Exploring the Woodinville Farmers Market
There’s something magical about a Saturday morning in Woodinville. The air is fresh, the hills are green, and the energy is alive at the Woodinville Farmers Market, a summertime community staple that reflects everything we love about our home in the Sammamish Valley. The Hollywood Manor staff recently chatted with Torrey Edwards, the passionate President of the market, to learn more about what makes this market so special. Her answers reminded us just how deep the roots of community and connection grow here.
A Market Like No Other
“It has two levels!” Torrey says with a laugh. “But seriously, we love that the layout creates natural spaces for families, live music, and relaxing afternoons.”
The Woodinville Farmers Market stretches across Festival Street and the Lawn of the Schoolhouse District, a dynamic two-tiered space. The upper level is quieter, with multiple vendors, picnic benches, a kids’ activity booth, and even a playground on the far side of the YMCA. “It’s a slightly more quiet zone,” Torrey explains, “and a lovely atmosphere for families.”
On the lower level, you’ll find more vendor booths offering produce, artisan goods, and delicious smells wafting from the Home Plate Food Court. Between the two is a stair-stepped amphitheater where local musicians perform—a free concert with your berries and bouquets.
Helping Local Businesses Grow
Woodinville’s market is more than just a weekly event—it’s a launchpad. “We’re something of an incubator market,” Torrey says. “We help a lot of new vendors grow, and we take that job seriously.”
The Market is proud to support nearly 90 vendors each season, with around 40 on-site each Saturday. The goal? Help small businesses thrive while enriching the community with local flavor. “We’re even working on spotlighting our alumni on our website.” Vendors who started at the Woodinville Market and are now thriving elsewhere.
Deep Agricultural Roots
Supporting local farms is at the core of the market’s mission. And thanks to the proximity of the Sammamish Valley, many of the products come from just down the road. “Blue Glass Farm is walkable from the Market—less than a mile away,” Torrey shares. “And Golden Girls
Honey is just four miles out. If you’re a lucky local, the nectar and pollen the bees forage could be from your yard. These farms often partner with popular local businesses. Swanky Scoop and Tarte Bakery use local market ingredients, and Pizza Coop once featured BBQ sauce from a vendor. These partnerships fuel a connected local economy that supports everyone from growers to chefs.
A Growing Legacy
The Woodinville Farmers Market has had many homes over the years. Since its founding in 1993, it’s moved six times—but the community’s passion has kept it going strong. “We’re a scrappy, volunteer-led nonprofit,” Torrey notes. “When I joined in 2018, we were operated entirely by the volunteer board. Now we’ve grown enough to hire part-time staff and even expand operations.”
In 2025, the market will also take over management of the Kenmore Market, held Wednesday evenings from June to August. It’s another step in the market’s mission to support small businesses and build connections.
A Place That Feels Like Home
What’s a typical day like at the Market? “It’s never the same twice,” Torrey says. Sunny days draw crowds, while cloudy ones offer time to connect more deeply. “But the word I’d almost always use is friendly. It just feels good to be there.”
From impromptu dance parties to quiet chats with vendors, the Market is filled with little moments of joy. “Every time a vendor says ‘thank you,’ every time I see neighbors reconnect, every dog I get to pet… it’s all special.”
More Than a Market;
A Community Effort
Beyond fresh food, artisan goods, and music, the Market plays a critical role in food access. Through WIC, SFMNP, and SNAP programs, local produce is available to more families. It’s also a powerful way to reduce food miles—most market produce comes from within 150 miles, a fraction of the national average of 1,500.
“And let’s not forget our non-farm friends,” Torrey adds. “So many of our vendors offer gifts, home goods, or art. We’re a nonprofit and keep vendor fees low, funding about half our operations through sponsorships and grants. We also have over 30 volunteers putting in 1,500+ hours each season. That’s community in action.”
Visit the Market This Season
The 2025 season kicked off May 3 and runs through September, every Saturday from 10am–2pm. You’ll find the Market near the main intersection into town from 522, on Festival Street by the ball fields and up on the Lawn in the Schoolhouse District.
Local farms, artisan vendors, live music, food trucks, and a welcoming atmosphere—it’s all waiting for you.
Guests at Hollywood Manor are perfectly positioned to enjoy this Saturday tradition and discover why we love our local farmers market. Just minutes from your front door, the market is the perfect way to experience the local flavor, literally and figuratively. Grab a coffee, browse fresh produce and handmade goods, and enjoy the live music and laid-back vibe that makes Woodinville feel like home. If you want to make a day of it, consider walking to the market via the Sammamish River Trail. Shop the market, grab some lunch, and enjoy a leisurely walk back to the manor. It’s a great way to connect with the community and take home more than just memories.
For more information about the Woodinville Farmers Market, directions, and parking, check out their Facebook and Instagram
*All photos courtesy of the Woodinville Farmers Market
