The “Market” or “Pike Place” is home to over 200 year round businesses, nearly 200 craftspeople, over 100 farmers renting tables every day, and almost 300 street performers and musicians.

The market attracts 10 million visitors annually. You’ll find everything from the world famous flying fish to fresh flowers and delicious produce and homemade crafts.

Of course, the number one attraction is for the coffee addicted looking to pay homage: The very first Starbucks. The company that put Seattle on the map (after Boeing, Microsoft, and some others) got its start at the quintessential Seattle location in 1971.

History

Pike Place Market was born on August 17, 1907 when after years of price gouging and complaints, eight farmers met on the corner of First Avenue and Pike Street to sell their goods directly to their customers. Seattle City Councilman Thomas Revelle suggested customers could “meet the producer” directly, a philosophy still practiced at the market today. The farmers sold out their products and thousands of customers went home empty handed. By the end of the year, every space in the new Market building was full.

Take a Market Heritage Tour to learn more about “Pike Place” and some great shopping tips.