Sacramento Farmers Markets Rundown

Sacramentans are lucky to have several choices when buying fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables from Northern California farmers. A popular way to buy the agricultural bounty of the Central Valley is at local farmer’s markets peppered throughout the city and outlying areas.

A few are open all year long, while others are seasonal, mostly opening in May and running through October. Some are morning markets, while others are afternoon ones.

Farmers offer a variety of fruit and vegetables, but shoppers can also buy fresh tulips, irises and other flowers, organic cheeses, artisan breads and pastries, raw and seasoned nuts, cut and planted herbs, and other specialty food.

Before heading to the market, make sure you have prepared for your shopping trip. Once you are ready to go, now all you have to do is choose where to start.

SUNDAY MARKETS

Sacramento Central
If you can manage to wake up early on a Sunday morning, make your way to the Sacramento Central farmers market where you’ll find many Asian produce. Shoppers will find great prices at this Midtown market, which is among the larger markets in the area.

Guide Tip: Get here early. Since this is a popular market, on a few of my visits, some vendors ran out of food.

• Location: 8th and W streets, underneath Highway 80
• Hours: 8 a.m. to noon, open all year

Consumnes River College
For south side residents, Consumnes River College opens the campus for its farmer’s market. Shoppers can enter the college on Bruceville Road.

• Location: Parking Lot D
• Hours: 8 a.m. to noon, from May 6 to October 28

TUESDAY MARKETS

Roosevelt Park
Roosevelt Park is among two farmer’s markets along P Street. Along the perimeter of the park, shoppers can buy vegetables, fruits, nuts, meats, herbs, flowers, baked goods and cheeses.

• Location: 9th and P streets
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from May 1 through October 30

Fremont Park
Just down the street from Roosevelt Park is Fremont Park. Vendors are spread along the perimeter of the park.

Guide Tip: Finding a parking space can be a challenge at both of these parks. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a metered spot. Remember to keep track of the time to avoid getting a ticket.

• Location: 16th and P streets
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from May 1 through October 30

WEDNESDAY MARKETS

Casear Chavez
Caesar Chavez Memorial Plaza is abuzz with shoppers from area office buildings at this downtown market.

• Location: 10th and J streets, in front of City Hall
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from May 2 through October 31

Elk Grove Regional Park
The market at Elk Grove Regional Park is commuter friendly an is ideal for afternoon shoppers.

• Location: Pavilion Parking Lot
• Hours: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., from May 16 through August 29

THURSDAY MARKETS

Downtown Plaza
Tucked away in the walkway between Macy’s and the Holiday Inn is the Downtown Plaza farmer’s market where you can buy fruit, vegetables, bread, olive oil, flowers and nuts.

Guide Tip: Parking can be tough in this area. Your best bet is to park in the Downtown Plaza West Garage on L Street, which is right next to the market.

• Location: 4th and K streets
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from May 3 to October 24

Florin Road Light Rail
There are several markets open on Thursdays in the Florin area. One of the earliest markets to open is at the Florin Light Rail station parking lot.

• Location: Florin Road & 29th Street
• Hours: 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. all year long

Florin Mall
The Florin Mall farmer’s market is located at Sears.

• Location: 6th and Florin Road
• Hours: 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. all year long

Dollar Tree
South area residents have another farmer’s market location along Florin Boulevard at the Dollar Tree Store.

• Location: Florin Road and Stockton Boulevard
• Hours: 8 a.m. to noon all year long

SATURDAY MARKETS

Sunrise Mall
The Sunrise Mall allows northeast residents a chance to purchase goods from farmers. Is located behind the Sears auto department.

• Location: 6041 Sunrise Mall, at the corner of Sunrise Boulevard and Greenback Lane in Citrus Heights
• Hours: 8 a.m. to noon all year long

Country Club Plaza
Another popular farmer’s market is located at Country Club Plaza. Shoppers can find that market in the parking lot on Butano Drive.

• Location: Watt and El Camino
• Hours: 8 a.m. to noon all year long

Del Paso Heights
North Sacramentans can visit the Del Paso Heights farmer’s market at the Robertson Community Center.

• Location: 3525 Norwood Ave.
• Hours: 8 a.m. to noon