Harrisonburg Farmers Market’s Sunset Market is back for a third year at the Turner Pavilion every third Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. June through September.
Throughout history, markets have been the heart of communities, bringing growers and makers in direct contact with shoppers, fostering relationships and strengthening the local economy. The Sunset Market offers educational and recreational activities alongside grocery options. Visitors will enjoy live music, local artisans and farmers, food trucks and vendors, and hands-on activities with community organizations.
“It’s fun to see the Pavilion come alive in the evening. I like to see new faces that can’t make it to our morning markets. I like that we can offer more activities than are usually offered at the Tuesday and Saturday Market,” Market Manager Halee Jones said.
What makes the Sunset Market different from the Tuesday or Saturday Market? Expect more workshops and activities for the whole family. The Sunset Market is an event to bring friends and family to, enjoy dinner, shop for local food and goods, learn and play.
“My son Jacob and I are doing a ‘Farm & Fantasy’ theme for the Sunset Markets. Alongside my farm-raised meats, he will have handmade foam sparring swords. Learn to spar and check out our fresh pork, goat, whole chicken, quail and more,” HomeAgain Farm‘s Rose said.
Every Sunset Market will feature live music, drum circle, face painting, activities with community organizations, food trucks and vendors, grocery and artisan shopping, and yoga and meditation.
“When we say bring the whole family, we mean everyone – including the dogs! And if you haven’t heard Betsy in the Verse (June’s featured artist), she’s an amazing musician,” said Jennifer of Thistle Hill Pet Treats.
June Sunset Market activities:
● Yoga and meditation with Jonny Morris
● Free chair massage with Cedar Stone School of Massage
● Mosaic activity with Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition
● Kids activity with Explore More Discovery Museum
● Craft with Friendly City Safe Space
● Gear demo with Community Gear Library
● Books with Massanutten Regional Library
July, August and September activities:
● Family dancing with Harrisonburg Dance Co-op
● Harrisonburg Fire Department’s fire truck demo
● Valley Creative Reuse workshop
● Friendly City Clay workshop
● Sustainability activity with Renew Rocktown
● Kids activity with Big Brothers, Big Sisters
Sunset Market dates:
● June 19
● July 17
● August 21
● September 18
Thanks to Virginia Fresh Match, customers can pay with SNAP/EBT and double their benefits up to $30 for free fruits and vegetables.
Information about the specific community events at each Sunset Market will be available online, harrisonburgfarmersmarket.com, through the Harrisonburg Farmers’ Market email newsletter and on Harrisonburg Farmers’ Market’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Since 1979, the Harrisonburg Farmers Market has provided the public with easy access to fresh, nutritious, locally produced agricultural goods and crafts of the highest quality. A community of 50 vendors, the market is a hub for entrepreneurship for regional farmers and artisans. The market promotes low-waste practices and buying local, and, in partnership with Harrisonburg Public Works and Climate Action Alliance of the Valley, supports environmental stewardship by providing opportunities for recycling and composting.
Market hours:
● Spring/Summer/Fall Market: Tuesdays & Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (April – Thanksgiving)
● Sunset Market: Every third Thursday 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (June – September)
● Holiday Market: First three Saturdays in December 9 a.m. to noon
● Winter Market: Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (January – March)
Related stories:
Harrisonburg Farmers Market rebrands Thursday Evening Market
Harrisonburg Sunset Market returns for second year at Turner Pavilion on third Thursdays
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Rebecca Barnabi
