About

[Urban Harvest is] a symbiotic relationship between downtown business, artists, entertainers, food vendors and the Farmers Market…[it] fills the sidewalks with people, and is a step in the right direction. - Bismarck Tribune Editorial July 11, 2006

2021 Year:

The summer of 2021 marks the sixteenth season of Urban Harvest (since the 2020 season was canceled due to COVID). Every Thursday from July 22 through August 12, downtown Bismarck will be transformed into a picturesque open-air market that features a variety of local artists, crafters, food vendors, farmers and entertainers.

Located in Historic Downtown Bismarck, on the corner of 4th and Broadway, Urban Harvest market hours are 11:00am to 8:00pm. In addition, the Urban Harvest stage offers a children’s time, lunchtime performance and evening concers beginning at 6pm.

History:

Urban Harvest was founded in the spring of 2005 by a group of four women. All were North Dakota natives who moved out-of-state and then returned to Bismarck to raise families. Outdoor public marketplaces were thriving in the cities and towns where they had lived or visited. Such a marketplace here in Bismarck/Mandan could give this city the economic and cultural outlet it was lacking. And so, Urban Harvest was born. Great crowds and participation by vendors, musicians, community organizations, and shoppers alike made it clear that Urban Harvest was filling a niche, and that the community was supportive of its continued growth.

Why do we do it?

To introduce members of the community to the businesses and artists who live here; to create a fun, friendly event that brings people downtown and shows shoppers the value of supporting the local economy!

Since its inception, one of Urban Harvest’s main goals has been to highlight and support the local economy. All of the vendors and entertainers participating in the market represent local business, local art, local talent and local flavor.

Our focus on Bismarck’s local economy was inspired by two beliefs held deeply by our organization. First, we believe that a healthy local economy inspires innovation, entrepreneurship, and community building, and that all of these factors are integral to a high quality of life. Secondly, we believe that Bismarck’s economic environment is not only thriving, but is totally unique, and its identity deserves to be preserved.