Homemade Delicacies: High Street Farmers Market returns to North Phoenix

By Jordan Houston

Aromas of baked goods, visions of pitched tents and quiet sounds of community chatter will paint the scene at High Street on Sundays through the spring with the return of its annual farmers market.

The Farmers Market on High Street, located off of Loop 101 at 56th Street, officially kicked off Sunday, October 3. It runs from 10 a.m. through 1:30 p.m.

Roughly 100 vendors will decorate the North Phoenix spot, dubbed a staple for quality dining and entertainment opportunities, to showcase hand-crafted goods, food, arts and more.

The dog-friendly event seeks to attract shoppers from across the Valley to indulge in and connect over creative local products while enjoying the open-air district’s stylish urban neighborhood.

Attendees can expect to find farm-fresh produce, locally sourced honey, home-baked breads and sweets, olive oils, barbecue sauces, tamales, natural meats, German sausages, flowers, organic brownie mixes, kettle corn, hummus, baby clothes, jewelry and artsy home décor, according to High Street spokesperson Robyn Patterson.

“A lot of people are excited it’s starting back up again,” Patterson says.

“It’s the perfect time of the year to get outside, enjoy the weather and support local businesses. And I think people are excited to have things to look forward to — a weekly thing all the way through spring.”

Although a list of scheduled vendors wasn’t available at press time, Patterson says previous farmers market favorites, such as Big Reds Hot Sauce, RA Seasonings and The Tamale Store, will be returning this year.

She adds that the popular market is the perfect opportunity to knock out holiday shopping while uplifting the community and supporting small businesses.

“I think farmers markets, in general, bring communities together, and I think it helps support local businesses,” Patterson says. “I think High Street has done a good job at giving space to local businesses outside of their existing tenants.

“Personally, I just love the mom-and-pop businesses that are supported and find success through events like this. It’s a fun way to introduce their products to new customers, and I think a lot of people need support during this time. I know it has been tough, especially on food businesses.”

Since its inception, High Street has embodied a modern blend of “the swanky and suave from Scottsdale and the casual creature-comforts of Phoenix.”

High Street offers entertainment outlets for all social palates, including hip night-out venues for those after-work gatherings, boutiques for leisurely shopping, and delicious treats and succulent eats at top-rated restaurants. The area is also the only location worldwide that houses a Sprouts Express Market.

“It’s a really unique property up in North Phoenix,” Patterson expresses. “It’s a top dining and entertainment destination, and it’s essentially one street of great restaurants, entertainment venues, shops and random businesses.”

After mornings spent at the upcoming farmers market, attendees are invited to unwind at one of High Street’s many delicious eateries, including The Boozy Breakfast, The Stir Coffee Bar, Modern Margarita, Mellow Mushroom and Hula’s Modern Tiki.

The Farmers Market on High Street will also adhere to all social distancing, health and safety guidelines relating to COVID-19, ensuring that participants of all ages can safely enjoy the festivities, Patterson adds.

“I think they always look to expand year after year and add new vendors,” she explains. “They added safety protocols to comply with COVID-19 health regulations to ensure the safety of the vendors and the crowds.”