To Market, To Market

At last! The golden days and crisp nights of fall are upon us, providing an irresistible invitation to get outdoors. We can think of no better way to spend one of these lovely days of autumn than browsing an outdoor market. Following is a round-up of four open-air markets being held in THE BLOCKS this fall.
When you go, please wear a mask at all times, come armed with a credit card for all transactions, maintain social distancing and, if you’re not feeling well, stay home. 

 

Downtown’s Local Food Source

October is the proverbial salad days for the Downtown Farmers Market, presented every Saturday at Pioneer Park from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. by Urban Food Connections of Utah. While, this season, market operations have been slightly scaled back due to COVID-19 (Craft vendors and musicians have been omitted and only service dogs are allowed, for example, but bringing your own, reusable bags is OK.), this weekly event, held through October 24, is still the place in downtown Salt Lake to find a huge variety of locally grown produce and other super-fresh farm products like eggs, cheese, meats and yogurt. This beloved weekly event, now in its 29th year, has been, like many shoestring operations, threatened by financial constraints presented by the pandemic. A fundraising effort is currently underway to save the market; please consider giving to continue supporting local growers and the availability of wholesome, sustainably produced food.

The Winter Market Goes On 

And, some good news: Despite earthquake damage to its traditional home at the Rio Grande Depot, the Winter Market, will be held this late fall and winter, as scheduled, at The Gateway. Plans are to return some craft vendors to this market, alongside the regular local food producers, held Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning November 14.

Keeping Art Alive 

To partake in a little of the food that feeds the soul, head down to The Gateway for the Utah Arts Alliance’s Art & Craft Market, held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gateway, in front of the Urban Arts Gallery and Hall Pass, through October 17. The market is made up of a rotating roster of 15 to 20 makers and is a perfect place to start checking off those on your holiday shopping list while helping out a local artist or two at the same time.

Sunday Funday at The Gateway

Maybe you’re looking for an Idaho State Fair sweatshirt or a Woolrich coat like the one your grandfather wore or an antique picture frame. If so, chances are you’ll find it (or something similar) at the Urban Flea Market, held for the last time this season on Sunday, October 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This outdoor market is held at The Gateway Plaza across from the Snowflake Fountain and features vendors offering the best eclectic and unique vintage and antique finds. Local crafters provide cool handcrafted and upcycled vintage items as well. Special guest DJ Bad Brad Wheeler keeps the vibe light and festive.

Written by Melissa Fields