From peaches and cherries to vineyards and veggies, Penticton has deep roots in agriculture. And what better way to purchase locally grown food than at the Penticton Farmers’ Market, where shopping is not only a fun experience, but a positive way to support local growers and makers?
The Farmers’ Market opens for the season this Saturday, April 19, from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., and will operate weekly until Oct. 25, 2025.
The event transforms the 100 block of Main Street into a lively hub where local farmers, talented artisans, and passionate food and beverage producers come together to showcase their best.
The market's motto – Make it, bake it, grow it – reflects its commitment to showcasing locally made or grown products, including fruits, vegetables, honey and handmade crafts to flowers, and even local wine.
This dog-friendly market even has specialty items for our four-legged friends and plenty of water dishes if they get thirsty.
With 10,000 visitors every Saturday during the height of summer, they are looking forward to their busiest year yet, said market manager Linda Van Alphen.
“We have approximately 120 vendors this year who qualify as ‘make it, bake it, grow it or wild harvest,’” she said.
And the market is not just a place to shop – it's a great day out. You can talk to the farmers, taste samples and buy produce so fresh it has just been pulled from orchards and farms. Come early and bring your own bag.
There’s baked goods fresh out of the oven, hot coffee and food trucks too. The market fosters a sense of community, supports local businesses and strengthens the local economy, bringing in around $2 million a year.
Support local
In these uncertain times, it’s so important to support local, said the market organizers.
“Now more than ever, shopping at the Penticton Farmers’ Market is an act of resilience,” said Philip Solman, assistant market manager, in a press release ahead of the 2025 season opener.
“By supporting local farmers and businesses, shoppers are not only getting the best produce and highest quality artisanal goods, but they’re also strengthening our local economy and protecting Canadian food sovereignty.”
Coming soon: Downtown Community Market
Starting on May long weekend, the Downtown Community Market joins the Farmers’ Market and runs adjacent on Main Street. The market is one of the biggest in the Okanagan, spanning multiple blocks and showcasing everything from clothing and jewellery to pottery and artisan foods and crafts.
The market is hosted by the Downtown Penticton Business Improvement Association and is made up of dozens of vendors of all kinds, along with food trucks, local entertainment and more. The Community Market is open May 18 to Sept. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with more details available at downtownpenticton.org.
Whether you're a loyal local or visitor, the two markets are a delightful way to spend a Saturday morning, soaking in the lively atmosphere and discovering your next great find.
Free bike valet opening May long weekend
The City is once again offering its free bike valet service, which will open on May long weekend, with more details to be announced soon.
Love Local
This blog post is part of the City of Penticton's Love Local series, designed to shine spotlights on local businesses and encourage people to shop and support local. Do you have a local story or business to tell us about? Email communications@penticton.ca. And share your photos over social by tagging the City of Penticton and #lovelocalpenticton!