SUPPORT
The Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Markets (NFM) celebrated the 30th anniversary of the first neighborhood farmers market in Seattle, in the University District. As NFM founder Chris Curtis said in a press release, “It’s hard to imagine Seattle without its excellent network of farmers markets.” Their August festivities kicked off a year of fun programming, which will include their annual event, An Incredible Feast, on September 17, at Block 41 in Belltown. The proceeds from the event—which will showcase several chefs, farmers and producers—will go to the Good Farmer Fund, which provides emergency financial relief for small farms. Visit seattlefarmersmarkets.org to learn more and buy tickets.
LEARN
Open year-round, 21 Acres in Woodinville is a living laboratory supporting local food systems and sustainable living within the context of climate challenges. Connect via volunteering opportunities, by taking a tour of their regenerative farm and LEED platinum-certified green building, or by shopping at the Farm Market, which is overflowing with fresh, local produce. Join them for seasonal celebrations, stroll the farm, enjoy a picnic or sign up for a workshop. Visit 21acres.org to find the farm’s hours, to explore volunteer opportunities and to view the market fresh sheets.
EXPLORE
The first full weekend of October means the return of both OysterFest in Shelton, and the Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival in Port Angeles. Both festivals celebrate the best of Pacific Northwest seafood with great food and live music. To learn more, visit oysterfest.org and crabfestival.org.
Bellingham SeaFeast celebrates the vibrant maritime culture of Puget Sound. Learn about water resource conservation, our local commercial fishing and seafood industries, and of course, eat a wide variety of delicious local seafood on the waterfront. The festival will run from Saturday, October 14 through Sunday, October 15, 2023. Visit bellinghamseafeast.com to see the event schedule.
The Yakima Valley produces around 75% of all hops in the country, and that is worth celebrating! The Fresh Hop Ale Festival is nonprofit, and the festival supports arts and science grants in the Yakima Valley, so you can enjoy your fresh-hop beers from over 70 breweries, and give to a good cause at the same time. The festival is on Saturday, October 7. Information and tickets are at freshhopalefestival.com.