There’s a new market in town. Well, not really “new,” but new to us. The Desert West Market is moving from Peoria to Estrella Mountain Community College! Starting in October, the market will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (8 a.m. to noon during the summer) every Saturday on the main campus, 3000 N. Dysart Road, Avondale.
The market features about 175 local vendors selling everything from local honey, fresh bread, farm fresh eggs, and produce to pottery, jewelry, skincare, and homemade candles.
“We have it all,” Desert West Market Owner Peyton Ruggles said. “But what I feel makes us stand out is that we also have many artisan booths and fun things for the whole family, like lawn games, face painting, and a caricature artist.”
The market will also have four food trucks and more than 10 vendors serving barbecue, pizza, tacos, and Hawaiian food, just to name a few. Live music will also be a staple.
“Over the years, we used to rotate our musicians, but this year, we decided to book Russel Alan every week because he is always a crowd favorite with an amazing voice and is so incredible to work with,” Ruggles said.
The market has been open for about five years. Formerly called the Park West Market, it operated out of the Park West Shopping Center in Peoria for the majority of that time. But new lease restrictions prevented hot food vendors from participating, so the market temporarily moved to the Peoria Sports Complex while it searched for a new permanent home.
“We made the decision to move our market family because we believe that a market is nothing without our hot food vendors, and we feel removing them not only hurts many small businesses but also would impact the customer experience greatly,” Ruggles said. “We are beyond excited and grateful to be relocating our market family to EMCC. This opportunity has been such a blessing to small businesses, including mine. We’re looking forward to growing with the community and providing a place to gather and enjoy a beautiful day out with friends and family, all while supporting small businesses.”
The market will be set up in Parking Lot F. Patrons can park in Lot E. Enter from Thomas Road. Admission and parking are free. Vendors accept cash and credit, and EBT card holders can get “market cash” from the information booth to purchase food that is intended to be taken home.
Special holiday markets are set for Dec. 6, 13, and 20; and a “Mom’s Day Out” market is set for March 7, 2026.
If you would like to be a vendor at Desert West Market, CLICK HERE.
(Are you a currently-enrolled EMCC student looking to sell items or promote your business? Learn how to apply for one of the limited registration fee waivers available for students here.)