Neighborhood Guide to Farmers Markets in Los Angeles
There are hundreds of farmers markets in Los Angeles, making it hard to keep track of all of them. Some farmers markets are extremely well-known throughout the city, others are more low-key hidden gems, and then there are some markets that pale in comparison. So what makes a good farmers market? Below is a list of certified farmers markets in various neighborhoods throughout the city — guaranteed to provide shoppers with quality products from local farms, homegrown specialty goods, and even some good ol’ family fun.
Beverly Hills
The Beverly Hills Farmers Market is the cream of the crop when it comes to LA farmers markets. Favorites include gourmet tamales and French crepes. Beverly Hills also hosts special events and live shows at this market, such as Kid’s Zone, Cookin’ Kids, Story Time, PickleFest, and many more throughout the year. This farmers market is open Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Century City
Located next to the Westfield mall, this farmers market is a neighborhood fixture in Century City. There are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options at the locally sourced stands as well as homegrown specialty food options at Mom’s Products and Livia’s Kitchen. However, one of the most popular market items is the brisket from the Bigmista’s Barbecue stand. This farmers market is open Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Downtown Los Angeles
Residents in Downtown Los Angeles have not just one but three certified farmers markets: The Bank of America Plaza, Pershing Square, and Figat7th. Head over to Pershing Square on Wednesdays between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to purchase garden fresh fruits, vegetables, and delicacies. If you’re busy Wednesdays, no sweat — there’s a small farmers market located on the third floor of Figat7th open every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. However, the most popular farmers market in DTLA is the one at Bank of America Plaza because of the Hawaiian Chicken stand and their special sauce. This farmers market is open Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Hollywood
The LA Times raves about the exotic fruits at the farmers market in Hollywood, such as the Persian mulberries and Pixie mandarin oranges. In addition to the usual fare, The Hollywood Farmers' Market also features street musicians, community organizations and free events such as cooking demos, cookbook signings, kid-friendly workshops, and family-friendly festivals. This farmers market is open Sundays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Westchester
Westchester has its own farmers market every Wednesday and Sunday. Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., locals can head on over to Westchester Park. Another farmers market is held at The Triangle every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A hidden gem in the neighborhood is the farmers market in front of the Howard Hughes Center, which is usually less crowded Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
La Cienega
The La Cienega neighborhood enjoys one of the city’s best mid-sized farmers markets every week. This farmers market brings together over 50 organic and non-organic growers and it’s open Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Larchmont
The farmers market in Larchmont Village is usually chock full of fresh goods and entertainment. On certain holidays throughout the year (Thanksgiving and Christmas), the block throws a huge family-friendly celebration. Residents from Hancock Park and Larchmont can simply walk on over every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
West Hollywood
The two major farmers markets in West Hollywood are the Melrose Place Farmers Market and the Helen Albert Certified Farmers Market. If you’re not available to check out the market at Melrose Place on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can still purchase specialty goods at the Helen Albert market on Vista Street on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica is its own beast. There are actually four certified farmers markets in the city you can read about here, but the most popular farmers market is on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This farmers market is located at the Promenade and it’s got one of the highest concentrations of organic farmers in California.
Venice
This modest-sized farmers market doesn’t just have quality stands, it’s also filled with fascinating people, which is a distinct characteristic of the Venice neighborhood. Catch this market every Friday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.