The Pacific Northwest is home to some of the most bustling, diverse, and bountiful farmers markets in the country.
If you’ve visited any Portland farmers markets, you know what we mean – the freshest array of seasonal produce, gorgeous flowers, live music, mouth-watering aromas, high-quality and unique vendors of all types, happy children, good doggies galore, smiling neighbors…the list goes on!
Good Wolf is a proud vendor at many markets in Portland, Oregon, and the surrounding communities. It’s true – we’re farmers market lovers, through and through.
An Ode to Portland Farmers Markets
There’s a special alchemy, a little bit of magic that happens when local growers, makers, and creatives come together to share their offerings with their neighbors.
The market buzzes with energy and a pride in place when community members spend their precious time and dollars to visit with and support local vendors.
A great farmers market is like a little slice of society at its best: a win-win proposition between community members!
Throw in some sunshine, a couple of trusty canvas tote bags, all those good doggies we mentioned and, well…it just can’t be beat.
4 Must-Visit Farmers Markets in the Portland Area
After many seasons of vending at local farmers markets, the Good Wolf team is ready to share the low-down with you about the must-visit markets in the area. We love these markets so much, we’re vendors at each of them!
Consider this your official Portland farmers market bucket list!
St. Johns Farmers Market
Since the summer of 2009, the St. Johns farmers market has been providing the North Portland community with access to fresh, local, sustainable food.
Located just blocks away from Cathedral Park, the St. Johns market is open each Saturday from early May through late November. A bonus holiday market runs one Saturday in mid-December each year, too!
One reason we love the St. Johns market is because we’re neighbors! Good Wolf headquarters is a 20-minute bike ride from the market – we can zip up our raincoats, hop on our bikes, and be there in no time!
There are over 70 vendors at the St John’s market, so as you stroll the booths you’ll find something for everyone.
A few of our favorite market neighbors include:
Gresham Farmers Market
Rocking since 1986, the Gresham market is held in the historic downtown Gresham Center for the Arts Plaza.
The market is open each Saturday May through October and is home to more than 130 vendors. This market also holds a special place in our hearts, as it’s where owner Nathan Keane first sold his kombucha.
The Kids Village Fountain in the center of the action makes the Gresham market a super fun place for families to spend some quality time on a Saturday.
When you visit Gresham Farmers Market, make sure you check out:
Vancouver Farmers Market
Even though it’s not technically in Portland, the Vancouver Farmers Market is immediately across the Columbia River in downtown Vancouver, WA.
Located at Esther Short Park, it’s one of Southwest Washington’s top visitor attractions. It’s well worth the trip across the bridge to check out this fantastic market with more than 250 vendors, and a diverse, energetic atmosphere.
Due to popular demand from shoppers and vendors alike, the Vancouver market is now held year-round.
March through October, it’s open both Saturdays and Sundays. In the cooler (and more drizzly!) months, November through February, it’s open on Saturdays only.
Some must-visit booths at Vancouver Farmers Market:
Lake Oswego Farmers Market
With a view of Oswego Lake, the Lake Oswego Farmers Market offers a picturesque setting for shopping small and local.
It’s open on Saturdays from early May through early October, located at Millenium Plaza Park.
On-stage live music and plenty of seating make this market a fantastic community gathering spot – so sit down, relax, and stay a while!
What’s better than a sunny Saturday by the lake, listening to local musicians and taste-testing the market’s freshest offerings?
One thing to keep in mind: the Lake Oswego Market has a no-pets policy, so furry friends aren’t invited here.
When you visit, we recommend checking out:
Find Your Good Wolf at a Portland Farmers Market
Literally…come find us to stock up on your Good Wolf Probiotic Refreshers!
We love meeting members of the Wolf Pack – both OGs and newbies – at the farmers markets! We’re fully stocked with free samples and tons of Refreshers…filled to the brim with epic flavors and probiotic goodness.
Stock up on your favorite flavor to get you through the week, or branch out and try something new!
Headed to a picnic or a party? Grab enough for the gang and they’ll all thank you! (Pro tip: if it’s a big gathering, rent a Probiotic Refresher keg to be delivered!)
And also…come find your inner Good Wolf at the market!
Good Wolf got its name from a story that was impactful to our owner, Nathan, when he was growing up.
Legend has it…
…there once was a wise grandfather walking through the woods with his grandson.
“Grandson,” he said as they strolled in the shade of the trees, “there’s a battle going on inside me.”
The boy's eyes got big.
“Who’s fighting?” he asked.
“Two wolves,” replied the grandfather.
“One wolf is bad. He is bitter and jealous and mean. He lies and hurts. He is greedy, arrogant, and resentful.
“The other wolf is good. He is humble and generous and compassionate. He is kind and brave, and stands up for what’s right. He spreads love and faith and peace.
“Those two wolves that are fighting inside me…they are inside you, too. They live inside each person and they battle for our hearts.”
The boy was quiet for a moment.
“Grandfather, which one will win?”
“The one you feed.”
Which one will you feed?
Farmers markets are incredible community gathering spaces, diverse and full of life…a place where neighbors can feed and be fed.
Whether you’re working at a market or visiting one, they offer a place to feed your inner good wolf – to practice humility, generosity, compassion, and bravery. .
Farmers markets have room for everyone.
So, really, we invite you – come find your Good Wolf!
Check out our farmers market locations!Author: Molly Brumfield