Sunset Market Returns for a Second Year at the Harrisonburg Farmers Market

The Harrisonburg Farmers Market is thrilled to announce the return of the Sunset Market for its second year! Every third Thursday from June to September, the Turner Pavilion will host a family friendly event from 5 to 8 pm with a mix of live music, local artisans, food trucks, and other activities. If you’re looking for a fun evening in downtown Harrisonburg, the Sunset Market is the place to be.

A Growing Hub of Community Activities

The Sunset Market is quickly becoming a one of the most popular activities in downtown Harrisonburg. Following the successful launch of the Levitt Amp concert series last year and the regular Harrisonburg Farmers Market held every Tuesday and Saturday, the Turner Pavilion continues to establish itself as a community gathering spot. The Sunset Market not only offers fresh local produce and goods but also provides educational and recreational activities, making it a unique event for everyone.

What to Expect at the Sunset Market

So, what sets the Sunset Market apart from the regular Tuesday and Saturday markets? Expect a variety of workshops and hands-on activities designed to entertain and educate. Bring your friends and family to enjoy dinner, shop for local goods, and participate in fun activities.

Each Sunset Market will feature things like:

• Live music
• Drum circle
• Balloon animals
• Face painting with Dorothy Shipp-Alliata
• Friendly City Safe Space
• Food trucks and vendors

For the June 20th market, they have an exciting lineup of activities including:

• Chef demo with Hugo Morales of Magpie Diner & Jake McDaniel of Local’s Underground
• Yoga and meditation with Nikki Bruce of The Center
• Live mending with Paper Snacks Studio
• Wilderness skill share with Lester Zook of Wild Guyde Adventures
• Friendly City Clay
• Virginia Organizing

Upcoming Dates and Activities

Mark your calendars for these upcoming Sunset Market dates:

• June 20
• July 18
• August 22
• September 19

In future markets, look forward to more chef demos, a fire truck demo by the Harrisonburg Fire Department, events with Valley Creative Reuse, adoption events with Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA, and more!

Supporting the Community

Thanks to Virginia Fresh Match, customers can pay with SNAP/EBT and double their benefits up to $30 for free fruits and vegetables. This initiative ensures that fresh, nutritious food is accessible to all members of our community.

Information about specific community events at each Sunset Market will be available on the Harrisonburg Farmers Market website, through their email newsletter, and on their Facebook and Instagram pages.

Voices from the Market

Dandy Knopf of Deviant Kreations loves the midweek timing of the Sunset Market, saying, “It gives people something fun to do after work where they can grab dinner, enjoy activities, and shop with local vendors.” Jennifer Wiatrowski of Thistle Hill Pet Treats adds, “The Sunset Market has a completely different vibe than the Tuesday or Saturday markets. It’s a fun opportunity to socialize in a relaxed evening environment.”

Amy Wild of Staff of Life Bread Company sums it up perfectly: “The community seems to want things to do that aren’t a huge commitment and the Sunset Market is just the thing. You can pop in whenever between 5 and 8 pm, ride bikes downtown as a family, and meet and support small business owners. It’s a great chance to celebrate local.”

About the Harrisonburg Farmers Market

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. With a community of 50 vendors, the market is a hub for entrepreneurship for regional farmers and artisans. The market also promotes low-waste practices and supports environmental stewardship through partnerships with Harrisonburg Public Works and Climate Action Alliance of the Valley.

Market hours:

• Spring/Summer/Fall Market: Tuesdays & Saturdays 8 am to 1 pm (April – Thanksgiving)
• Sunset Market: Every third Thursday 5 pm to 8 pm (June – September)
• Holiday Market: First 3 Saturdays in December 9 am to 12 pm
• Winter Market: Saturdays 9 am to 1 pm (January – March)

Join us at the Sunset Market and experience the best of what Harrisonburg has to offer! For more information, visit Harrisonburg Farmers Market.