Summers in Tucson involve hot days and cool nights. Don’t let the 100-degree days keep you stuck at home. All of our local favorites have put together activities at each of the markets to help you enjoy our community, explore our surroundings and celebrate what makes us unique.

Community Food Bank’s Farmers Markets

Santa Cruz River & Community Food Bank Farm Stand

This week includes a lot of firsts for the Community Food Bank Farmers Markets. Look for the first installment on Mesquite Milling where you can learn how to safely harvest mesquite pods into flour. Also check out the Book Bike and Seed Library to see what books and seeds they have to offer!

Santa Cruz River Farmers Market at Mercado San Agustin – Thursday 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

• Beaut Burger’s first week at the markets brings delicious plant based burgers.
• Elemental Cupcake and Pickle is featuring its grain-free baked treats that have been thoughtfully sweetened and promise to be insanely delicious.

El Pueblo Mobile Market, El Rio Parking lot, Irvington Road and 6^th Avenue – Monday 3:00  – 5:00 p.m

Community Food Bank Farm Stand, 3003 S. Country Club Road – Tuesday 8:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m

• Check out the radishes, citrus, potatoes and fresh eggs available from the small, local farmers participating this week in the Abundant Harvest Cooperative.

For more information, visit communityfoodbank.org.

Food in Root

Maynard’s Twilight Market and Plaza Palomino Saturday Mercado 

Food in Root is all about kids this week. If you have a little one, make sure to head to St. Philip’s Plaza on Sunday for activities like yoga, making super hero masks, and a live demonstration on making Nice Cream (banana based cool treat) by teen vegan chef Haile Thomas. There will be giveaways, samples and tons of time to play.

Maynard’s Twilight Market, 400 N. Toole Avenue – Monday 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

• Red’s Roasters has their fresh green chilies, onions and tomatoes roasted for you to grab and use all week in our kitchen.
• Peppermint Jim’s has distilled mint oils and sprays to use on your face and linens. If you participate in the Meet Me At Maynard’s run, what better way to cool down and freshen up than a fresh mint spray?

Plaza Palomino Saturday Mercad0, 2960 N. Swan Road –  Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• Queen Ceviche makes a variety of ceviches, salsa and lemonades ready for you to enjoy. All of the ingredients are local when possible and always fresh.
• Sogno Toscano Olive Oil and Italian Specialties has a unique selection of olive oils, vinegar’s and infused oils to elevate your meals from average to spectacular.

For more information, visit foodinroot.com.

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Heirloom Farmers Markets

Rillito Park, Oro Valley & Trail Dust Town

Heirloom Farmers Markets offers a few tips to make your visit to the markets pleasant and productive. The advice includes coming early, bringing cash and sturdy bags. a curiousty about what vendors are selling, and finally, be open to moving away from your grocery list to explore a fresh ingredient that may call to you.

Rillito Park, 4502 N. 1^st Avenue – Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• Abby Lee Farms strives to bring the best tasting and highest quality produce to the market. All the produce is locally grown and fresh from the hydroponic family farm. Look to this stand for several varieties of tomatoes, cucumbers and herbs.

Oro Valley, 10901 N. Oracle Road – Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• Girls from Arizona – Pancake Mixes supply premade, multigrain pancake mixes lovingly made by two sisters.
• Iverson Sharpening specializes in keeping your knives, scissors and gardening tools in top shape. Bring whatever needs a little pick me up to be worked on while you shop the market.

Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• It’s the first Family Funday at the market this week. Enjoy the carnival setting packed with over 20 local vendors, face painting and hulahoops.
• Richcrest Farms, located in Cochise, Arizona does things simply and naturally. Their green fields are full of naturally grown produce and the harvest of summer vegetables and fruits will be plentiful.

For more information, visit heirloomfm.org.