Southern Oregon is a paradise for fresh produce lovers. With the perfect balance of warm summers and crisp winters, this region bursts with deliciousness—think wine grapes, pears (my personal fave), lavender, hazelnuts, and more. In this guide, I’m walking you through the best farmers markets Southern Oregon has to offer, along with a few insider tips. Let’s get started, shall we?
Spoiler alert: there will be fresh bread and parking tips involved.
Tabel of Contents
Ashland Farmers Market: Your Tuesday Tradition
Kicking things off with a fan favorite, the Ashland Tuesday Market runs from March to November at the ScienceWorks Hands-on Museum (1500 E Main St.). If you’ve ever driven by and seen those colorful tents, you’re missing out if you haven’t stopped by!
Pro Tip: The vendors don’t start selling until 8:30 am, but the early bird gets the good parking spot—arrive around 8:15 am. And don’t forget to grab a loaf of bread. Pair it with fresh berries or some local jam, and voila, breakfast perfection!
Tuesday Mornings at the Ashland Market: Fresh Finds and Friendly Faces Await!
Bonus Photo: Me holding a delicious coffee cake crumb muffin, which I picked up from one of the local vendors. Because nothing says “market day” like starting it off with a sweet treat!
Petite and Sweet: Ashland Saturday Market
Can’t make it on Tuesday? No worries! The Ashland Saturday Market runs from May to October, and while it’s smaller than the Tuesday market, it’s every bit as charming. Located in downtown Ashland on Oak Street, it’s the perfect stop after your morning coffee.
Oh, and yes, I absolutely recommend picking up that second loaf of bread—because one is never enough.
Saturdays in Ashland: Fresh Finds and Friendly Faces!
A Medford Must: Thursday Market
If you’re feeling adventurous, hop over to Medford for the Thursday Market at Hawthorne Park. With rows upon rows of fresh produce, local crafts, and more, this one’s a treasure trove for anyone looking to stock up for the week.
Trust me, you won’t leave without a basket full of colorful veggies or fruit, and probably some homemade soap because… why not?
Medford’s Finest! You can’t leave without a basket full of color.
Farm Stands & U-Pick Fun
Now, if farmers markets aren’t your thing (but really, why wouldn’t they be?), Southern Oregon also has some amazing farm stands and U-pick farms. I’ll be honest, I haven’t hit all of them yet, but one of my favorites so far is Rusted Gate Farm in Central Point. Not only do they have locally grown produce, but their bread and jams are to die for.
Speaking of jams, don’t miss out on marionberry—a local favorite! You’ll find this delicious berry transformed into jams, jellies, and even pies. It’s a sweet taste of Southern Oregon you don’t want to miss.
Weekend brunch, sorted. Thanks, Rusted Gate!
For more local farm stands and U-pick farms, check out the full list here —trust me, it’s a rabbit hole worth falling into.
What’s Next? A Sunday Market, Perhaps?
As the fall season winds down, word on the street is that there might be a Sunday market coming to Ashland! I don’t have the full scoop yet, but I’ve heard from an insider at the university that it’s being considered for one of the parking lots. It’s still in the works, so we’ll have to wait and see, but stay tuned—this could be an exciting new weekend option for fresh, local finds.
I’ll keep my ear to the ground and share details as soon as I know more!
Is it winter yet? I’m already dreaming of the winter market!
Fresh Finds Await
So, whether you’re a seasoned market-goer or just getting started, Southern Oregon has a market or farm stand with your name on it. So grab your tote bag, bring your appetite, and dive into the local goodness.
That’s it for today’s bite-sized adventure—I hope you find your way to one (or all!) of these fantastic markets soon. If you are looking for other things to do in Ashland read the blog on Discovering the Hidden Gems of Ashland, Oregon: A Foodie’s Guide to Small-Town Charm. And don’t forget to share your favorite market finds in the comments. Let’s dig in!
Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!
