Happy Friday!
This past week a visitor came in to our Northfield Visitor Centre and was upset to find she had missed our farmers market season. Not so fast! I informed her that many of our farmers markets actually go on through to the end of October. Since this visitor was unaware of our market season in the fall, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to write all about Nanaimo’s “fall” farmers markets.
Bowen Road Farmers Market
Food! Food! Food! The Bowen Road Farmers Market is all about bringing you the best produce, baked goods, and meats within a 50 mile radius of Nanaimo. Artisan meats from Ravenston Farm, freshly baked bread (and treats!) from Bodhi’s Bakery, and honey from Fredrich’s Honey are just a few of the top notch vendors at BRFM:
You can find the Bowen Road Farmers Market on the VIEx grounds in Beban Park. BRFM runs Wednesdays, 4:00pm – 6:30pm, mid to late October (weather depending).
Thursday Park Market
A new addition late in the summer season, the Thursday Park Market sets up shop Thursday nights in Maffeo Sutton Park. Take the scenic stroll along the Harbourfront Walkway to the Park Market where you will find this all-inclusive vendor and street performer market! Live musical acts will entertain you as you peruse artisan tents, local food vendors, and great food trucks!
The Thursday Park Market runs Thursdays, 5:00pm – 9:00pm, until rainy season.
Nanaimo Downtown Farmers’ Market
“Nanaimo’s Original Farmers Market“, one of the oldest mid-island markets, is in its 18th season! This veteran of Nanaimo farmers markets operates out of the historic Pioneer Plaza in the heart of downtown Nanaimo. In addition to a great variety of vendors, the NDFM hosts a great variety of musical acts including the intoxicating marimba band – Kumbana Marimba!
The Nanaimo Downtown Farmers Market runs Fridays, 10:00am – 2:00pm, until October 10th.
Nanaimo Friday Evening Market
Another new addition to the Nanaimo farmers market scene, the Nanaimo Friday Evening Market‘s heartbeat is vendors who “Make it, Bake it, Grow it, Raise it or Catch it” (via DNBIA). Centrally located in Diana Krall Plaza, this market is working in conjunction with stores in the downtown to help grow Nanaimo’s Friday night scene! To learn more about this market head to the DNBIA’s website here.
The Nanaimo Friday Evening Market runs Fridays, 4:00pm – 8:00pm, until September 26th.
Cedar Farmers’ Market
The Cedar Farmers’ Market is easily one of Nanaimo’s largest markets – boasting over 85 vendors! With such a large number of artisans, bakers, and farmers, there is a delightful variety of tents to explore. From freshly grown produce to delicious baked goods and handmade, local crafts, the CFM has nearly every sweet treat, meat or veggie, and hand-crafted good under the sun!
The CFM is located in the field in front the Crow & Gate Pub, so after exploring the market, head on over to this English-style pub for a pint in their magnificent garden!
The Cedar Farmers Market runs Sundays, 10:00am – 2:00pm. until October 26th.
Lantzville Farmers Market
Another Sunday market in Nanaimo, the Lantzville Farmers Market is all about being local. This market offers the best that Lantzville and Nanaimo have to offer! Their motto is “Fresh, Local, and Friendly” and, boy, do they ever fit that bill! There’s always warm, smiling faces that welcome you to this diverse and plentiful farmers market.
The Lantzville Farmers Market runs Sundays, 1:30pm – 4:00pm, until the end of October.
Have you been to any of these markets? Do you have a favourite? Let us know in the comments below!
– Sean
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