Wildcraft Farmers Market Fort Collins Winter Farmers Market Marks 20 Years with New Name, Year-Round Schedule, and Non-profit Launch

Fort Collins Winter Farmers Market Rebrands as Wildcraft Farmers Market and Expands Year-Round

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — After nearly two decades serving Northern Colorado as the Fort Collins Winter Farmers Market, the regional staple has officially rebranded as Wildcraft Farmers Market and expanded to a year-round schedule. The transformation marks a major milestone as Colorado’s first-ever year-round farmers market.

Established in November 2006 as a 13-market initiative over the winter months to extend the local growing season, the market has evolved into a beloved Saturday ritual for area families and an essential launching pad for local food and craft entrepreneurs. As demand from both vendors and shoppers continued to grow, the market extended its calendar beyond its original winter roots, outgrowing its seasonal name along the way.

“For 19 years we called ourselves the Winter Farmers Market. Which made perfect sense in November, but less so in April or July. So it was time to re-imagine the market to be around for another 20 years. Now we are open every Saturday, all year long — and we’re just getting started,” said Sari Kimbell, Owner and Operator of Wildcraft Farmers Market.

Today, Wildcraft Farmers Market is home to over 250 local growers, ranchers, makers, artisans, and providers arriving from the four corners of the state and Wyoming. On market Saturdays, shoppers can explore 90 to 130+ local vendors bringing everything from pasture-raised eggs, seasonal produce, and fresh-baked sourdough to mushrooms, coffee, sauces, handcrafted jewelry, body care, and original art.

In 2020, the market relocated from its longtime home inside Opera Galleria to Foothills Mall, initially to accommodate COVID safety protocols — and quickly discovered the benefits of the midtown location: ample free parking, room to grow, and a community that embraced it immediately. By 2024, vendor and shopper demand pushed the season to 24 markets over six months. Now, in its 20th anniversary season, the market makes its final leap to fully year-round — 50 Saturdays annually — and launches Wildcraft Community Fund, a nonprofit arm dedicated to expanding community access and programming.

“For 20 years we’ve watched this market change people’s Saturdays — and honestly, change their lives. The vendors who launched their first products here, the families who’ve been coming since their kids were in strollers, the relationships strengthened with each visit — it all has a ripple effect,” Kimbell said. “Wildcraft Community Fund allows us to make sure that story belongs to everyone, including the people who haven’t felt like the farmers market was for them. That’s the whole point.”

In celebration of 20 years, Wildcraft Farmers Market is inviting the community to share their market memories. Shoppers, vendors, and community members who have been part of the Wildcraft story are encouraged to submit their memories — in writing or by video — through a simple form at wildcraftmarkets.com. Stories may be featured in anniversary programming, a short film, social media, and market events throughout the year.

As Wildcraft Farmers Market enters this milestone 20th year, local organizations and businesses are invited to partner with the market as sponsors. Sponsorship opportunities allow community-minded companies to champion regional agriculture, support small-business growth, and connect directly with thousands of shoppers every month.