Downtown Yakima Farmers Market

Downtown Yakima Farmers Market is administered by the Downtown Association of Yakima, placing it directly inside the civic and business fabric of downtown rather than on the edge of it. The market creates a direct-sales outlet for Washington farmers, specialty food producers, artisan and craft makers, food preparers, and entertainers, all in one Sunday market setting. Its stated purpose is practical and local at the same time: give producers a place to sell directly and give shoppers a chance to buy food and handcrafted goods straight from the people who make them. That combination gives the market a clear downtown role from spring through fall.

Why it matters locally

The market is intended to provide an outlet for Washington State farmers and makers, which ties shopping here to the state’s own growers, food producers, and craftspeople rather than to a resale model. It is also structured to connect consumers directly with producers, a specific local function the market names as part of its mission.

Downtown Yakima Farmers Market is administered by DAY, the Downtown Association of Yakima, linking the market to a downtown organization with an ongoing role in the district. The market also follows the Roots Guideline for Market Sales through the Washington State Farmers Market Association, showing that vendor participation is framed around established farmers market rules in Washington. Its volunteer program emphasizes helping local farmers and small businesses thrive while supporting family access to fresh, healthy food in Yakima each week.

What you'll find there

The market describes a mix that goes beyond produce alone, with room for farm goods, prepared foods, handmade items, and live performers in the same downtown setting. Early-season market material adds a useful snapshot of what shoppers can expect to see on the tables at the start of the season.

• -Find first-of-the-season produce at the opening market.
• -Pick up fresh flowers during the first market of the season.
• -Browse tasty treats offered at the season opener.
• -Look for handmade art and gifts at the first market day.

Live music is part of the market calendar, with Lucas Tayne scheduled on June 14, Jo-Anne Carlson on June 21, and Ron Fowler on June 28 during market hours.

Know before you go

No dogs is the clearest visit-planning rule here, so shoppers coming with pets will need to adjust before heading downtown. The market runs at Yakima Avenue and South 3rd Street, with the market area described between First Street and Front Street. Sundays are the market day, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., which makes this a morning stop rather than an afternoon one.

If you are coordinating meetups or need a direct contact, Heidi Washam is listed as market manager, and the market provides both a phone number and an email for management. Restrooms are not available on-site, another practical detail worth knowing before arrival. The market’s own materials also show an organized operating structure, with committee roles including a Kids Day coordinator, which helps explain why some Sundays may have added programming beyond shopping.

Payments & SNAP

SNAP/EBT is accepted at Downtown Yakima Farmers Market, and the market frames food access as a central part of its work rather than a side program. Its food access materials point shoppers toward WIC FMNP and Senior FMNP help through partners including DSHS, Neighborhood Health, SE Washington Aging & Long Term Care, Yakama Nation, and People for People.