The Portland Farmers Market at Portland State University (PSU) is a self-organized Saturday market at 1735 SW Park Ave in Portland, Oregon, open to the public from 8:30 AM to 2 PM, March through December. Located in the South Park Blocks in downtown Portland, the PSU Saturday Farmers Market is among the largest and most diverse outdoor markets in the Pacific Northwest, hosting more than 200 vendors at peak season across categories that include fresh produce, artisan food products, prepared meals, and specialty agricultural goods.
The market operates without a single tour operator—visitors self-guide through vendor stalls, sampling and purchasing at their own pace across a two-to-three-hour visit. A recommended spending budget of $20 to $40 covers a mix of tastings and small purchases. Standout offerings include Pacific Northwest seasonal produce such as Oregon strawberries, marionberries, and hazelnuts in summer; Dungeness crab preparations and fresh albacore tuna during their respective seasons; and a wide selection of Oregon artisan cheeses from small-batch dairies in the Willamette Valley and Coast Range. Prepared food stalls serve both breakfast and lunch, with options ranging from handmade dumplings and wood-fired pizza to tamales from longtime family vendors and freshly pressed juice bars.
The market also features specialty agricultural vendors including mushroom farms, honey producers, dried herb growers, and small-batch jam and preserve makers—most are direct farmers or producers rather than resellers. Many participate in the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Farmers Markets certification program, which verifies that goods are locally grown or produced within Oregon.
The market runs its largest footprint from June through October, when peak seasonal produce coincides with maximum vendor participation. March through May brings spring crops including early greens and rhubarb, while the November and December winter market features root vegetables, squash, cured meats, and holiday specialty items. Entry is free, the market is open to all ages, and leashed dogs are welcome throughout the South Park Blocks.
What is included
- Access to 200+ vendors
- Fresh Oregon produce
- Prepared food stalls (breakfast and lunch)
Good to know
- Operator
- Self-guided (market open to public Saturdays 8:30 AM–2 PM, March–December)
Location
1735 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97201
45.5112, -122.6833 View on map
Highlights
- More than 200 vendors including farmers, cheesemakers, fishmongers, and prepared food stalls at one downtown Portland location
- Free entry on Saturdays 8:30 AM-2 PM from March through December along the South Park Blocks
- Seasonal Pacific NW specialties including Dungeness crab, Oregon berries, hazelnut products, and artisan Willamette Valley cheese
- Prepared breakfast and lunch from long-standing vendors including dumplings, wood-fired pizza, and tamales
- Direct access to Oregon Department of Agriculture-certified local farmers and producers
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 9:30 AM for the best selection, especially for fresh seafood and baked goods which sell out early
- Bring a reusable bag or tote as most vendors do not supply bags for bulk produce purchases
- Cash speeds up purchases at smaller farm stalls, though most vendors now accept card payments
- Visit June through October for the widest seasonal produce variety and highest vendor count of the year
- The market becomes crowded by 10 AM on sunny Saturdays; the Tuesday PSU market (April-October) is a quieter alternative
- Dogs are welcome on leash; the paved South Park Blocks path is easy to navigate with strollers and mobility aids
Frequently asked questions
Is there an admission charge to enter the Portland Farmers Market at PSU?
No. The market is free to enter. Visitors spend money only on purchases from individual vendors and are welcome to browse without buying.
What payment methods do vendors accept?
Most vendors accept major credit and debit cards. Some smaller farm stalls prefer cash, and an ATM is typically available near the market entrance for convenience.
Is the Saturday market open year-round?
The Saturday PSU Farmers Market runs March through December and does not operate in January or February. A smaller Tuesday market runs April through October from 10 AM to 2 PM.
Are options available for visitors with dietary restrictions or food allergies?
Yes. The market includes many stalls with gluten-free, vegan, and allergen-conscious products. Visitors should ask individual vendors about ingredients, as there is no centralized allergen labeling at open-air market stalls.
Is the market accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes. The South Park Blocks are paved and generally flat, making the market accessible for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids. Pathways between stalls are wide enough to accommodate mobility equipment in most areas.