Farmers’ Markets have become increasingly popular over the years, making fresh, local produce more accessible to consumers. It’s an awesome way for farmers to connect directly with their customers. How often do you get to meet the people who grow your food? We find it pretty awesome to have the chance to connect with the farmers/artisans and pick up some tips on how to cook the ingredients we purchase from them. Supporting local farmers ensures that they can continue to operate, which has become more and more competitive alongside mass agricultural production or factory farming.
Even better, many farmers’ markets offer minimally processed and organic produce, so you can ensure that you’re getting the best quality. Depending on the market you visit, you can expect to find fresh, local produce, meats/eggs/cheese (from animals that have been raised without the use of hormones or antibiotics), flowers, art, hot food and live music. Though your local farmers’ market may not have everything on your grocery list, it is a great alternative to pick up your fruits/veggies and animal protein.
If you’ve never visited a farmers’ market, there’s no better time to start than this week! We’ve included a list of weekly Farmers’ Markets that take place right here in the Bay Area. Have you visited any? What are your favorite locations to visit?
MONDAY
- 50 Fremont Plaza Farmers’ Market – First street (between Mission and Market) in San Francisco; everything is certified organic and pesticide free; Mondays from 11 AM – 3 PM
TUESDAY
- Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market – Ferry Building, downtown San Francisco (Market & Embarcadero); Tuesdays/Thursdays from 10 AM – 2 PM, Saturdays from 8 AM – 2 PM
- Concord Farmers’ Market – Todos Santos Plaza in Concord; Tuesdays from 10 AM – 2 PM (Thursdays seasonal from 4 – 8 PM April-October 26)
- 25th Ave. Farmers’ Market – 25th Ave. San Mateo; Tuesdays from 4 – 7:30 PM (seasonal from May – October)
WEDNESDAY
- Coast Side Farmers’ Market – Rockaway Beach, Pacifica; Wednesdays 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM (seasonal May – December)
- Kaiser Redwood City Farmers’ Market – Kaiser Medical Center, Redwood City; Wednesdays 10 AM – 2 PM (seasonal, April – November)
- Evergreen Farmers’ Market – Evergreen Village Square, San Jose; Wednesdays/Sundays from 9 AM – 1 PM
THURSDAY
- Mission Community Market – 22nd street (between Mission and Valencia) and Barlett Street in San Francisco; Thursdays from 4-8 PM
- Daly City Farmers’ Market – Serramonte Center, Daly City; Thursdays/Saturdays 9 AM – 1 PM
- Downtown Los Altos Farmers’ Market – 2nd Street, Los Altos; Thursdays from 4 PM – 8 PM (seasonal May – September)
FRIDAY
- Kaiser Oakland Farmers’ Market – Kaiser Oakland Medical Center; Fridays from 10 AM – 2 PM
- Creekside Farmers’ Market – Creekside Park, Cupertino; Fridays from 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
- Downtown San Jose Farmers’ Market – 1 N San Pedro Street, San Jose; Fridays from 10 AM – 2 PM (seasonal May – November)
SATURDAY
- Castro Valley Farmers’ Market – Corner of Redwood Road and Norbridge Ave in Castro Valley; Saturdays from 10 AM – 2 PM
- Coast Side Farmers’ Market – Shoreline Station, Half Moon Bay; Saturdays 9 AM – 1 PM (seasonal, May – December)
- College of San Mateo Farmers’ Market – College of San Mateo campus; Saturdays 9 AM – 1 PM
- Morgan Hill Farmers’ Market – Train Depot Station, Morgan Hill; Saturdays from 9 AM – 1 PM
- Sunnyvale Farmer’s Market – Murphy Ave. at Washington, Sunnyvale; Saturdays from 9 AM – 1 PM
SUNDAY
- Jack London Square Farmers’ Market – Webster Street at Embarcadero West in Jack London Square’s Palm Plaza in Oakland; Sundays from 10 AM – 3 PM
- Divisidero Farmers’ Market – Grove and Divisidero Street in San Francisco; Sundays from 10 AM – 2 PM
- Belmont Farmers’ Market – Caltrain Station, Belmont Parking Lot E; Sundays from 9 AM – 1 PM
- Mountain View Farmers’ Market – Caltrain Station, Mountain View; Sundays from 9 AM – 1 PM
- Palo Alto Farmers’ Market – California Ave. & El Camino, Palo Alto; Sundays from 9 AM – 1 PM
