Discover family-friendly farmers markets across Los Angeles with fresh produce, local food, live entertainment and fun for all ages.
If you type the words “fruit” or “vegetable” into my phone’s photo app, hundreds of juicy farm jewels will appear. Purple-indigo figs, blueberries and eggplants. A mountain of what I call my emerald treasures: pears, parsley, lettuces, kale, collards. The multicolored hues of other delights: tomatoes, sweet potatoes, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries.
I snapped images of these bounties here in the City of Angels over just the past few years — mostly from local farmers markets and community gardens. As a daughter of the Deep South, few things in L.A. have made me feel as grounded as the fresh food community.
Nearly every week, you’ll find me at one of our many farmers markets or running to my front stoop to grab my produce subscription bag from Suprmarkt, an independent organic grocery store on Slauson Avenue that sources its produce from local farmers.
As city dwellers, we are fortunate to have access to such wealth. Compiling a few of our favorite farmers markets into the list below felt like trying to hold the fruits of a bountiful harvest in my arms — plump, ripe produce tumbling out of my grasp every few steps.
Still, I hope to run into you this summer at one or more of these markets.
The Original Farmers Market (Mid-City)
Open daily
farmersmarketla.com
While most farmers markets are weekly popups, I had to lead this list with one that blesses us with its staples and unique finds every day of the week. A historic Los Angeles landmark dating back to 1934, The Original Farmers Market at Third and Fairfax blends produce stands, specialty food vendors and sit-down eateries in one lively, walkable destination. I often come here and forget that The Grove is just outside the farm stalls, but if you want to eat and shop for clothing and books (and see a movie), this is always a perfect choice.
Hollywood Farmers’ Market (Hollywood)
Sundays, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
foodaccessla.org/hollywood
When I moved to L.A. 25 years ago, this was my first baptism into the local farmers market scene — and I was in awe. One of the largest farmers markets in Southern California, this Sunday staple offers an energetic mix of farmers, hot food vendors, live music and community organizations. It’s a full sensory experience — and a great people-watching destination.
Larchmont Farmers Market (Mid-City)
Sundays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
larchmont.com/farmers-market
This smaller, neighborhood-style market is set along charming Larchmont Boulevard. Grab fresh produce and flowers, then stroll to nearby cafés (Nancy Silverton’s Max & Helen), bakeries (from Sweet Lady Jane to New York’s Levain Bakery for cookies as big as small cakes) and Chevalier’s Books for a leisurely afternoon.
Little Tokyo Farmers’ Market (Downtown L.A.)
Saturdays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
foodaccessla.org/littletokyo
One of the newer additions to the L.A. farmers market scene, this Downtown market blends fresh produce with cultural programming and artisan vendors. It’s also a great jumping-off point for museums and historic neighborhood exploration.
Pasadena Certified Farmers’ Market (Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley)
Tuesdays in Villa Parke and Saturdays in Sierra Madre, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
pasadenafarmersmarket.org
A longtime Pasadena favorite, these markets draw families from across the San Gabriel Valley. I love that the website boasts a graphic showing what produce is in season. And the fact that the kids can play in the parks after you shop for their lunch is a win.
Crenshaw Farmers Market (South L.A.)
Saturdays, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
crenshawfarmersmarket.com
This is one of the markets nearest my home, and I especially appreciate its emphasis on healthy food access and community wellness in South L.A. In addition to raw fruits and veggies, you can indulge in cooked African, Thai, vegan and Mexican food here, as well as learn how to compost. The kids will love making edible art with MoMo.
Mar Vista Farmers’ Market (Westside)
Sundays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
marvistafarmersmarket.org
This laid-back Sunday neighborhood market has a strong community feel and has a robust events schedule as well, celebrating everything from Lunar New Year to Juneteenth.
Santa Monica Farmers Market (Oceanside)
Wednesdays and Saturdays in Downtown Santa Monica, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Saturdays on Pico Boulevard, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Sundays on Main Street, 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
santamonica.gov
It was through this market that I learned there is a National Farmers Market Week (Aug. 2-8 this year). This chef-favorite market is known for exceptional seasonal produce, excellent flower bouquets and artisanal goods. The Pico location is especially good for families, with a more laid-back weekend vibe.
Market on Wheels: Prosperity Market
If you like exploring different parts of L.A. through food experiences, you’ll enjoy keeping tabs on where this mobile farmers market will park next. Owners Carmen Dianne (CEO) and Kara Still (COO) curate produce and grocery goods from Black farmers and chefs and drive them into communities across Los Angeles.
Prosperity Market’s market-on-wheels comes in the form of a 48-foot, solar-powered and electric mobile trailer that travels around L.A. multiple days per week. The front of the trailer is a food truck, while the back is laid out like a grocery store aisle stocked with products.
Check the website to see where they’ll head next.
Wherever good, healthy food goes, I will follow.
Cassandra Lane is Editor-in-Chief of L.A. Parent.
