The University of Utah Farmers Market is back! It occurs every Thursday from Aug. 22 to Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., between the Student Services Building and the Union.
This annual fall event allows the university community a unique opportunity to connect with local businesses. Students, faculty and staff are offered a diverse lineup of vendors, ranging from fresh produce and handmade crafts to international cuisines and on-campus resources.
Showcasing Local Artistry
Many local businesses gather here, some having attended the market for several years and others arriving for the first time.
If you visit Nikolazza Art, you can meet Consuelo, a talented henna artist who started her business just a year before the pandemic.
She describes her work as “bringing magic to people’s skin,” offering intricate henna designs made from a natural paste of her secret recipe. She said she loves “connecting with people and sharing a moment of creativity and beauty.” She can do any design you ask for, with no judgment or questions asked, because to her, “everyone is different and has something special.” Her designs are beautiful and the color of her henna turns out amazing.
If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t want to miss Miscellaneous Kitchen, run by Monica. She sells East Asian-inspired home-baked goods that are just as impressive as they are delicious. Monica’s journey began in her garden, where she found inspiration for her products and created her business this year. She has experimented with different flavors and her ube coconut treats have quickly become a favorite among market-goers. Each item often takes 2-3 hours to prepare, but Monica’s passion for baking shines through in every bite.
Refreshing Drinks
After walking around in the heat, head over to Limonada Drinks, where Emily and her friend serve up freshly squeezed lemonade made to order.
Both working moms, they decided to create the business together to break out of their routine and try something new. They launched this year after Emily was inspired by a similar lemonade she tried last year. Their raspberry lemonade, made with fresh lemons and purees, has already become a crowd favorite. The drinks start at $7 for a 24oz cup of lemonade.
There is also Uinta Coffee which offers patrons coffee made from sustainable and ethical farming. Locally owned, Uinta Coffee prides itself on sourcing beans from its 104-acre farm, Finca Catalina, located in the highlands of Nicaragua.
This farm uses sustainable agriculture; workers on the farm earn an average of 20% more than those on surrounding farms, with employment rising to around 40 people during the bustling harvest season from October to February. Each cup of coffee has incredible quality and lets us support ethical practices, making it a must-try at the market.
A Taste of International Cuisine
The Farmers Market also offers a culinary journey around the world, with vendors like Olive and Me, run by Jihad, who brings a taste of the Middle East to the U.
Jihad’s business is her dream — after years of wanting to share her love of cooking, she finally started her business through Instagram after encouragement from family and friends. She sells homemade bread and hummus, a hit with all customers.
A regular customer named Julia said, “It’s a lovely way to support and get to know authentic dishes and diversify and of course, support local businesses.”
Another customer, Joana, added, “[The owner] has such a welcoming vibe. The energy is so positive, and the food is so good!”
Balabé SLC provides market-goers with homemade Senegalese cuisine and Empanadas801 sells Peruvian empañadas made from scratch. These vendors, along with many others, show the diversity represented at the market, giving the community a chance to try something new while still supporting local business owners at the same time.
Support Local
The University of Utah Farmers Market has so many vendors that each sell their own, stand-out products. Figure Its Painted sells mini figurines that are each hand-painted for tabletop RPGs. Wild Waters Soapery has different soaps made using natural ingredients and sustainable packaging. These are just a few of the local businesses that are attending the market this year. Check out all vendors here.
The Fall 2024 market also features live performances from Teddy P, an on-campus jazz group that has performed all around Utah.
Whether you’re looking for art, good food, clothing or simply just a place to relax and enjoy your lunch, this event is a perfect place for you. Make sure to visit the University of Utah Farmers Market this fall before it ends on Oct. 3!
