Summer Strolls at East Side Market: A Local's Guide to Pagosa's Farmers Markets

Few things capture the essence of summer in Pagosa Springs quite like a stroll through a local farmers' market. The aroma of fresh-baked goods and the sound of live music float through the air while the tables overflow with colorful produce and locally made crafts.

Staying at our Pagosa Springs Hotel makes it easy to dive into the local culture, especially when it comes to farmers' markets. If you're hunting for handcrafted gifts or grabbing snacks for a spontaneous picnic, both the East Side Market and Pagosa Farmers Market offer a warm and welcoming glimpse into the local scene.

Artisan & Makers Market @ East Side Market

225 East Pagosa Street

Saturdays, and Sundays | 9 am to 3 pm

Located directly across the street from Riverwalk Inn at the base of Reservoir Hill, East Side Market has become a summertime staple in Pagosa Springs. The market has recently shifted to focus on handmade art, crafts, and gourmet food products. You'll find organic soaps and lotions, handmade clothing, fine woodwork, handcrafted pottery, jewelry, Native American art, and metalwork.

Food lovers will appreciate the expanded lineup of food trucks, offering everything from Cajun hot dogs and barbecue to smoothies and tacos. Regular trucks include Cosmic Grow Coffee, Lonchera Don Jose, Cajun Dogs, Sage Burgers and Fries, BBQ, and Princess Mexican Food.

The market's location makes it more than just a shopping destination. With picnic tables, shade trees, and views of the mountains, it's the perfect place to find unique gifts and savor some local fare. Pick up a delicious lunch from a food vendor, settle in with a smoothie or lemonade, and enjoy watching the bustle of the town.

The produce market has been moved in 2025 to a new location, so if you are looking for Blondie and her delicious tomatoes, Palisade peaches, and other produce, head over to St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church.

Pagosa Farmers Market @ St. Patrick's Episcopal Church

225 S. Pagosa Blvd.

Saturdays | June through October | 9 am to 1pm

For fresh produce and a deeper focus on sustainable agriculture, the Pagosa Farmers Market is the place to be. The market's mission is to promote sustainable economic activity in Archuleta County, especially in the agricultural sector. You'll find organic and regionally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as locally made products and a variety of artisanal goods crafted with care. It's a great place to meet local growers, learn about seasonal ingredients, and stock up on produce.

Farmers and food producers often bring their best seasonal offerings, including heirloom tomatoes, leafy greens, farm-fresh eggs, and homemade jam. There's a sense of purpose and pride at the market as vendors share the story behind each harvest or product.

Tuesday Night Market @ Higher Grounds Coffee

189 Talisman Dr.

Tuesdays | 4 pm to 8 pm

Looking for midweek fun? Higher Grounds Coffee transforms into a lively outdoor marketplace every Tuesday evening throughout the summer. Local artisans, small-scale growers, and musical guests bring the space to life with a rotating collection of handcrafted goods, produce, and seasonal treats.

The vibe is casual and welcoming. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and relax in the grassy areas with a drink or snack. Grab a cold brew, browse the booths, and enjoy the sunset with a side of live music and community cheer.

Shopping Local, Eating Fresh

Craving Palisade peaches, raw honey, or a fresh batch of spicy pickles? Pagosa’s markets are packed with picnic-worthy finds and handmade goods that make for excellent souvenirs. Shopping local supports area farmers and artists, and gives you access to high-quality, small-batch products you won’t find in grocery stores. The people behind the booths are often the ones who grew, baked, stitched, or bottled what they’re selling, and they’re usually happy to share recipes, pairings, and tips for storage or preparation.

The freshness and quality of local produce is hard to beat. Once you've tasted the difference, you'll want to return every weekend.

Picnic Time in Pagosa Springs

After you’ve filled your tote bags, it’s time to spread out a blanket and enjoy the fruits of your market haul. Juicy peaches, buttery pastries, garden-fresh salads, and artisan sandwiches make for an easy and delicious lakeside lunch or riverside snack.

Many of the vendors also sell ready-to-eat items that are perfect for spreading out on a picnic blanket. Need some inspiration for where to go? Check out our favorite Pagosa Springs parks and scenic picnic spots.

Plan Your Stay at RiverWalk Inn

When the shopping bags are packed and your picnic is complete, come back to the comfort of RiverWalk Inn. Our central location makes it easy to explore the weekend markets, nearby parks, and everything else Pagosa Springs has to offer. Book your summer getaway today and experience the markets of Pagosa like a local, one market at a time.