Farmers markets aren’t just a handy narrative device to show the progression of a relationship in a rom-com. They’re also an essential part of our local economies, and a tremendous way to support local artisans, farmers, butchers, cheesemongers, and food vendors (while also getting your knives sharpened). So we put together this guide to farmers markets across the city, where you can pick up locally produced goods, put your money back into the neighborhood you live in, and OK, yes, also maybe run into Zooey Deschanel filming her latest project.
For even more information on farmers markets near you, check out Sustainable Economic Enterprises of LA or StreetsLA.
The Spots
The Original Farmers Market
Open since 1934, The Original Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax is one of LA’s most recognizable landmarks, but if you write off this historic market as a mere tourist trap, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Sure, there will be plenty of out-of-towners wandering around taking photos of The Grove’s trolley, but the fact remains this place is stacked with tremendous vendors. From iconic stalls like Bennett’s Ice Cream, Bob’s Doughnuts, and Magee’s to specialty shops like Monsieur Marcel and Marconda’s Meats, The Original Farmers Market is a must-see destination whether it’s your first day here or you’ve lived in LA your entire life. Tip: Go right at 10am when it opens for zero crowds and the best produce. Open daily, 10am-6pm.
Atwater Village Farmers Market
One of the best-known markets among Eastsiders, the Atwater Village Market is like walking into a super-sized Whole Foods - and might have more produce, too. You’ll find fruits and produce from some of the top farms in the city (with names you’ll recognize from some great restaurant menus) like Tutti Frutti, Munoz Farm, and Spring Hill Cheese. There’s even an oyster bar, a knife sharpener, and a stand from Bleadblok, the excellent Westside gluten-free bread and pastry makers. Open Sundays, 10am-2pm.
Sign up for our newsletter.
Be the first to get expert restaurant recommendations for every situation right in your inbox.
Venice Farmers Market
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.
El Segundo Certified Farmers Market
Located on Main St. in front of City Hall, the El Segundo Market features fresh fruit and veggies from producers like Gaytan Family Farm in Mira Loma and Olson Family Farms in Kingsbury, plus floral bouquets, smoothies and juices, pre-made meals, cheeses, crafts, and more. Open Thursdays, 3-7pm.
Melrose Place Farmers Market
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.
South Pasadena Farmers’ Market
Located on Meridian Ave and El Centro next to the Gold Line station, the South Pas Market is a local fave with a wide range of California-grown fruit and vegetables, and an even wider selection of flowers, baked goods, shellfish, sundries (like goat’s milk soap), and food. Open Thursdays, 4-7pm.
Torrance Certified Farmers’ Market
Popping up in Wilson Park on Crenshaw, the Torrance Market has a little bit of everything - including fruit and vegetables from California growers like Harry’s Berries in Oxnard and Fillmore’s King & King Ranch, baked goods from Southwest Bread, and “breakfast essentials” from Kings’ Breakfast Parlor. During COVID, they’ve also been hosting cook-at-home classes featuring produce from the market and offering curbside pick-up for at-risk residents. Open Tuesdays and Saturdays, 8am-1pm.
Lincoln Heights Farmers Market
The Lincoln Heights Farmers Market operates weekly on Broadway in the heart of the neighborhood. It’s a smaller market, but they’ve got a great selection of seasonal vegetables and fruit from Castellanos Farms, honey from Caldera Bees, and even a bike repair stand. They also offer Market Match, where you can double your EBT dollars, up to $30 each day - stop by the information tent for more details. Open Wednesdays, 3-7pm.
Hollywood Farmers' Market
Every time we visit the Hollywood Farmers’ Market, we’re struck by the sheer scope of it. With more than 160 farmers and vendors, it’s one of the largest markets in LA, and the kind of place where an hour goes by without you even realizing there’s an entire second street to explore. Some of our favorite vendors include Dave’s Gourmet Korean for fresh coconut milk, the jams and pickled produce at Coldwater Canyon Provisions, and Barrio.LA, which features fantastic handcrafted goods from LA artists. Open Sundays, 8am-1pm.
Crenshaw Farmers' Market
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.
Echo Park Farmers Market
If you’ve ever spent a Friday evening in traffic on Sunset in Echo Park, you’re familiar with the Echo Park Farmers Market. But this market at Logan and Sunset is a lot more than a brief traffic annoyance - it’s an Eastside staple with options like La Bahn Ranch’s farm-fresh beef and eggs, Ayala Farms’ excellent strawberries, and fresh vegetables from Divine Harvest Family Farms. Don’t leave without a pupusa and an agua fresca from Delmy’s. Open Fridays, 3-7:30pm.
Central Ave. Farmers Market
Though it’s on the smaller side, the Central Avenue Farmers Market has everything you need for your weekly grocery shopping - eggs and citrus from Don Beto’s Farms and apples from Cuyama Orchards (both in Arvin, CA), tons of fresh produce from C&L Farms in SLO, and more. Market Match is also available here, allowing CalFresh EBT users to double their money, up to $10 per day. Open Thursdays, 10am-3pm.
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Known for their huge selection - and for being a favorite amongst many LA chefs - the Santa Monica Farmers Market is easily one of the best in town. Since the pandemic, they’ve consolidated a few of their weekend markets into their space near the Third Street Promenade (definitely check their Instagram for updates), where you’ll find everything from sweet potatoes to cultured butter to ancient Roman fruit. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8am-1pm.
NoHo Farmers Market
Located on a quiet street off of Lankershim Blvd., the NoHo Farmers Market features a diverse mix of fresh produce, pre-made foods, clothing, jewelry, and more. Here you’ll find everything from glowing blocks of Himalayan salt to blue sourdough made with pea flower and turmeric root, as well as tamales, premium seafood, kombucha, and beautifully potted plants. Open Saturdays, 9:30 am - 2:30pm.
East LA Farmers Market
Run by the non-profit VELA (Volunteers Of East LA), this mid-scale market is a hub for vendors in the community. Located at Belvedere Park, some of the highlights here include RC Farms’ organic produce, jars of raw honey from Don Pilis Apiaries, and the rows of freshly baked made by Sammy’s Bakery. Open Saturdays, 9am-2pm.
City of Alhambra Certified Farmers Market
Over in the San Gabriel Valley, the City of Alhambra Certified Farmers Market carries a spectacular assortment of locally sourced Asian produce, like bundles of watercress, Taiwanese spinach, bright green bok choy, and Chinese amaranth. Open since 1984, this medium-sized market also sells homemade salsa, live seafood, cherry tomatoes, and tonics made from apple cider vinegar. Open Sundays, 8:30am-1:00pm.
