APRIL

APRIL IS GARDEN MONTH

A weekly line-up of local gardening gurus share tips and demonstrations. Dozens of local nursery vendors add to the inspiration with beautiful plant, herb and veggie starts, ready-made container gardens, hanging baskets and summer bulbs. Take advantage of on-site potting stations staffed by volunteers from the local gardening community ready to help shoppers transform flowers, herbs and plants purchased from market growers in container gardens to go.

MAY

GrazeFest™
Saturday, May 24

Learn about the health, culinary and environmental benefits of pasture-raised meat and poultry products. Cooking demonstrations, barbeque tips and recipes from some of the city’s top chefs promise a mouth-watering start to the summer barbeque season.

JUNE

KIDS COOK AT THE MARKET
Saturday, June 14
Saturday, June 28

All classes are taught by professional chefs, restaurateurs or local cooking pros. Kids learn about the seasonality of foods, meet local farmers, and get hands-on experience preparing ingredients purchased fresh at the market. Classes include a guided market tour, hands-on instruction and recipes to take home so kids can share what they learned with their family.

For a schedule and online registration, please click here.

BERRY DAYS
Thursday @ Eastbank June 19
Thursday @ Ecotrust June 26

Blueberries and strawberries – with a little crème on top – make June the sweetest month of the summer. Come enjoy the bounty, flavor, health benefits and diversity of berries grown in our region. More than 1,000 fresh berry shortcakes will be dished at each market to customers for free with a $5 proof of purchase from any vendor. Listen to live bluegrass music and learn how to cook with berries from local chefs.

JULY

KIDS COOK AT THE MARKET
Saturday, July 12
Saturday, July 26

All classes are taught by professional chefs, restaurateurs or local cooking pros. Kids learn about the seasonality of foods, meet local farmers, and get hands-on experience preparing ingredients purchased fresh at the market. Classes include a guided market tour, hands-on instruction and recipes to take home so kids can share what they learned with their family.

For a schedule and online registration, please click here.

AUGUST

KIDS COOK AT THE MARKET
Saturday, August 9
Saturday, August 23

All classes are taught by professional chefs, restaurateurs or local cooking pros. Kids learn about the seasonality of foods, meet local farmers, and get hands-on experience preparing ingredients purchased fresh at the market. Classes include a guided market tour, hands-on instruction and recipes to take home so kids can share what they learned with their family.

For a schedule and online registration, please click here.

TOMATO FIESTA
Saturday, August 30

A south-of-the-border theme will spice up this year’s tomato festival with a “Hot Stuff” salsa making competition (download entry form) and live Latin music. The ever popular Tomato Turn-On will give customers a chance to enjoy a tasting featuring over 30 varieties of heirloom tomatoes grown by market farmers. Urban gardeners can bring their biggest tomato and best dahlias to the market to compete for top prize in Portland Community Garden’s “City Garden Fair.” For more information view the contest flyer (PDF) and view entry information (PDF)

COMMUNITY CORN ROAST
Thursday @ Eastbank August 21
Thursday @ Ecotrust August 28

What says summer more than hot, roasted corn at the peak of the season? Over 1,000 ears of corn are served up free for shoppers who spend more than $5 with any vendor.  If you are eager to experience the quintessential taste of summer this is the festival for you.

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER 25TH - FINAL THURSDAY MARKETS OF THE SEASON!

OCTOBER

THE GREAT PUMPKIN EVENT
Saturday, October 25

Brilliant pumpkins, wickedly ornate gourds, dried wreaths and other natural seasonal décor make this Halloween event a favorite for adults and kids alike. Pick out a free pumpkin for on-site jack-o-lantern carving from 9am-noon, and kids can wear their Halloween costumes and participate in the parade through the market at noon. Check out the day's chef demonstration schedule.

NOVEMBER

THANKSGIVING FEASTIVAL
Saturday, November 22

This special market has become the premier shopping destination for holiday feasts. In addition to shopping for all the Thanksgiving dinner ingredients–from turkeys to cranberries to the sweetest pumpkin for pie– customers enjoy an entire day of chef demonstrations offering holiday cooking tips, free seasonal recipes and a festive beginning to their holiday season. Our holiday gift boxing service begins this weekend! Market volunteers will pack your purchases in sturdy shipping containers ready to mail to friends and family.

EASTBANK THANKSGIVING REUNION MARKET
Tuesday, November 25
1pm -5pm

The anticipation of farm-to-table holiday dinners lures shoppers and vendors to our Eastbank location for a special reunion market the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.  Market goers will enjoy complementary hot cider and chestnuts while they shop for winter produce, baked goods, artisan cheeses and holiday decor. Join us for this opportunity to celebrate the spirit of the season with some of the Market's most loyal customers.

DECEMBER

WINTER SOLSTICE
Saturday, December 20

The last market of the season offers the perfect opportunity to stock up on winter keepers like squash, potatoes and beets while shopping for unusual and delicious holiday gifts. Gift giving ideas abound and the market makes your work easy by hosting a gift wrapping station for your purchases. Seasonal carolers and hot beverages add to the fun.

Aromas and expert advice draw crowds to the market throughout the season for cooking demonstrations. Curious cooks watch chefs and cookbook authors from Portland and around the United States as they turn the market’s seasonal produce into simple, delectable dishes.

Chef in the Market is generously sponsored by New Seasons Market through a grant from the Pacific Villages Grant Program.

For a full-season schedule, please click here.