The Best Local Farmers Markets and What to Buy in Season

Scottsdale farmers markets recorded 4,200 visitors on the first Saturday in July, up from the prior month, as shoppers sought out local tomatoes, peppers and melons for immediate use in home meals.

The increase aligns with a broader push in the city for nutrient-dense eating that matches Arizona's summer harvest cycle rather than relying on shipped goods that lose flavor and nutrients during transport.

Two longstanding markets anchor the options. The Scottsdale Waterfront Farmers Market operates every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon along the canal path at 7135 E Camelback Road, where vendors set up under shade sails near the shops. The Old Town Scottsdale Market runs Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Brown Avenue between Main Street and First Avenue, drawing residents from the neighborhoods north of Indian School Road.

Seasonal items available now

At both locations, July brings Arizona-grown yellow crookneck squash priced at $2.50 per pound, red bell peppers at $3.00 per pound and cantaloupe from Maricopa County farms at $4 each. Vendors also offer bundles of basil and mint for $2 that pair well with the peppers in quick salads or grilled dishes.

A 2025 Arizona Department of Agriculture count showed Scottsdale-area markets moved 92,000 pounds of summer vegetables between May and July, with tomatoes accounting for 28 percent of the total volume sold.

Planning a visit

Shoppers who arrive early at the Waterfront site can combine a market stop with a walk along the canal path before temperatures climb past 100 degrees. Those heading to Old Town can park in the city garage at 4200 N Drinkwater Boulevard and walk two blocks south. Checking vendor lists posted each Wednesday on the city website helps buyers target specific items before they sell out.

Next week the same markets will add early peaches from nearby orchards, giving residents another option to rotate into weekly menus.