Diamond Peak at 60: A Tahoe Tradition
On November 19, 1966, Ski Incline began what... Read Article
There’s something whimsical about wandering through a farmers market on a warm sunny summer day in the Tahoe-Truckee region. The scents of fresh pines, flowers and home-baked goods fill the air. Live music from local artists set a lively tone. And locals and visitors come together over their love for fresh produce, flowers and arts and crafts.
Photo: The Tahoe City Farmers Market is a beloved community tradition. Photo credit: Tahoe City Farmers Market
Farmers markets are a summer staple in the Tahoe-Truckee region and offer more than a chance to get your favorite items under the sun. Here, you can support local businesses, artisans and farmers directly and connect with them on a personal level. These markets are strategically held in stunning locations close to a variety of attractions, allowing you to use the rest of the day for time at the lake, wandering a local trail or even participating in an outdoor yoga class. I highly recommend making these part of your summer routine and have outlined some of the region’s most notable markets below.
Enjoy fresh produce from local and regional farms. Photo credit: Tahoe City Farmers Market
Tahoe City Farmers Market
Held at Tahoe City’s beloved Commons Beach, the Tahoe City Farmers Market is a testament to the community’s love for fresh food, local artisans and vendors and connection with their natural surroundings. Every Thursday, locals and visitors gather in the morning and early afternoon to browse through quality vegetables, fruits, meat, bread, coffee, flowers and handmade arts and crafts from trusted local and regional vendors.
The Tahoe City Farmers Market is not only a great place to shop and sample food and drink, but also a great way to meet community members and experience the spirit of North Lake Tahoe.
I highly recommend getting here early to ensure you get all the products that are on your list, as popular items tend to sell out quickly. As well, earlier starts mean less time and stress dealing with traffic and parking issues. If you live close, I recommend biking to help alleviate any stress with the free bike valet and to get a great workout in!
If you have time, stay awhile in the Tahoe City area and explore the cute storefronts and dining options in the downtown area, get some sunshine or a swim at the beach or head to the Truckee River to bike or walk the beautiful path.
Dates: Thursdays, ongoing until October 22
Time: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Commons Beach, 400 N. Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City
Incline Village Farmers Market at Diamond Peak
Incline Village Farmers Market, now held at Diamond Peak Ski Resort, brings farm-fresh produce, baked goods, arts and crafts and more to the stunning east shore every Thursday afternoon through September 3. Run by Lake Tahoe Markets, this beloved community market offers a wide variety of goods from local and regional vendors as well as yoga classes at 6:30 p.m. Here, you will have a chance to truly unwind and practice mindfulness under the towering pines. These classes are catered to all levels and invite you to slow down and center yourself through intentional movement and breathwork. All you need to bring is a mat, water, and open mind!
Dates: Every Thursday through September 3
Time: 3 to 6 p.m.
Location: Diamond Peak Ski Resort, 1210 Ski Way, Incline Village
The Ski Run Farmers Market is fun for all ages. Photo credit: Sun Snow Events
Ski Run Farmers Market
Shop and celebrate the South Lake Tahoe spirit like a local at the Ski Run Farmers Market. Join locals and visitors every Friday afternoon through September 11 to get fresh produce, sample delicious local cuisine, browse through art vendors and jam to live music entertainment. Fun for all ages!
Dates: Every Friday through September 11
Time: 3 to 8 p.m.
Location: 1132 Ski Run Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe Certified Farmers Market
The El Dorado County Certified Farmers Market in South Lake Tahoe, held at the American Legion Hall Parking Lot, brings local farmers and their produce right to your neighborhood. Held every Tuesday through October 13, this farmers market is unique in that you have a special chance to meet the farmers and learn about the produce, crops and tips for cooking and growing your very own garden.
Dates: Tuesdays through October 13
Time: 8 am to 1 pm
Location: American Legion Hall Parking Lot, 2740 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe
Truckee Farmers Market
Celebrate summer, Truckee style! Join locals and visitors every Tuesday through mid-October at the Truckee Regional Park to browse through fresh produce, baked goods, delicious meals and arts and crafts from local and regional vendors. This market is a great way to experience the creative and sustainable spirit of the Truckee community and start the day off in a healthy and fun manner. After you gather your goods, I suggest exploring Downtown Truckee, the Truckee River, Donner Lake or nearby trails to make the most of your day.
Dates: Every Tuesday through mid-October
Time: 8 am to 1 pm
Location: Truckee Regional Park, 10500 Brockway Road, Truckee
Tips From a Local
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Plan to arrive early to beat the crowds and ensure you get the items you want. These markets can get busy, and if you go later in the day popular items will most likely be sold out. As well, arriving early can help alleviate stress that comes with traffic and parking issues.
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Carpool, take public transportation or bike if you can. This will help offset pollution, and help reduce traffic and parking congestion. Many of these markets have free bike valet to encourage healthy modes of transportation.
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Bring reusable bags. Sustainability isn’t just a habit here, it’s a way of life.
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Stay awhile and mingle with the community, farmers and creative vendors. It’s a great way to network and make new friends.
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Make time to explore the area beyond the farmers market. Each town offers a wide variety of activities, including hiking and biking trails, beaches, shopping, art galleries and dining.
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Leave no trace.
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Have fun!
About the Author Kirsten Alexis
Kirsten is an outdoor adventure enthusiast, writer and photographer. You can typically find her hiking, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing and checking out new spots to share in the Tahoe Donner region. She has been lucky to call Tahoe her second home since she was a child and aims to inspire people to experience Tahoe and fall in love with the beauty and adventurous spirit of the region through her blogs and content. 
