Every year, downtown Salida comes alive with the sights, sounds and smells of the Salida Farmers Market, a beloved community tradition that continues to grow in both size and spirit. Now entering its 20th season, the market connects locals and visitors to the region’s ranchers, artists and more. The 2026 season kicks off on June 6th and runs through October 24. The market takes place every Saturday from 8 AM to 12 PM at Alpine Park. Right next door to the local Arkansas River, Alpine provides a welcoming setting for a weekly gathering that celebrates local foods and craftsmanship.
The market is organized by The Foodshed Alliance with leadership from market manager, Sofia Adinolfi. Together, they oversee an operation that brings together approximately 90 vendors. All of these vendors are local to Colorado. The vendors are carefully selected by The Board of Directors. Market manager Sofia Adinolfi says “Each vendor is reviewed case by case based on overall quality, uniqueness and alignment with the Foodshed Alliance vision and mission.”
This year people can expect a mix of returning favorites and some new additions. The 2026 market introduces some new vendors, including more food trucks, food options, new musicians and “a fresh vibe,” Adinolfi says. This season at the market, there will be live music every Saturday. The Salida Farmers Market has been known for a launch pad for local small businesses. Since its founding in 2007, it has provided a platform for vendors to sell their goods. “The farmers market is an inclusive, welcoming, positive environment for any new business owner to launch their business and create relationships with the community,” Adinolfi states. There will be some returning vendors this year like Coffee by Topo, as well as local farmers, including Headwater Farms (Buena Vista, CO), Rocky Mountain Garlic (Salida, CO), The Triangle Oasis (Salida, CO) and Sweet Pea Farms (Salida, CO). The local ranches include Badger Creek Ranch (Coaldale, CO), Arrowpoint Cattle Co (Nathrop, CO), and Buck and Bloom Cheese Co (Buena Vista, CO).
Beyond the market’s weekly offerings, it is also known for their various traditions. Most notably Shedfest, which takes place on the last day of the market each season. Scheduled for October 24th this year, Shedfest is a collaborative event that brings everybody together to celebrate the end of the farming season. This year, attendees of the final market can look forward to a pie baking contest, chili cookoff, auction and some freshly pressed apple cider from local apples. Shedfest helps raise money for the Foodshed Alliance. As the end of the summer season winds down the farmers market impact does not.
This coming winter will be the second new and improved Chaffee County Winter Farmers Market at the Fairgrounds! This winter market was formerly hosted at the Scout hut but moved to the fairgrounds “for a bigger, improved space to host many more vendors.” The first winter market at the fairgrounds had over 40 vendors there, each working to offer fresh produce, meat, bread, eggs, baked goods and great holiday gifts and much more! The winter market will continue in the 26-27 season Saturdays from November through December 10 AM – 1 PM at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds!
