Federal Way Farmers Market Opens (weekly)

The Federal Way Farmers Market opened its 2026 season on Saturday, May 9, and will return this weekend for its second Saturday of the year. The outdoor market is operating in a new downtown location on South 316th Street between Town Square Park and the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center, according to the market website and a Federal Way Mirror report. (federalwayfarmersmarket.com) Organizers say the season runs from May 9 through Sept. 26, with the exception of July 4. Hours are 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. (federalwaymirror.com) ### Where is the market this year? South 316th Street is the market’s new home for 2026. The market website says the event now stretches between Town Square Park and the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center in the city center. (federalwayfarmersmarket.com) The Federal Way Mirror reported on March 13 that the move places the market in the downtown core as the city continues work around Town Square Park, the performing arts center and the planned Town Center 3 project. The newspaper said the market will fill the street with vendors in 12-foot-by-12-foot tents. (federalwayfarmersmarket.com) ### When can shoppers go? May 16 is the next scheduled market date. The market’s 2026 season began May 9 and continues every Saturday through Sept. 26, except for July 4, according to the market website. The market website lists regular hours of 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (federalwayfarmersmarket.com) The Federal Way Mirror’s opening-day preview also said the season opener started at 9 a.m. on May 9. ### What will people find there? The Federal Way Farmers Market describes itself as a Saturday market for farmers, makers, food vendors and neighbors. Its website says shoppers can expect local produce, prepared foods and artisan goods. (federalwaymirror.com) About 60 vendors are expected this year, the Federal Way Mirror reported in March. The paper said the market would host farm products, prepared food and artisan offerings in its new downtown setup. (federalwayfarmersmarket.com) A citywide newsletter published May 11 said opening day brought fresh produce, flowers, handmade crafts and other goods to downtown Federal Way. (federalwayfarmersmarket.com) That account matched the mix described on the market’s own site. ### What happened on opening day? (federalwayfarmersmarket.com) May 9 opening-day events included a Mother’s Day poem from community member Bob Darrigan, a bagpiper and a ceremony to present the annual market poster to Mayor Jim Ferrell and sponsors, according to the Federal Way Mirror. The newspaper also reported that Ferrell was expected to kick off the season in a surprise way. (federalwaymirror.com) The citywide newsletter issued May 11 said the market officially opened Saturday in its new location. The newsletter described the return as the start of the 2026 season in downtown Federal Way. (myemail.constantcontact.com) ### How long will the season last? Sept. 26 is the final listed date for the 2026 season on the market website. The schedule posted there says the market will skip July 4 but otherwise continue weekly on Saturdays. The market’s website is also where organizers direct shoppers for vendor information and updates. (federalwaymirror.com) The next market is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on South 316th Street in downtown Federal Way. (federalwayfarmersmarket.com) (myemail.constantcontact.com)