The Penticton Farmers Market and Community Market is a must-visit in Penticton! It is the perfect way to spend a relaxing Saturday morning. There are farm vendors with fresh produce, local makers with handmade crafts and food products as well as a large variety of food trucks. For entertainment there is always live music and registered buskers are allowed to perform. The street is blocked off from car traffic for the market so it is easy to roam and explore all the stands.
What you need to know
The market is actually split into two distinct markets with different organizers: The Farmers Market and the Community Market. They both operate on Saturday mornings in the same neighbourhood but with slightly different arrangements.
The Farmers Market
The Farmers Market operates from April to October from 8:30am to 1pm on Saturday mornings. It is setup along the 100 block of main street (from Lakeshore to Westminster/Front street). There are 45-50 local farm vendors as well as another 55-60 casual vendors who attend when there is space. The Penticton Farmers Market has been operating since 1991! It began in Gyro Park and has turned into a wonderful celebration of “farm to city” food microsystems in BC.
The Community Market
The Community Market operates from May – September just a few blocks up from the Penticton Farmers Market. The Community Market has business and vendor tents for shopping and browsing along Front Street and along the 200 Block / 300 Block of Main Street (from Westminster ave to Wade ave). There is also a collection of food trucks with tables setup along Backstreet Boulevard.
Getting to the markets
You can walk, bike, drive or take transit to get there! Walking is of course an excellent choice if you are close enough to do so. Biking is a great option too and there is even free valet bike parking. The bike valet is run by Penticton Area Cycling Association and operates just like a coat check. Bring your bike and have peace of mind that nothing will happen to it while you shop the markets.
If driving to the market don’t forget that Main street from Lakeshore to Wade is closed to cars. Your best bet for parking is to find a side street that intersects with Main or park along a parallel street like Martin or Ellis. Or park further south on Main street and walk down to where the market begins. Parking in the area costs $2/hour to be paid by meter or the Passport Parking Canada app.
Tips for enjoying the Penticton Farmers Market
- The Farmers and Community Markets are open rain or shine! So if it’s hot and sunny wear your sunscreen and a hat. If it’s raining, wear your raincoat or be prepared to get wet!
- Dogs are welcome! Just make sure they are on a leash. But if it is a very hot day perhaps consider leaving them at home as the sun can be unforgiving.
- If you want fresh produce go early! Many of the fresh food vendors sell out fast.
- The market is just one block away from the beach! Plan to grab a bite to eat and then head to the lake to cool down or relax in the sand.
- There are public washroom facilities available
- The market is quite crowded in peak tourist months. If you aren’t a fan of big crowds perhaps it is not for you!
