Durango Farmers Market

Every Saturday morning from May through October, the heart of Durango transforms into something extraordinary — a place where farmers, ranchers, food producers, artisans, service providers, and neighbors gather to share what they’ve grown, crafted, and created together. For 29 years, the Durango Farmers Market has been a cornerstone of Southwest Colorado’s local economy and food system, connecting over 100 vendors directly to our community and keeping local agriculture, nutrient-dense food, and small business at the center of Durango life.

What began nearly three decades ago as a handful of growers with folding tables has flourished into one of Durango’s most cherished community traditions. The market is more than a place to shop — it’s where relationships are built, sustainability is celebrated, and community takes root.

Our Mission

The Durango Farmers Market supports agriculture and the local community of farmers and ranchers by providing a vibrant marketplace. Within this marketplace, we aim to strengthen sustainable food networks and local small businesses, enhance education, and boost the local economy.

We live this mission every week — creating access to fresh, nutrient-dense food and handmade goods for all members of our community while ensuring that family farms, food producers, artisans, and service vendors can thrive.

We Grow Community. 

That’s more than our slogan — it’s the heartbeat of who we are.

When you give to the Durango Farmers Market, you’re investing in:

Food Access & Community Programs – Supporting Farm-To-Neighbor and expanding food access programs to make healthy, local food affordable for every household.

Farm & Food Business Bootcamp – Open to all vendors — agricultural, ready-to-eat, artisan, or service-based — this mentorship and training program strengthens Durango’s small business ecosystem through hands-on learning in business planning, marketing, and food safety.

Producer & Small Business Support – Providing affordable access to the marketplace, professional exposure, and a supportive network for local producers and entrepreneurs.

Education & Engagement – From the Taste the Market: Guest Chef Program to the Kids’ Booth, we connect people of all ages to creativity, sustainability, and community. From cooking demos to hands-on crafts, these programs inspire learning and pride in local culture.

Market Infrastructure & Operations – Ensuring a safe, welcoming, and efficient market each week through tents, signage, insurance, logistics, and volunteer coordination.

Organizational Growth & Governance – As we continue our transition into a 501(c)(3), your support strengthens our foundation through leadership development and long-term sustainability efforts.

Why It Matters

Each week, 1,000–2,000 people experience what community looks like when it’s grown close to home. They meet the hands that grow their food, the entrepreneurs who feed our economy, and the neighbors who make Durango stronger.

Your support keeps that experience alive. It helps a new vendor launch their business, enables a producer to expand, and allows a child to create something meaningful at the Kids’ Booth. It fuels the programs that make nutrient-dense food accessible to everyone and sustains the infrastructure that holds it all together.

At a time when food systems and retail spaces are increasingly global and impersonal, the Durango Farmers Market stands for something deeply local: the belief that strong communities begin with strong relationships, healthy land, and shared purpose.

Our Vision for the Future

As we approach our 30th anniversary, we’re investing in long-term sustainability — strengthening the systems and partnerships that keep our marketplace thriving year after year. We’re expanding food access initiatives, deepening community education, and continuing to improve the infrastructure that supports vendors and visitors alike.

Our goal is to grow thoughtfully — creating opportunities for local producers and entrepreneurs while maintaining the intimate, community-centered experience that makes the Durango Farmers Market so special. By collaborating with schools, nonprofits, and local organizations, we ensure our impact reaches far beyond Saturday mornings.

With your help, we can ensure that every resident has access to locally grown, nutrient-dense food; that regional producers and small businesses have the resources they need to thrive; and that Durango continues to model what a resilient, community-driven local economy can be.

Your Gift Grows Community. When you give to the Durango Farmers Market, you’re planting a seed — helping cultivate a thriving, nourishing, and connected community that supports farmers, entrepreneurs, and families while strengthening the economic fabric of our region.

Together, we grow community — one farm, one business, and one Saturday at a time.