Skip to content
A man looking through produce and several people in the background browsing through flowers at the Boise Farmers Market.

Time to lace up those sneakers, throw your favorite hat on and explore the amazing vendors, produce stands and food carts at these five southwest Idaho Saturday markets. Prepare to find a new favorite market or vendor and bask in the local offerings. Each market is unique in their location and surrounding area, while providing an amazing atmosphere full of Idaho charm.

glass sculptures hang at Saturday market booth
Capital City Public Market showcases the amazing creations from the local artisan community. Photo Credit: Visit Idaho.

Located in the heart of downtown Boise, Capital City Public Market has over 150 vendors and provides a unique urban outdoor market experience. As one of the longest running public markets in Boise, they have kept true to their roots by championing local vendors spanning all areas. You can find amazing food, from delicious crepes to earth-shattering samosas and pick up a beautiful handblown glass sculpture. This market prides itself on having something for everyone, and this is clearly felt in the long and diverse list of vendors in attendance.

man looks throw produce at farmers market
Produce flies off the shelf at Boise Farmers Market, but don’t worry there’s plenty to go around! Photo Credit: Visit Idaho.

Boise locals know this is the market to do all your local grocery shopping. With many local farms, wineries, bakeries, and other food centric businesses, Boise Farmers Market is your one stop shop for a great selection of local fare. Grab a coffee at one of the local roaster booths, and wander through the market picking out the perfect ingredients for dinner and breakfast the next day. Perhaps you don’t want to pick up ingredients, instead opt for getting breakfast or lunch from one of the multiple food vendors and a pastry for the road. There is plenty of parking available or grab a bike and enjoy a scenic ride along the greenbelt after hitting the market.

people walk around farmers market
Eagle has a fantastic community based farmers market! Photo Credit: Visit Idaho.

Eagle is a charming town just minutes outside of Boise with a historic downtown that feels like you stepped back into the old west. The Saturday Market is normally located in the heart of the downtown at Heritage Park but has relocated a few blocks down to City Hall while construction is being finished in park plaza. Founded over 20 years ago, you will find all types of local vendors, from food and drink to artists and handmade goods.  You’ll also find a great lineup of live music!

farmers market sign
Meridian Main Street Market is perfectly located so you can explore the whole downtown area. Photo Credit: Visit Idaho.

With so many options for a nice Saturday market experience, Meridian Main Street Market pulls out all the stops. With plenty of local small businesses and farms, you’ll want to spend a couple hours meeting the hard-working entrepreneurs behind these fantastic concepts. Grab a bite to eat at one of the multiple food trucks, snag some fresh local produce, and listen to the rotating lineup of musicians performing. With the market located so close to other businesses, make sure to take a stroll down Main Street and find a new favorite business to support.  

people walk around a farmers market
Voted one of the best farmers markets in Idaho, Nampa Farmers Market is a must visit experience! Photo Credit: Visit Idaho.

Considered one of the best markets in the pacific northwest, Nampa Farmers Market is worth the 20-minute drive from Boise. Located on the edge of the historic downtown, the market features local artisans and farmers from within a 100-mile radius. With a massive and diverse list of vendors, you are guaranteed to find the perfect Saturday morning. Stop at one of the winery booths and sample wine made from the surrounding wine country, located just a few short miles from the market. After you’ve indulged in the market’s offerings, wander over to the historic train station or grab a bite to eat at one of the many downtown Nampa eateries.

With so many Saturday markets to choose from, there is no bad choice on this list. While we often tend to gravitate toward markets closest to us, there is something truly special about exploring a less familiar area. What better way to understand a community than indulging in a community supported experience.


Published on April 16, 2024