Spring is in full swing and summer is just around the corner. That means there is loads of sunshine to get things growing, and it’s time to get serious about fabulous farm-fresh produce, baked goods, artisan fare, ready-made foods, and live entertainment. We’ve complied a list of the best farmers markets in Orange County. Be sure to check all of them out if you can! They all offer something different and unique!
SOCO Farmers Market
Enjoy seasonal fresh produce, live music, local meats, eggs, juices, sweets, ready-made foods, fresh out of the oven breads and more, from over 30 vendors. Each week features different fun activities and entertainment such as ukulele music, kids craft tables, free balloon animals, raffles and “doggie valet” (free dog-sitting while you shop, available the last Saturday of each month). See website for details. Sa 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. SOCO, 3315 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 949.760.9150. southcoastcollection.com
Irvine Certified Farmers Market
Shop, eat and play at the Irvine Certified Farmers Market—rain or shine—located at Mariners Church (Irvine Campus) parking lot. One of the eight certified Farmers Markets operated by the Orange County Farm Bureau, the Irvine Certified Farmers Market—also one of the largest—features everything from baked goods and specialty hummus to roasted corn and its newest addition, stone fruit (peaches, plums and apricots). Sa 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. Mariners Church, 5001 Newport Coast Drive, Irvine. ocfarmbureau.org
DTSA Certified Farmers Market
In addition to shopping quality local produce, enjoy live cooking demos from local chefs and Market Perks. Market Perks (the “Friends of the Market” program) offers additional perks to those who shop at the DTSA Farmers Market. Bring your market bag to participating businesses every Thursday for discounts like 50% off your total bill at Paninoteca Maggio, a free small drink with popcorn purchase at Frida Cinema, a free cookie with purchase at Tooties Ice Cream and more. See website for full list of Market Perks. Su 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. In front of Yost Theatre, Bush Street and 3rd Street, Santa Ana, 714.592.4678. dtsafarmersmarket.com
Farmers Park Market
Grand opening May 13. Visit Farmers Park for the grand opening of its new urban market. Shop high quality agricultural goods from local growers and ranchers, savor gourmet artisan foods and enjoy live entertainment, including free yoga demonstrations from The Yoga Mat. Explore Anaheim’s foodie culture at the neighboring historic Anaheim Packing House, home to over 20 gourmet eateries. Polly the Trolley will transport you from place to place with stops at downtown parking structures, Muzeo, Anaheim Ice, Center Street and the Anaheim Packing District. Valet parking available near Anaheim Packing House entrance for $3. No pets. F 4-8 p.m. Free. 400 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim. downtownanaheim.com
Surf City Nights Street Fair & Farmers Market
Enjoy live entertainment, street performances, a petting zoo and kids activities at Orange County’s largest weekly street fair and farmer’s market. Now expanding to the strand on 5th Street, this farmers market spans far beyond the scope of locally grown produce with over 90 unique vendors. Plus, it’s pet friendly! Tu 5-9 p.m. Free. Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street, Downtown Huntington Beach, 714.536.8300. surfcitynights.com
Fullerton Market
Through October. Celebrate 25 years of the Fullerton Market in the heart of downtown. The market features the usual farmers market appeal—locally grown fruits, veggies and more—as well as an outdoor beer and wine garden, live entertainment, crafts and activities at Kid’s Korner and special themed nights. Upcoming themed nights include Dog Days (bring your furry friend for dog contests, dog-related vendor booths and demonstrations) and OktoBOOfest (a Halloween celebration). Th 4-8:30 p.m. Free. Downtown Plaza, Wilshire Avenue, between Harbor Blvd. and Pomona Avenue, Fullerton, 714.738.6300. cityoffullerton.com
West Anaheim Farmers Market
Through October. Check out the new West Anaheim Farmers Market during its six-month trial at Twila Reid Park. Shop from certified growers like Guerilla Beekeepers, Maldonado Farms, and YNT (stone fruit); find local crafts and gifts like soaps and scrubs, accessories and leather goods; and enjoy artisan foods like fresh roasted nuts (Ah Nuts), nitro coffees and teas (Contra Coffee), avocado and coconut oil (Avo Oil) and much more. Enjoy live entertainment and bring the kids for activities like face painting and $3 trackless train rides by The Mini Express. No pets. W 4-8 p.m. Free. Twila Reid Park, 3100 Orange Ave., Anaheim. downtownanaheim.com
*Farmers Market info by Laura Okey of SoCal Pulse
Cesi Pagano
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