Cooler Saturdays bring the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market to a new home Oct. 3

Fall in Scottsdale means it’s time to get outside, and one of Old Town’s favorite Saturday traditions is back. The Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market opens its season Oct. 3 at a new, larger location in the City Hall parking lot, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.

Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market producer Dee Logan said the city and market management worked together to address the challenges of relocating the established market. She said the team is excited to welcome vendors and visitors to the improved City Hall lot and continue the community tradition they have built in Scottsdale.

The city has worked with the market for years and its move from Brown Avenue gives the popular market room to grow while keeping it close to Old Town shops, restaurants and Civic Center. Visitors can park directly across the street at the One Civic Center surface lot.

“The farmers market has become a Saturday tradition for residents and visitors, and we’re excited to help it grow,” City Manager Greg Caton said. “With more space, shade and electricity for vendors, the City Hall lot will be a welcoming place to spend a fall morning. Shoppers can also make a day of it by exploring Old Town and enjoying events at Civic Center.”

Two new solar shade canopies will help make the lot more comfortable for shoppers and vendors. The city’s nearly complete, voter-approved bond project also added electrical access to support the market and other community events. The larger site creates opportunities for market days to complement concerts and other activities at Civic Center.

During the market’s first month, Old Town ambassadors will help visitors find the new location along the route from Brown Avenue through Civic Center. Signs and a map will also guide shoppers to the City Hall lot.

The solar panels are expected to be activated later this year. The city estimates they will offset about 75% of City Hall’s electricity use and save $46,000 annually in energy costs.

The market brings Arizona growers and other local vendors together in Old Town on Saturdays from October through June.