An Annual Affair
Seattle’s Favorite Street Markets
Still crazy after all these years. The Fremont Sunday Market, a beloved Seattle institution, has a rich and eclectic history that dates back to 1990 and where our journey started curbside. It began as a small neighborhood event in the quirky and artistic Fremont district, known for its bohemian vibe and community spirit.
The market was co-founded by Jon & Candace Hegeman, inspired by European-style street markets, with the vision of creating a vibrant community gathering space where people could come together, share their crafts, and enjoy the local culture.
In its early years, the market was modest, featuring a handful of vendors selling homemade crafts, vintage items, and locally grown produce. The founders focused on fostering a sense of community and encouraging local artisans to showcase their talents. Over time, the market gained popularity, attracting a diverse array of vendors and visitors and now grown over two blocks and hosting over 200+ vendors weekly.
The market's eclectic nature is one of its defining features. Visitors can find an assortment of goods, including handmade jewelry, unique clothing, art, antiques, and international foods. The variety of offerings reflects the diverse interests and backgrounds of the vendors and patrons. The market has also become a platform for emerging artists and entrepreneurs, providing them with an opportunity to connect with the community and gain exposure.
Throughout its history, Northwest Marketplaces has evolved its markets in response to the changing needs and interests of the community to support our small business community. It has expanded in new markets like in Ballard, Magnuson Park Hangar 30, South Lake Union and now the Seattle’s crown jewel - Waterfront Park. Special events and themed markets have been introduced, such as holiday markets and night markets, further enhancing the market's appeal and drawing larger crowds.
All of our market's presence has contributed to the neighborhood's identity, reinforcing Fremont's reputation as a creative and dynamic community.
Meet Our Staff
Ryan Hegeman Reiter - President
Ryan Reiter is an award-winning event producer and second-generation member of the family behind Northwest Marketplaces.
Having grown up in the world of markets since the age of 12, Ryan now leads the organization with a passion for creating vibrant, community-focused events. Paired with years of hands-on experience working in Hollywood and fim festivals Sundance - he has a deep understanding of the local landscape, he has expanded the company’s reach while staying true to its roots — supporting small businesses, fostering neighborhood connections, and transforming public spaces into thriving marketplaces.
Contact Ryan Reiter - ryan@nwmarketplaces.com
Jerry Brooks - Managing Director
Jerry Brooks has been an integral part of the Northwest Marketplaces team for over 14 years, leading event operations with a steady hand and a sharp eye for detail. Now serving as Managing Director, Jerry brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for creating seamless, community-driven market experiences.
A proud military veteran, Jerry brings his trademark dedication, discipline, and commitment to excellence to everything he does — supporting our team, our vendors, and the success of our growing family of markets across Seattle. With Jerry at the helm, you’re in great hands!
Contact Jerry Brooks - jerry@nwmarketplaces.com
Brendan Hellar – Vendor Hospitality & General Manager
Brendan Hellar’s journey with Northwest Marketplaces began as a street monitor, and his dedication and positive energy quickly made him a standout team member. After returning as a Market Manager, Brendan stepped into a larger leadership role, now spearheading Vendor Hospitality across our family of markets.
He’s been instrumental in improving the vendor reservation process and streamlining operations to create a smoother, more welcoming experience for vendors and shoppers alike.
With a passion for community and a sharp eye for logistics, Brendan helps keep the magic running curbside every weekend!
Contact Brendan Hellar - brendan@nwmarketplaces.com
Gabe De-Vet Adair - Market Operations Coordinator
We’re excited to welcome Gabe De-Vet Adair as the newest member of the Northwest Marketplaces team! A Pacific Northwest native and a fellow artist, Gabe brings a creative touch and a strong connection to the local maker community — with a background in illustration and comics.
When he’s not supporting our vendors and events, you can often find Gabe vending at local favorites like the Punk Rock Flea Market, bringing his unique flair and community spirit full circle. We’re thrilled to have him on board!
Contact Gabe - gabe@nwmarketplaces.com
Jon & Candace Hegeman - Founders Spotlight
Over 35 years ago, Jon and Candace Hegeman launched what would become Northwest Marketplaces — starting with a bold community experiment in an empty Seattle parking lot. Inspired by their travels through Europe and the energy of England’s local street markets, the couple envisioned a space where creativity, commerce, and community could thrive curbside.
Candace, a beloved local artist best known for her whimsical Catzilla artwork, brought her personal experience as a vendor to life — drawing from the vibrant market culture she had once been part of abroad. Her artistic spirit, paired with Jon’s community-building vision, laid the foundation for what has now grown into a beloved family of markets across the region.
Their legacy lives on in every booth, every block, and every weekend market where makers, artists, and small businesses gather to share their craft with their son, Ryan.
Seasonal & Part-Time Staff
Nicole Henning - Membership Coordinator & Onboarding
Elliot Goldenberg - Market Operations Manager
Dan Imler - Facilties & Market Operations Manager
Nicholas Foulger - Facilties and Marmet Ops Assistant
Interested in working at Northwest Marketplaces?
Apply Today with your resume & cover letter to hello@nwmarketplaces.com
Seasonal Market Market
Market Ambassadors & Street Monitors
Marketing
Vendor Coordination & Hospitality
Cultural & Community Programming