The Blue Back Farmers’ Market will open its fifth season in West Hartford on Sunday, June 14, 2026.

The Blue Back Farmers’ Market is open Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through the end of October. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

By Ronni Newton

Fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, baked goods, meats, coffee, and other items – as well as live music and special programs – will be available in the Town Hall parking lot on Sundays beginning June 14, with the return of the Blue Back Farmers’ Market for its fifth season.

Bobbie Emery and Anne Foss from Clatter Ridge Farm now manage the market, but Mary Collins – who co-founded the market with Scott Franklin – is returning to a more active role as events and media coordinator.

Beginning Sunday, June 14, the Blue Back Farmers’ Market will be open in the West Hartford Town Hall parking lot every Sunday, rain or shine, through Oct. 25, 2026.

“Blue Back Farmers’ Market welcomes everyone in our community eager to meet their neighbors and support CT farmers and vendors,” Collins said. The market strives to be a “third space” – a favorite spot where members of the community can not just shop but linger and enjoy the experience.

Each Sunday expect 15 or more vendors – some on a rotating basis – offering a selection that includes produce from farms throughout the state including River Ridge Farm, bagels from Olmo’s of New Haven, Clatter Ridge Farm free-range meat, Yalla Organic products, sweet treats from Granny’s Pie Factory, and beverages from Coffeeology.

The Blue Back Farmers’ Market is open Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through the end of October. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

Along with live music, the market’s schedule also features hands-on activities such as free lessons from Junkpot Pottery and a Kids’ Art Table run by the West Hartford Art League. There will be information available about recycling and gardening, and in July, special programming will celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.

On the first Sunday of every month, Chef Giai from Artisan at the Delamar West Hartford hotel will offer a cooking demonstration – and is already planning to host a farm-to-table dinner on Oct. 25 in the Delamar ballroom featuring produce and meat from the Blue Back Farmers’ Market.

Look ahead to the Dog Days of summer on Aug. 23 – where pets are welcome and visitors can learn more about Dog Star Rescue.

While some vendors are at the market every week, it’s advisable to check the schedule online in advance. The website lists the farmers as well as vendors offering prepared foods and other products, plus any scheduled performances or other special activities.

The “Sundae market” also offers a raffle each week for free sundaes from A.C. Petersen Farms.

The Blue Back Farmers’ Market offers double SNAP and FNMP benefits.

Please note that West Hartford has two separate and unrelated farmers markets. The West Hartford Farmers’ Market, which had been open seasonally every Saturday in the Arapahoe parking lot since 1992, is also located in the Town Hall parking lot for the second year in a row due to the construction taking place in West Hartford Center. That market is open on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Blue Back Farmer’s Market. Aug. 27, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

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