If you live in Fountain, Security-Widefield, or anywhere in the surrounding Fountain Valley, there’s a good chance you’ve heard your neighbors talking about Saturday mornings at Metcalfe Park. Every summer, this quiet neighborhood park transforms into one of the liveliest gathering spots in southern El Paso County, and it’s become a genuine community tradition rather than just another shopping stop.
Whether you’re a longtime Fountain resident or you just moved into the area and are still getting your bearings, this guide covers everything you need to know about the Metcalfe Park Farmers Market — when it runs, what to expect, where to park, and why it’s worth making part of your weekend routine.
What Is the Metcalfe Park Farmers Market?
The Metcalfe Park Farmers Market (also known locally as the Fountain Community Market) is a seasonal, outdoor market held in the heart of Fountain. It’s organized and run by longtime market coordinator Diane Jackson-Redden, and it’s built around a simple mission: connect local growers, makers, and small businesses directly with the community they serve.
Unlike a big-box retail experience, this is a market where you can actually talk to the person who grew your tomatoes or baked your sourdough. It’s a chance to support neighbors instead of national chains, and over the years it’s grown into one of the most consistent and well-attended markets in the greater Colorado Springs area.
Find it on the map: Metcalfe Park, 618 E Ohio Ave, Fountain, CO 80817
When Does the Market Run?
Mark your calendars — here’s the full 2026 season schedule:
- Season: Saturday, May 30, 2026 through Saturday, September 26, 2026
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM every Saturday
- Frequency: Weekly, rain or shine (weather-dependent exceptions are announced on the market’s Facebook page)
That’s a full 18 weeks of Saturdays to work into your summer and early fall plans. Because it runs consistently every week rather than just a handful of dates, it’s easy to build into a regular routine — grab coffee, walk the market, and knock out your weekend errands all in one trip.
Where Is Metcalfe Park Located?
Metcalfe Park sits at 618 E Ohio Ave, Fountain, CO 80817, just off Fountain Mesa Road, one of the main arteries connecting the eastern side of Fountain to Highway 85/87 (South Academy Boulevard corridor). The park’s central location makes it an easy stop whether you’re coming from:
- Downtown Fountain / Main Street — just a few minutes away, so many visitors turn market day into a longer outing by stopping into Main Street shops and eateries afterward
- Security-Widefield — a short, direct drive south via Fontaine Boulevard or Highway 85/87
- Fort Carson — easily accessible for military families living on or near post who want a taste of local small-town character
- Fountain Creek Regional Park and Nature Center — located nearby along Fountain Creek, making it easy to combine a market visit with a walk along the trails or a stop at the nature center
Because Metcalfe Park itself is a neighborhood park (not just a parking lot or empty field), it has shade trees, open lawn space, and a gazebo — all of which play a role in what makes the market such a pleasant place to spend a Saturday morning.
What to Expect at the Market
Local Produce and Farm-Fresh Goods
The backbone of any good farmers market is, of course, the produce — and Metcalfe Park delivers. Seasonal fruits and vegetables from regional growers fill many of the booths, with familiar names like Musso Farms out of Pueblo becoming a regular presence starting in mid-June, once their summer produce comes into season. Depending on the week, you’ll find sweet corn, peppers, melons, squash, and other Colorado-grown staples.
Handmade Goods and Local Artisans
Beyond produce, the market regularly hosts more than 40 vendors selling:
- Handmade jewelry and accessories
- Baked goods and homemade treats
- Honey, jams, and preserves
- Home decor and crafts
- Body care products
- Art from local makers
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift or just want to support a neighbor’s small business, this is the place to find it.
Food Trucks, Drinks, and Music
Market day isn’t just about shopping — it’s a social event. Food trucks are a regular fixture, along with fruity summer drinks and, on many Saturdays, a DJ setting the mood. It’s common to see families making a full morning of it: grabbing breakfast from a food truck, browsing the booths, and letting the kids run around the park.
Face Painting and Family Fun
Metcalfe Park’s gazebo often hosts face painting and other family-friendly activities, making the market an easy choice for parents looking for a low-key, budget-friendly weekend activity. It’s one of the few Fountain events where toddlers, teenagers, and grandparents all tend to find something to enjoy.
Why the Metcalfe Park Farmers Market Matters to the Fountain Community
Farmers markets do more than sell vegetables. In a growing community like Fountain — one that’s absorbed a lot of new residents in recent years thanks to its proximity to Fort Carson and affordability compared to Colorado Springs proper — events like this one serve a real purpose:
- They build community identity. In a city that’s growing quickly, a weekly gathering spot gives longtime residents and newcomers a shared, recurring reason to connect.
- They support the local economy. Every dollar spent at a vendor booth stays largely within the community, supporting small growers and makers rather than large out-of-area retailers.
- They give newer residents a sense of place. For military families relocating to Fort Carson, or anyone new to the Fountain Valley, a Saturday at Metcalfe Park is one of the fastest ways to start feeling like part of the neighborhood.
Tips for Visiting Metcalfe Park Farmers Market
- Arrive early if you want the best selection of produce — popular items from vendors like Musso Farms can sell out by late morning during peak season.
- Bring cash, though many vendors do accept cards or mobile payment — cash still moves fastest at busy booths.
- Bring a reusable bag or two. With 40+ vendors, purchases add up quickly.
- Check the weather. As an outdoor market, extreme weather can occasionally shift hours — the market’s Facebook page is the best place to check for last-minute updates.
- Combine it with other errands. Because Metcalfe Park is centrally located near Fountain Mesa Road, it’s easy to pair a market visit with a stop downtown on Main Street or a walk through Fountain Creek Regional Park afterward.
Plan Your Saturday in Fountain
The Metcalfe Park Farmers Market is a great example of what makes the Fountain and Security-Widefield area special — a tight-knit, community-first atmosphere that’s harder to find as the Colorado Springs metro continues to grow. If you’re new to the area, it’s one of the easiest ways to meet neighbors, support local growers, and get a feel for the community.
This guide is brought to you by Integrity Home Buyers Colorado, proud to serve homeowners throughout Fountain, Security-Widefield, and the greater El Paso County area. Whether you’re settling into the neighborhood or just love supporting local events, we’re glad to call this community home.