmers that it was worth their time to set up at The Market. They needn’t have worried. There were large, enthusiastic, crowds at The Market from that first day in 1990.

Today, The Market features more than 80 booths, displaying the wares of the best farmers, artisans, and preparers of ethnic delights the Northwest has to offer. There are now enough applicants every year that The Market is able to choose only the freshest, the most creative, the most reliable vendors to serve the needs and tastes of the 4,000 – 6,000 people who come to The Market every Thursday in season.

EBT, WIC and Senior FMNP

Se Aceptan Cupones EBT, WIC y de Ancianos en los Mercados de Agricultures!

Our Markets offer citizens of all income levels access to healthy, local foods. We accept EBT (food stamps/Quest cards), Senior and WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers at all of our markets. Qualifying vendors may accept these vouchers directly. EBT/Quest cards may be processed at our Market Information Booth where the cardholder will be exchanged for Market spending tokens in their desired amount.

Today, downtown Tacoma continues to grow and thrive. Tacoma Farmers Market is an integral part of that increased activity and excitement. In fact, the market is often credited for downtown’s revitalization and we’re proud of that! As more people are drawn to downtown Tacoma, The Market will continue to grow, providing more people with the finest local products around: The freshest fruits and vegetables; crafts from the most creative local artisans; music and delicious hot foods. We’ll also be the first to introduce you to local up and coming performing artists with our weekly entertainment. It’s not just shopping; it’s a social, outdoor Tacoma experience. We aim to liven all the senses by giving you something to taste, touch, hear, see and be seen by – every day we roll out The Market.

You can be a part of that shining future by shopping at The Market and supporting our local vendors. You can also pitch in to make it all happen. The Market is run by a volunteer Board of Directors, a small paid staff, and a loyal, hard-working group of volunteers. You can help make that an even larger group of volunteers by adding your name to the list. Help us spread the word by telling your friends, by visiting this site often to see what’s new at The Market and what’s about to bloom. We’re working to make downtown Tacoma better and more fun every day. Come join us. Help us create The Market of the future. Help us create the Tacoma of the future.