Most farmers’ markets are great for picking up fresh produce and a few snacks, but this one offers a little more than you might expect.
Tucked along the waterfront in Washington’s capital city, this market is packed with handmade treasures created by talented local artists and craftspeople.
As you wander through the vendor stalls, you’ll discover handcrafted jewelry, beautiful pottery, and other one-of-a-kind finds that you won’t spot in big chain stores.
Whether you’re hunting for a unique gift, decorating your home, or simply love supporting local makers, this market delivers plenty of surprises around every corner.
Here’s what makes this Washington market such a standout destination and why it deserves a spot on your next day trip.
Where Is It?
The Olympia Farmers Market is located at 700 Capitol Way N in Olympia.
Set close to downtown Olympia, it’s an ideal stop while exploring the state capital, the waterfront, or nearby attractions like Percival Landing Park and Capitol Lake.
If you’re planning a day trip, it’s about a 35-minute drive from Tacoma, 1 hour from Seattle, 65 minutes from Bellevue, and about 2 hours from Portland, Oregon.
About
The Olympia Farmers Market is one of the largest markets in the state, bringing together local farmers, artists, and food vendors in a waterfront setting overlooking Budd Inlet.
While fresh produce is a big part of the market, the handmade goods are what make many shoppers linger a little longer.
As you walk through the covered market building, you’ll find booths packed with items created by local makers rather than mass-produced products.
You can browse handcrafted jewelry ranging from sterling silver earrings and gemstone necklaces to hand-hammered rings and custom metalwork.
Many of these pieces are one-of-a-kind, which means the item you fall in love with may be the only one exactly like it, so you may not want to leave without it.
If pottery and ceramics are more your style, you can shop for handmade mugs, bowls, serving dishes, vases, and decorative pieces showcasing unique glazes and designs.
The variety doesn’t stop there, and woodworking is another category worth exploring.
You’ll see hand-carved cutting boards, wooden utensils, furniture pieces, decorative signs, and detailed carvings made from Pacific Northwest hardwoods.
For home décor shopping, you can choose from handmade candles, woven textiles, fiber goods, quilts, bath products, blown glass creations, and seasonal decorations.
The market is also a great place to discover artwork from local painters, photographers, and illustrators, including prints, greeting cards, wall art, and other creative pieces.
Handmade clothing and accessories are another highlight.
Depending on the season and vendor lineup, you may find wool hats, scarves, handbags, leather goods, and other wearable creations crafted by local makers.
And of course, the market still delivers on its roots as a farmers’ market.
Dozens of vendors offer fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, seafood, baked goods, honey, jams, and specialty foods grown or produced throughout the region.
That selection reflects one of the things that makes the market special: its focus on local producers.
Many of the people selling the goods are the same people who made, grew, baked, painted, carved, or crafted them.
That gives you the chance to ask questions about how a piece was created, learn about the materials used, and hear the stories behind the products.
Between the handmade goods, fresh local foods, and scenic location along Budd Inlet, it’s easy to spend a few hours exploring everything the market has to offer.
Know Before You Go
Hours and Best Time to Visit
The Olympia Farmers Market is open year-round from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., though operating days vary by season.
- January to March: Open every Saturday
- April to October: Open Thursday through Sunday
- November to December: Open every Saturday and Sunday
Spring through fall is typically the busiest time to visit, with the largest number of vendors on-site and the widest selection of fresh produce and handmade goods.
For the best selection, plan to arrive earlier in the day.
Many artisan vendors create items in small batches, so popular pottery pieces, jewelry, and handcrafted home décor can sell out before the market closes.
Shopping Tips
Bring a reusable shopping bag or two.
Between the artwork, candles, soaps, ceramics, food products, and locally made gifts, it’s surprisingly easy to leave with more than you planned.
Comfortable walking shoes are also a smart choice.
The market itself is easy to explore on foot, and you’ll likely want to continue strolling through nearby downtown Olympia after your visit.
Parking
Plenty of on-site parking is available, though spaces can fill up more quickly during summer weekends and special events, so arriving early is recommended.
Things to Do Nearby
Beyond the market itself, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do throughout downtown Olympia and the surrounding area.
You can visit Percival Landing Park, just a 10-minute walk from the market, where you’ll find a 0.9-mile waterfront boardwalk, picnic areas, and beautiful views of Budd Inlet.
There’s also Heritage Park, which sits near Capitol Lake and across from the Washington State Capitol Campus, offering walking trails and open green spaces.
If you’re looking to see more of Olympia, the Washington State Capitol Campus is only a 5-minute drive from the market.
This impressive Legislative Building features a 287-foot dome, making it one of North America’s tallest self-supporting masonry domes.
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