8 Oregon Farmers’ Markets Overflowing With September Produce
September in Oregon transforms our farmers’ markets into vibrant wonderlands overflowing with the bounty of fall.
Each visit feels like stepping into a living canvas where nature provides the colors—ruby-red apples stacked in gleaming piles, golden squash arranged like sunshine on tables, and deep emerald greens spilling from wooden crates.
The air carries the earthy scent of freshly harvested root vegetables mixed with the sweetness of late-summer peaches. I’ve spent countless weekends wandering these markets, tote bags growing heavier with each discovery. Best of all are the warm conversations with farmers whose dedication and care make every bite meaningful.
1. Astoria Sunday Market: Coastal Cornucopia
Last weekend, I wandered through four bustling blocks of Astoria’s downtown market and nearly missed my ferry home! The ocean breeze carries the scent of fresh berries and just-baked bread through this massive gathering of up to 200 vendors.
September brings an explosion of apples, pears, and late-summer tomatoes that practically glow with ripeness. Local fishermen offer the morning’s catch alongside farmers displaying mountains of rainbow chard and kale.
My favorite find? A tiny stand selling mushrooms foraged from coastal forests – a fungal treasure hunt I get to continue at home in my kitchen!
2. Seaside Farmers Market: Wednesday Wonders
Something magical happens when the afternoon sun hits the Seaside Farmers Market. Golden light bathes the stalls where farmers arrange their September harvests with artistic precision.
The Wednesday timing makes this market feel like a midweek reward. I’ve developed a ritual of grabbing organic cheeses from a third-generation dairy farmer who remembers my name every visit. Her cheese pairs perfectly with the crisp apples and juicy pears overflowing from nearby tables.
Musicians strum guitars near the entrance, creating a soundtrack for my shopping adventure as I fill my bags with purple potatoes and heirloom carrots in colors I never knew existed.
3. Cannon Beach Farmers Market: Tuesday Treasures
Fog often lingers around Haystack Rock on Tuesday mornings, but by market time, sunshine typically breaks through to illuminate Cannon Beach’s charming market. September marks the final weeks of this seasonal gem, creating a bittersweet atmosphere as vendors showcase their best late-summer offerings.
Fishermen with weathered hands sell salmon caught hours earlier, while farmers display plump blackberries that stain my fingers purple before I even leave the market. The live music from local musicians creates an impromptu dance party between the stalls.
Pro tip: arrive early to snag the coveted marionberry jam that sells out by 2 p.m. every week!
4. Tillamook Farmers Market: Dairy Delights
Famous for its cheese factory, Tillamook surprises visitors with a farmers market that celebrates much more than dairy. Walking through the downtown location feels like a crash course in Oregon’s agricultural diversity.
September brings a fascinating mix of coastal and valley produce – think sweet corn next to fresh crab. Children giggle around the activity area while parents sample honey harvested from hives nestled in nearby forests.
My Saturday tradition includes grabbing a coffee from the local roaster’s stand before hunting for the perfect winter squash. The farmers here love sharing cooking tips – I’ve collected enough squash recipes to fill a cookbook!
5. Portland Farmers Market at PSU: Urban Harvest Haven
Rain or shine, Portland’s flagship market transforms the South Park Blocks into a food lover’s paradise every Saturday. September might be my favorite month here – summer’s tomatoes and berries linger while fall’s apples and pears make their grand entrance.
College students mingle with chefs and families, creating a delightful cross-section of Portland’s food-obsessed population. I once spotted a famous chef filling tote bags with heirloom tomatoes just moments before finding the exact same variety at half the price two stalls down!
The market’s massive size means you’ll need strategy – I start at the north end and work my way south, coffee in hand.
6. Shemanski Park Farmers Market: Midweek Magic
Nestled in downtown Portland’s cultural district, this Wednesday market feels like a secret urban oasis. Office workers escape their desks for lunch breaks that turn into impromptu produce shopping sprees.
September brings a fascinating transition at this market. Summer’s final zucchinis sit beside autumn’s first winter squash, creating a perfect moment to witness Oregon’s seasonal shift. The prepared food vendors create mouthwatering dishes using the morning’s harvest.
My lunchtime strategy involves grabbing a farm-fresh salad to eat on a park bench while people-watching, then filling my tote with vegetables for dinner. The mid-week timing means smaller crowds and more conversations with farmers!
7. King Farmers Market: Alberta Arts District Abundance
Tucked into Portland’s eclectic Alberta Arts District, King Farmers Market perfectly captures the neighborhood’s creative spirit. Tattoo-adorned farmers arrange their produce into Instagram-worthy displays that look almost too beautiful to disturb.
September brings a spectacular array of peppers in every color imaginable. I’ve counted over twenty varieties at one stand alone! The market’s smaller size creates an intimate feeling where vendors remember your preferences week after week.
My Sunday tradition includes bringing my dog who has become somewhat of a market celebrity. We stroll through together, filling our basket with colorful carrots and stopping for the children to pet him while I chat with farmers about their growing practices.
8. Lents International Farmers Market: Southeast Portland’s Global Garden
Hands down the most diverse farmers market I’ve experienced in Oregon! The international influence creates a fascinating blend of familiar and exotic produce that reflects the neighborhood’s global community.
September brings a fascinating array of Asian greens and Hispanic chiles alongside traditional Oregon apples. Farmers from different cultural backgrounds share growing techniques and recipes that have been passed through generations.
The prices here tend to be more accessible than some of Portland’s trendier markets. I’ve discovered vegetables I’d never seen before, including a purple sweet potato variety that a Vietnamese farmer patiently taught me how to prepare with coconut milk and lemongrass.