University District Farmers Market

University District Farmers Market sits within a larger network that connects local farmers and food producers with practical support, including commercial kitchen access through 21 Acres, a nonprofit agricultural and environmental learning center where farmers can value-add their products. In Seattle’s U District, that mission shows up in a market focused on local farms and food only, with no crafts, under the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance, which operates seven Seattle markets. The setting is specific, too: the market runs on University Way between 50th and 52nd Streets, right on “The Ave,” placing weekly shopping in one of Seattle’s most recognizable neighborhood corridors.

Why it matters locally

University District Farmers Market is part of a seven-market Seattle system that reserves selling space for local farmers and food vendors only, with no crafts mixed in. Across those markets, the organization works with well over 100 local farms and roughly 70 artisan food vendors, giving producers a regular place to sell directly in the city. The alliance also partners with local food banks to increase access to fresh, healthy food, and the UD Food Bank is specifically named in connection with the Helping Harvest voucher program. That local role is reinforced by operating plans formed with Seattle/King County Public Health and approved by the City of Seattle and the Seattle Fire Department.

What you'll find there

This market’s mix is defined more by sourcing rules than by a posted vendor roster here: the emphasis is local farms and food producers, without craft sellers. Across the organization’s seven Seattle markets, the scale includes well over 100 local farms and about 70 artisan food vendors, so the U District stop is part of a broader farmer-and-food-maker lineup.

• -Shop from local farmers selling within a market system limited to local farms and food only.
• -Find artisan food vendors in a network that includes roughly 70 such sellers across seven markets.
• -Support farmers using value-added production resources such as 21 Acres’ commercial kitchen rental.

Signature events also shape the calendar. University District Farmers Market is listed for an annual signature market event on July 11, 2026, and for Applelooza on October 7, 2026; the broader market network also runs Cherry Tastings, Zucchini Races, and Harvest + Holiday Markets.

Know before you go

No dogs is the clearest policy to plan around here. The market is on University Way NE at NE 50th and stretches between 50th and 52nd Streets on The Ave, with the U District light rail station two blocks away. If you drive, U Heights parking lots are available for a suggested $3 donation paid at the Market Manager booth, and there are two handicap spots each in the North and South lots at U-Heights. Bike racks are available at U Heights, and riders are directed not to bring bikes through the market. The markets are ADA accessible, with accessible parking noted at U-Heights.

Payments & SNAP

University District Farmers Market accepts EBT/SNAP, and SNAP users automatically receive an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match through the SNAP Market Match Program. Fresh Bucks is also accepted here, and WIC plus Senior FMNP are accepted by participating farmers. Card users are directed to the Market Manager Booth to handle transactions and questions.