About Us

History of the Renton Farmers Market

In 2000, an informal group of downtown Renton business owners came together at the encouragement of Renton City Councilmember Toni Nelson, owner of the downtown Renton Flower Shop, to explore ways to bring additional energy and activity to the downtown core. One idea quickly gained momentum: establishing a community Farmers Market.

As part of this effort, Councilmember Nelson met with Chris Curtis, founder of Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Markets, to better understand what would be needed to launch a successful market. It was determined that initial seed funding would be essential to get the project underway. Nelson secured $25,000 in startup support from the City of Renton, along with an additional $5,000 contribution from King County Councilmember Rob McKenna.

To begin building the market, Nelson acquired vendor contact information from Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Markets, reached out directly to prospective participants, and assembled the inaugural vendor lineup. Those efforts led to opening day on June 18, 2002, marking the beginning of what would become the Renton Farmers Market.

The timing aligned naturally with broader downtown revitalization efforts already underway. While the Piazza Renton group worked to create a welcoming public gathering space in the heart of downtown, local business leaders and community advocates helped bring the Farmers Market vision to life—creating a destination centered on community, local agriculture, and connection.

Milestones Through the Years

• 1995 – Citizens for Piazza Renton (CPR) is formed with a vision of creating a vibrant, healthy downtown community in Renton.
• 1997 – The Renton City Council approves funding to improve the land that would become Piazza Park.
• 1999 – Construction of Piazza Park begins, and CPR officially becomes “Piazza Renton.”
• June 15, 2000 – Piazza Park is officially dedicated during a community ceremony.
• 2001 - A group of downtown business owners identified a Farmers Market as an opportunity to bring new energy and activity to downtown Renton. Councilmember Toni Nelson secures $30,000 in startup funding to launch the Renton Farmers Market.
• 2002 – The Farmers Market opens, managed by Toni Nelson, with Piazza Renton providing much of the volunteer power, and partners City of Renton and the Renton Chamber of Commerce providing administrative and financial support.
• 2008 – Market operations transition to the City of Renton.
• 2014 – The City expands market offerings by introducing wineries along with artisan and craft vendors.
• 2015 – The SNAP program is introduced at the market.
• 2016 – SNAP Match (known at the time as Fresh Bucks) launches at the market.
• 2020–2021 Seasons – During COVID-19, farmers markets are recognized as essential services, continuing to serve the community.
• 2022 – Farmers Market vendors surpass previous sales records, generating more than $700,000 in total seasonal sales.
• 2025 Season – Construction at Piazza Park prompts a temporary relocation of the market to Williams Avenue South.
• 2026 Season – The Farmers Market returns to Piazza Park.

View photos of recent market years.

Market Posters through the Years!

Take a look back at 25 years of farmers market posters!

Celebrate Farmers Markets

Celebrate the wonderful contributions Farmers Markets across the country make to our health and economic vitality!

Directions to the Market

The Renton Farmers Market is held at Piazza Park located at 233 Burnett Ave South.

Metro's Renton Transit Center is one block west of the Market location, providing bus access via several dozen routes.

Two-hour free parking is available at Renton's City Center Parking Garage - enter on 2nd Street.

Map to the Market

Market Office

Carrie Olson, Market Manager
City of Renton
Renton City Hall
1055 S. Grady Way
Renton, Washington 98057
Tel. 425-430-7214
Email info@rentonfarmersmarket.com

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