Your TL;DR Guide to Portland’s Saturday Market
TL;DR: There are so many reasons to check-out a local public market when you’re traveling. Not only will you get amazing food, you’ll find fantastic, local vendors selling goods you can’t get anywhere else. Open during March to December, Portland Saturday Market is a must-visit if you are in the area. Stop by during 2024 for extra special festivities to celebrate the Market’s 50th anniversary. Located in downtown, parking can be tricky, so expect to either walk, use a driver service, or pay for parking a little up the road. Read on below for tips on how to save on parking and public transit.
- What Makes Portland Saturday Market Special
- Parking & Public Transportation for Portland’s Saturday Market
- Tips to Make the Most of the Market
- Conclusion
- Explore More Markets
I’ve previously talked about my love for local public markets and today I wanted to talk about one I love – Portland’s Saturday Market. I first visited this street market on a rainy Spring day while I was in Oregon. After a casual visit to Urgent Care (completely unrelated to the market), I headed out with my family to check-out the famed Saturday Market. And it was fantastic – which is saying something, when you take into account my visit to Urgent Care just a few hours prior.
With over 250 vendors, there is a lot to see. And so many of the artists are thrilled to tell you about their work, making it a great place to learn, explore, and find some true treasures. Little heads up before you head out – this market has many arts and craft vendors and some prepared food stalls. There aren’t as many local farmers, so you may want to plan on visiting another market for your regular groceries.
What Makes Portland Saturday Market Special
Located in Old Town Portland, this large market has quite the history. In fact, the market has been running for 50 years, making it the oldest continuously run open-air market in the USA. Running since 1974, Portland’s Saturday Market is a hive for Portland’s local artisans and vendors. Born from the brains of two local craftswomen, the market has since grown while maintaining its original intent to support local artists and connect guests with handmade goods.
Parking & Public Transportation for Portland’s Saturday Market
Main Address: 2 SW Naito Parkway Portland, OR 97204
Market Location: Vendors are located throughout Burnside Bridge/ Ankeny Plaza and Waterfront Park
Hours: Saturday (10am-5pm); Sunday (11am-4:30pm)
Months Active: March – December (closed January and February)
Public Transportation (And How to Get a Free Ride Home)
There are many ways to navigate Portland. If you are riding the TriMet Bus or MAX Light Rail Train, the best exit is Skidmore Fountain Station.
While you are at the market, be sure to hold onto your receipts! If you spend over $25 (between all of your shopping – not just one vendor!), then the market will give you a free ticket for your return trip. All you need to do (aside from enjoy your shopping adventures) is bring your receipts to the red info trailer.
Parking (And How to Get Free Parking! for the Market)
Driving in downtown can be a bit of a headache. However, if you (like me) tend to move around and city-hop while traveling, chances are you will have access to a car. If that’s the case, there are a few (paid) parking lots throughout the city. Plan to arrive early or be prepared to be patient because things do get congested.
Just like with public transportation, the Market has a plan in place to encourage you to get your shopping on. Hold onto your receipts and bring them to the red info trailer to get parking validation – however you MUST spend over $25 and it is only valid for the SmartPark garages. Find a local SmartPark garage here!
Tips to Make the Most of the Market
- Wear good walking shoes (that you don’t mind getting wet) – With over 250 vendors, the Market covers some serious ground. Be prepared to walk around (I recommend grabbing a pork bun or coffee while you stroll) – and since it’s Portland, you never know when the rain may start to fall! The Market is also located along the waterfront, making it a beautiful place to just explore when you are done shopping
- Bring your own tote bag
- Check out the handmade goods – This market is best for handmade goods and foods. I personally didn’t find to many grocers or farmers, but I was LOVING the artisanal crafts, soaps, and more. There are also a lot of hot-food stalls, so be ready to snack on a few things.
- Carry some cash – Cash is great to have on hand for public markets (in general). Many vendors will have the ability to take cards/Apple Pay, but (speaking from my personal experience) it generally is easier with cash.
- Consider stopping by for the 50th anniversary celebration
Conclusion
Portland’s Saturday Market is a worth-it spot during your next Portland adventure. With over 250 local vendors, the Market has an amazing array of gifts you won’t find elsewhere. And, with the 50th anniversary quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to join in on the festivities.
Whether you want one-of-a-kind treasures, delectable treats, or simply looking for a memorable experience, Portland’s Saturday Market is a must-visit destination that encapsulates the verve and essence of the city. Let me know how your trip to the Market went! Happy adventuring!
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