Survival Guide to Portland Saturday Market + WIN $25 Gift Certificate
June 15, 2011 — PDXPIPELINEWe have a $25 Gift Card to give away for Portland Saturday Market! To win, comment on this post on why you like the market or want to buy, etc. Winner will be drawn and emailed on Friday, June @ 3PM.
Reminder: We give out 1000 of $$$ in free tickets every week including to many of the top music and art venues in Portland. Join our email list to win.
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From our sponsors at Saturday Market:
Survival Guide to Portland Saturday Market
By Reid Decker
Summer time is here and that means getting outside.
Visiting the Market is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. The Market is more than just an attraction or something to do, it is an experience. For many people it is a life style.
Whether you found the Market on your own or you came down with a friend or relative, this is your chance to interact with the person who made the products you are purchasing. Getting to know the artist will make you feel better about your Market buys.
The vendors you meet at the Market are more than happy to chat about their process and are proud of the labor and ingenuity that goes into making their products. Sharing their story is part of the process.
Remember to shop wisely. This isn't a big box store. These artists don't produce millions of pieces to sell at the lowest cost possible. They have put time and energy and the creative process into each piece they make. Now it is your responsibility to care about that process and give it value for yourself. When shopping at the Market you are supporting a local artist.
Print out this list as a handy tool:
- Money: cash is the preferred form of payment but, not the only method. There are three ATM’s that charge a $3.50 fee and the line can get long. Most vendors accept credit cards in their booths. For the vendors who don’t have their own machines; you can fill out a visa slip and take it to the Portland Saturday Market (PSM) Information Booth and they will complete your transaction for the vendor, sending you back to the vendor with a receipt to collect your merchandise. This is a very convenient method if you only have plastic.
- If you are traveling from a state with sales tax, this is heaven for you. Oregon has no sales tax and that entire savings stays in your pocket.
- Layers upon layers: having the right clothing can make the shopping experience better. Over 60 % of the Market is covered but, it’s an outdoor market in a beautiful park setting and the weather can change quickly. Whether the weather is hot or whether the weather is cold you’ll want to be prepared.
- Comfortable shoes: these puppies go a long way to keep your dogs from barking. Remember to pace yourself, this isn’t a marathon. Enjoy all the sights and sounds of the Market and especially the smells in the food court.
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses: this is especially important for the little ones.
- A tote or backpack: You’ll want something to carry your layers as you peel them on and off, and something to hold your purchases. Canvas totes are sturdy, roomy, and environmentally friendly and if you want a souvenir to remember your trip you can purchase a tote at the PSM Info Booth.
- Water/Food: These items can be purchased at any one of the twenty-two international food booths at the Market. If the lines are too long and you just want a snack, several vendors throughout the Market make wonderful treat like chocolate, kettlecorn and baked goods.
- Cell Phone: make sure it is fully charged because you may find yourself at the Market longer that you thought. With over 258 booths, there’s a lot of ground to cover. Sometimes it is nice to go your separate ways and purchase the person you are with a special gift. With a cell phone you can meet up at a later time.
- Notepad and Camera: sometimes it’s hard to remember what product belongs to which artist. Some simple notes will help you to follow up with a later purchase online. There are a lot of great moments to capture on camera and revisit years down the road.
- Glasses & Medication
- Maps: not all phones have GPS
- Toddlers & kids: baby bottles, snacks, diapers and strollers
- Man’s best friend: You love them and so do we. Make sure they are on a leash and that you are prepared if they make a mess.
- A good attitude: the Market has shopping, people watching, music to listen to and a plethora of food for you to sample. All the walking is great exercise. Looking at all the art feeds the mind. None of that works unless you come prepared. The Market is good for the mind, body and soul.
- Admission: FREE
June 15, 2011 at 12:24
I would really appreciate a gift cert to the saturday market! I haven’t been able to treat myself to much lately due to financial junk
June 15, 2011 at 12:24
Saturday Market has the best produce in portland! The best way to be sure that u buy fresh and local! I will continue to shop the market, though $25 would be a great incentive!! ;-)
June 15, 2011 at 12:24
25 dollars to use on local art? Yes please! I would love to win!
June 15, 2011 at 12:28
It’s been too long since I have visited the Saturday Market. What a great way to get me there!
June 15, 2011 at 12:31
Support local artists!!! We all need to spend more to help out our artist community!! I love the Saturday Market!
June 15, 2011 at 12:34
There is a piece of metal art that I have been eyeing at the Saturday market and the $25 would mean I’d be buying it!!!
June 15, 2011 at 12:35
My daughter will be 9 next week and deserves a Saturday market shopping day for her hard work and positive attitude in 3rd grade and with her lessons at the Community Music Center! Thank you!
June 15, 2011 at 12:35
The music, food, people, handcrafted treasures, the fresh air all the makings of a wonderful memory. Saturday Market reminds me that I live in a community like back in the days before Wall-Mart and big box stores. This concept encourages the vendors in their creativity as well as a venue to show and sell their wares. This is the place to be!
June 15, 2011 at 12:35
25 bucks to spend at the saturday market? Oh yes please. I could do with some more fork rings.
June 15, 2011 at 12:39
Would love to find some beautiful new art to fill my blank walls and display at friends’ coffee shops!
June 15, 2011 at 12:39
I’ve been a supporter and shopper of Saturday Market since it’s inception. Especially wonderful for Christmas and birthday gifts! However, since becoming disabled and having to go on Social Security Disability, I’ve not been able to afford to give gifts, let alone visit and support the local artists at Portland Saturday Market. Winning a gift card in any amount would certainly be a special treat and a blessing. Thank you for your consideration~
June 15, 2011 at 12:39
I am a Saturday Market fan! I don’t go down to stroll the aisles as much as I might like, but I do appreciate having it there…and I hope we’ll have the opportunity to sell our shirts there! For now, they are online at DooTees.info. But someday (maybe in the not too distant future) we will have them at the Market.
June 15, 2011 at 12:40
Never been to the Saturday market. A gift card would be a great way to start!!
June 15, 2011 at 12:41
I would love this! So much great art down there that I would have a blast deciding what to get!
June 15, 2011 at 12:51
I would love to buy my wife a present, and she LOVES all the awesome jewelry, etc. from Saturday Market!
June 15, 2011 at 12:58
I like fruit.
June 15, 2011 at 13:08
Yeah Saturday Market! Please pick me
June 15, 2011 at 13:09
I’ve never been there but I’m moving to Portland from MN in July and would love a gift card to bring when I go check it out!
June 15, 2011 at 13:09
I have no extra $ and I’d love to be able to buy my brother a present for his birthday……..one from a local artist/craftsperson at the Market would be great!
June 15, 2011 at 13:47
I’m new to Portland, and so far, I <3 it!! It's getting expensive to go to all the new and wonderful festivities, places to eat, etc!! I'd love a gift to help support local economy and get some "local" in my world!
June 15, 2011 at 13:53
Im broke and need to eat more veggies!!
June 15, 2011 at 13:56
i want to buy fresh fruit!
June 15, 2011 at 14:02
I’d like to get loads of fennel. Fennel and oysters.
June 15, 2011 at 14:27
Oh man, thanks for the heads-up guys!
June 15, 2011 at 14:28
I’d love to go support our local artists. Many of the vendors are friends of mine, and you couldn’t buy nicer things from nicer people! It’s a dream of mine to one day have a booth of my own.
June 15, 2011 at 14:28
I love buying from local artists. I’m sure I would buy something with feathers with the gift card.
June 15, 2011 at 14:44
$25 more to spread to local people for handmade wares? Yes please. I can’t wait ’til Saturday market.
June 15, 2011 at 15:07
I think if I won I would buy handmade soap and earrings. I love the Saturday market for it’s diversity mostly and the musicians who set up and play for change. There aren’t many other cities in the U.S. With such a unique event… And we get it every week!!!
June 15, 2011 at 16:27
I’d give it to my dad for Father’s Day! Growing up my dad made it to EVERY basketball game, other sporting event, and grade school concert of mine (and my older sister, and my younger sister)! He coached all of us, taught us to love competition and to be a good winner (or loser!). I believe he should/would spend the money on one of those wood engravings with his favorite sport team. The crazy thing is that even if he got the certificate as a gift, he’d probably split the money with my mom! Haha!
June 15, 2011 at 20:07
thanks for the tips. there is always something fun and unique at the saturday market.
June 15, 2011 at 21:01
can i have?
June 16, 2011 at 07:01
I’ve been going to the Portland Saturday Market since I was a child. Besides being a great venue for people watching, I love to go down there for lunch. My favorite part? The sweet older lady at the Pad Thai cart. I’d love to be able to treat a couple friends to lunch and that gift card would sure help!
June 16, 2011 at 09:12
I have such great memories of saturday market from a kid to an adult. I love supporting local artists and businesses. Help me support portland businesses!
June 16, 2011 at 11:18
I love the market, but have been under a bit of a budget. I love the flavored roasted nuts and jewelery.
June 16, 2011 at 11:20
My dog is on a vet-ordered diet and there is a booth at the Market that sells cookies for your “pudgy pet.” Perfect.
June 16, 2011 at 13:18
I love the saturday market because #1 the vendors are amazing and you can always find something unique and #2 there’s this guy dressed up as jimi hendrix which is just plain awesome. AND there’s really tasty foods. And ice cream. I’m a big fan!! and having $25 to spend at this weekend’s saturday market would be fantastico!!
June 16, 2011 at 15:08
I love supporting small local businesses in our community. The Market is a perfect showcase for this!.
June 16, 2011 at 15:12
I haven’t been to Sat Market in a couple years … I’d love a $25 certificate!!
June 16, 2011 at 15:14
Saturday market is always such fun to go and wander, and I love “window” shopping at all the booths. As a grad student, my budget means I can rarely support our wonderful and unique local artists. A gift certificate would help change that!
June 16, 2011 at 15:47
Since I moved to the Couv, I don’t get downtown very much except for running events but it’s usually not open as we go by! Maybe a gift cert would get me back there quicker!
June 16, 2011 at 16:00
I want to get some handmade soaps and such for upcoming family birthdays.
June 16, 2011 at 16:09
I want to buy people presents, but my dough is low. Hook me up so I can spread joy!
June 16, 2011 at 16:11
Yes please—I love the Saturday market!
June 16, 2011 at 16:13
I have been a proud Portlander for several years now and have yet to enjoy the Saturday Market..what is wrong with me?? Please break this curse and seduce me with a gift certificate for this weekend! Thank you!
June 16, 2011 at 16:18
I love the spark, energy, and creative roots of the Portland Saturday Market……Not all big cities are as lucky as Portland to have such a treasure mix of special artists. (I’m originally from Minneapolis/St.Paul area and we didn’t have an Artists Market there every week). Just so proud that my city has provided this to the people. I visit the market 3-4 times a year….and each time I see something or someone new. Winning a Certificate would sure make me lucky!
June 16, 2011 at 16:20
Portland Saturday Market: A great, colorful way to spend an afternoon, both literally (colorful merchandise) and figuratively (colorful people)!
June 16, 2011 at 16:21
I love to find unique items at Saturday Market. My favorite are bags (purses). Gift Certificate…YES!
June 16, 2011 at 16:21
…because I want to gorge myself on organic produce until I turn into a real live mascot for a Fruit of the Loom commercial!
June 16, 2011 at 16:28
Please may I have it!? I’d really love to go and blow someone else’s money besides my own!! Thanks:)
June 16, 2011 at 16:30
I want to win because I love the market, I need to find something for my lovely man for his first father’s day, and because we’re broke this weekend, boo!
June 16, 2011 at 16:52
first : carniverous plants
second : king of BBQ barbeque sauce
Best ever!! please pick me
June 16, 2011 at 17:03
$25 of elephant ears.
June 16, 2011 at 17:05
I love the Saturday Market! I’m currently unemployed so $25 would enable me to have a fun and stress-free day strolling through the market and buying something great.
June 16, 2011 at 17:07
Saturday Market is a great way to spend time with the kids and with $25 we could get elephant ears for all!
June 16, 2011 at 17:15
I’m an underpaid (read poor) social worker who needs a little self care due to the massive amounts of craziness that has been happening with my clients. The way I see it, it’s either quality time outdoors relaxing and enjoying the best of what Portland has to offer (read Sat. Market) or drinking. I suppose that with the gift certificate I could do both! Talk about self-care at its best!
June 16, 2011 at 17:40
local crafts are awesome.
June 16, 2011 at 18:04
So good to get this reminder that Sat Market open all summer long and not just for xmas shopping! I remember going as a teen (I won’t say how many years ago) and it was amazing to see so many local vendors and artisans producing unique crafts. If anything, the market has only improved with age! I’d love a chance to do a little splurge shopping after a hard week of job searching.
June 16, 2011 at 18:22
If I already have a $25 cert to divvy up at the Market, I’m likely to spend *more* once I’m there – win win for all!
June 16, 2011 at 18:27
i almost died at saturday market…this would’ve come in handy.
June 16, 2011 at 18:49
Have been going since forever!
June 16, 2011 at 18:59
Love the Kitty Hooch booth. We’d have one happy cat with the $25 gc!
June 16, 2011 at 19:21
I need some wall art for my bare walls, pronto! I also double as a tour guide, so I’d live to tell about it, too!
June 16, 2011 at 19:21
It’s been YEARS since I’ve been able to get down to the Saturday Market to do some shopping! I’d love to go and get my shop on! :)
June 16, 2011 at 19:47
I love the market because it’s got such a unique Portland feel! Random cool stuff, fun atmosphere… it rocks :)
June 16, 2011 at 20:09
This little piggy went to market…
And squeeled all the way home, after purchasing the cribbage board I’ve eyed for a month
June 16, 2011 at 20:11
oh my…I can’t waaaaaaiiiiiittttt
June 16, 2011 at 20:53
what a great excuse to visit sat market! AND i can bring our exchange student from china! she’ll love it!
June 16, 2011 at 21:19
I would like to win because I have very little money and this would be a fun treat!
June 16, 2011 at 21:19
I love the market’s crazy vibrancy!
June 16, 2011 at 21:59
I love to browse the market to look for that perfect handmade item to add a beautiful touch to my home. As an artist with multiple chronic illnesses, I not only enjoy the local artisans, I speed healing by filling my home with beautiful things that lift my heart and fill my senses. That is exactly the type of thing I can find at the Portland Saturday Market. :-)
June 16, 2011 at 22:10
I love browsing at people watching at the Saturday Market. For a long time, I’ve wanted to buy a set of garden gnomes with the faces of my family on them. That would be cool!
June 16, 2011 at 22:11
Oops! I meant browsing and people watching . . .
June 16, 2011 at 22:32
Omg! My dad used to have a booth when I was a kid! I haven’t been there in years! I would love to win A certificate to visit and get him A fathers day gift!
June 16, 2011 at 23:42
Despite growing up in Portland, I have only been do Saturday Market a couple of times — and none of them recent. Would love to have a little extra $ to take my girlfriend who is not a Portland native! :)
June 17, 2011 at 00:54
One year, at market close, I came upon good fortune was enabled to purchase a vendor’s entire inventory. Thus was able to donate all of his hats and scarves to various organizations. Each trip I make to the market is truely unique and the items purchased are well loved, timeless and commented upon for years afterward. How many times I have taken out-of-town guests who make purchases then want me to go back and get them “more”! Portland without Saturday Market would be like the rain without the sun!! I have a helpex member with me for two weeks and we WILL make the market adventure before she leaves!
June 17, 2011 at 01:45
love the market and i’d like to get my dad something good for fathers day but have little money
June 17, 2011 at 06:23
We love being able to talk to the people that grow/raise/make our food! Thanks for the chance to win!
June 17, 2011 at 07:50
I would love the certificate! That means more I can spend at the market!
June 17, 2011 at 08:51
Fresh Air and Shopping! What could be better than that?
June 17, 2011 at 09:58
Please. Pretty please.
June 17, 2011 at 10:08
Still trying to find the man who sells nba/college etc sports themed wooden plaques….any help? That’s what I want. Go bruins!
June 17, 2011 at 10:27
Free money to spend at my favorite place to shop! I would buy food (it always tastes better at the Portland Saturday Market) and I wonder if those ladies still sell those great hats there (I need a new one).
June 17, 2011 at 11:07
From the east coast and brand new to Portland…already in LOVE with the Saturday market! Love to support local vendors and the art is spectacular. Loans from grad. school are killing me so $25 would be the biggest help! Anyways, the Saturday market…highly recommended!!
June 17, 2011 at 11:08
It would be a fun afternoon date and I’d love to be able to actually treat my honey to something local and sweet!
June 17, 2011 at 13:42
I haven’t been in Portland, where I grew up, for a year and a half! I love the Saturday Market and I would love to bring my father there this weekend for fathers day. We’ve been getting along better than we ever have in my 23 years of life! When I was a little girl he used to take me to the market. I would love to return the favor.
June 17, 2011 at 13:44
I love purchasing from very friendly, talented local people!
June 17, 2011 at 14:50
Love the market and I’d like to win and spend it on it’s anniversary!
June 17, 2011 at 15:25
I’m not sure what I’d buy. I’ve never been. But I’m coming out from Chicago for my first time next week.
June 17, 2011 at 20:28
Because I can always fund something unique and run into someone I know
June 17, 2011 at 21:46
Love showin off the new baby boy at the market, what can I say? I’m a proud poppa, gimme $25 to spend on him…
June 18, 2011 at 23:30
Have been going to Saturday Market for 30 years now and love that there are still a couple of the same vendors – Spoon Man and the older gentleman who will write your name in Chinese in his beautiful calligraphy. BIG fan of Tamara Adams – bar none best artist in Portland – would love to put a gift card towards a work of hers!
June 23, 2011 at 18:23
pick me —–pick me —–pick me —–pick me —–pick me —– pick me —– pick me —– pick me —– pick me —– pick me
ty
June 24, 2011 at 11:36
I’ve been coming to Saturday Market since the very beginning and love it. I feel like I’m immersed in PDX when I’m there.
July 1, 2011 at 12:40
Saturday Market is a great place to find the perfect pick-me-up and support local crafty artisans. Whenever I’m there, I pretend I’m in an urban fantasy novel.. Pick Me!
July 7, 2011 at 17:06
I can appreciate the hard work the artists put into making a living. However, I prefer Farmer’s Market, because they actually sell things I can use. I am not implying that Saturday Market sells junk, but where in the market can I find a locally made calendar or umbrella? I have to go to the Dollar Store to buy certain things that SM currently does not sell. Just saying is all, thanks.
July 7, 2011 at 23:30
Got some friends visiting! What a treat to be able to treat them to something local :-)
July 22, 2011 at 20:21
Wonderful incentive to check out the Saturday Market ;-)