South Tacoma Market

Aw, we just love this little market. It’s definitely smaller than the Downtown and Proctor markets, but it has everything we need. It also has the best venue because it’s located at the Star Center, which recently put in the coolest playgrounds (plural) ever. There’s a spray park and this crazy, covered climbing toy that I wish I could climb in! Families should definitely give this market a shot.
Today there were a good handful of produce vendors, some art vendors, an awesome mushroom vendor, the fabulous Pip and Lola’s soap, baked goods, and some live music and a clown making balloon animals. Such a fun spot on a Sunday morning.

The South Tacoma Farmer’s Market has been operating for about 2 years now so that probably explains why there are so few booths in attendance, like probably not more than 15 booths. That is probably the only and biggest criticism that folks might have about it. But otherwise, the market is in a great location. It’s on the grounds of one of Tacoma’s new community centers so there is plenty of parking and open park space where you can bring your dog and toss a frisbee or something after you’re done shopping. It’s also within reasonable walking distance of one of the Sounder stops.
There’s kids activities and live music. Most vendors accept alternative payments like EBT/​senior vouchers and are also bilingual.
So far the best booth is the bakery cart dude who hawks yummy mini-​foccacia rolls in all kinds of sweet and savory flavors.
The Manitou/​South Tacoma neighborhoods haven’t really had access to community events like this for years so I hope to see the market attract more vendors next year. I’d still recommend stopping by for the cheap produce more than anything.

The South Tacoma Farmer’s Market has reinvented itself and is fantastic! If you have been to this market before 2012, you went to a cement parking lot on 56^th St that was hot and had poor parking. Now it’s moved to the new Metroparks Star Center, ten blocks south on 66^th St just a block off of South Tacoma Way (Adams St) with a relaxing space and a big parking lot. It’s open from 11 – 3 on Sundays and is definitely worth your time. They have a good selection of produce, plants, and local food offerings (including bread). My favorite organic produce is courtesy of Terry’s Berries. The best ice cream in Tacoma is homemade by Ice Cream Social (last week I had fig and honey!). Take your pick of huge colorful bunches of flowers for $ 5 or $ 10 (dahlias, sunflowers, zinnias, and so much more). There are tables where I like to enjoy my ice cream and plan all of the tasty meals I’ll make during the week while listening to local guitar crooners. This new space is perfect and hopefully will become a summer staple for South Tacomans like myself, June through September!