Once you've been to a farmers' market in LA, there's just no going back.
The long, sunny SoCal growing season means the vendors are brimming with fresh produce, no matter the season–meaning there's more time for you to nibble on the perfectly sweet strawberries and try veggie varieties that never make it to the grocery store shelves.
With more than 100 California Certified Farmers Markets across LA County, it’s hard to know exactly where to head this weekend. Well, we've done our homework and we're sharing it with you.
Read on for IMPASTIAMO's complete list of farmer's markets in LA.
Address: 920 Meridian Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030
The South Pasadena Farmers Market is an evening farmers market located in the historic South Pasadena area. Managed by the nonprofit South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce the public flock to this market every Thursday to grab a casual dinner from food vendors and groceries for the week. It’s also a kid friendly market place with cheerful holiday celebrations like trick or treating in October and a tree lighting ceremony in December.
The market is open Thursday 4 to 8 p.m. on warmer seasons and closes one hour early during the winter.
Address: 8400 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069
The Melrose Place Farmers Market might be pretty small compared to some on this list, but that’s also why we like it so much. This is the kind of market where you can grab a snack, pick up your produce for the week, and be in and out in 15 minutes. MP Farmers Market is mostly known for its fruit and vegetable stands (Frecker Farms is a favorite of ours), but you’ll find everything from jewelry to salsa to hand-poured candles. And that’s to say nothing of the world-class people-watching as well. Open Sundays, 10am-2pm.
Address: 6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Since its beginnings in 1934, The Original Farmers’ Market is the oldest market in Los Angeles. In stark contrast to Atwater, this market’s size is such that it cannot be conquered in a single outing. Luckily, it’s open daily for 12 hours (9am to 9pm) and for nine hours on Sundays. It takes true commitment, a big stomach and an even larger fridge to hit more than 100 grocers, food stalls and shops.
Address: 155-199 Arizona Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Santa Monica actually operates four different farmers markets, but the Wednesday morning farmers market is well known for spotting many chefs from LA’s best restaurants, who shop there. It’s for good reason, too, as this farmers market not only has the sweetest fruits and freshest vegetables, but some of the local farms carry harder-to-find vegetables like huacatay (originally from Peru) and opa basil.
Address: 3528 Larga Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Many people overlook this small market, but it’s easy to find your basics and then some. Every Sunday, fresh produce and vegan cheeses are offered at the Atwater Village Farmers’ Market, but the true stars are the food vendors. Caribbean Gourmet serves up Guyanese cuisine and is the only reliable beef patty purveyor on the east side of town.
From pupusas to oysters, the other vendors make this market a great place for lunch, not just shopping.
Address: 3650 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008
Located at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, the Crenshaw Farmers’ Market features dozens of local farmers, food stalls, and artisan vendors. While we always leave plenty of time to wander around and check out what’s new, some of our go-to stalls include the tremendous Caribbean food at Who’s Hungry Catering, Delmy’s Pupusas, and Divine Harvest for our weekly produce haul. Depending on availability and COVID-19 restrictions, there are also monthly events ranging from cooking demonstrations to DJs to Zumba classes. Open Saturdays, 10am-3pm.
Address: 1600 Ivar Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
The Hollywood Farmers Market is one of the biggest farmers markets in the whole area, with 160 vendors, ranging from local farmers and producers to all kinds of artisans. There are some of Southern California’s most famous farms like Harry’s Berries, pork from Peads & Barnetts and Japanese rice from Koda Farms. There’s no shortage of prepared foods as well, including macarons, locally made miso, and cured meats from one of LA’s best restaurants, Gwen.
Address: 101 N Glenoaks Blvd, Burbank, CA 91501
The Burbank Certified Farmers Market is strictly a farmers market. These guys mean business. You won’t find arts and crafts here, or a petting zoo. Just fresh produce and knowledgable growers, some of which have been at the market since the start in the 80’s. Organic cheeses, honey, baked goods and pre-made foods can also be found at the market. The proceeds raised by the non-profit market are donated to the Providence St. Joseph Hospital Foundation in Burbank which reinvests the funds into the community through healthcare services. The market happens every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
Address: 587 W Palm St, Altadena, CA 91001
The Altadena Farmers’ Market is the most underrated market in LA. For the majority of Angelinos, yes, it’s quite the trek that sends you past the already far-flung Pasadena to the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. But your Wednesday evening drive will be rewarded with a small, efficient, cozy farmers’ market. The tight spread leans towards produce, but it’s also one of the few markets featuring subscription-based fishmonger Trashfish, specializing in sustainable and lesser-known seafood.
Address: 9300 Civic Center Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
The market features special events such as a Kid’s Zone, Cookin’ Kids, Story Time, Community Services Department Showcase, Pie Bake and Piesta, PickleFest and hosts more than 60 farmers and vendors every week. Open Sundays from 9am to 1pm, rain or shine. Seniors and those at high-risk may shop earlier on Sunday mornings from 8:00 am to 9:00 am.
Address: 500 Venice Blvd., Venice, CA 90291
Forget Erewhon - for nearly 35 years, the Venice Market has been where the locals go for California-grown fruits and veggies, flowers, and a wide variety of specialty foods. They definitely pack plenty into their parking lot space between North and South Venice Blvd, and wandering through the stands is part of the charm. Open Fridays, 7-11am.
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