Numerous farmer’s markets are located throughout Sonoma County. Unlike in the southern part of the state where year round farmer’s markets are the norm, seasonal farmers markets far outnumber the year round ones up here. Seasonal smaller markets tends to have live music while the year round (often larger markets) do not always use music to liven up your shopping experiences.
We have visited all of the farmers’ markets in Santa Rosa and Sonoma County. These markets are categorized below as Year Round or Seasonal.
- Cloverdale Farmers Market is located in downtown Cloverdale (225 North Cloverdale Blvd) in the small empty lot next to the Plank Coffee Shop. The closest parking is on Cloverdale Blvd in one of the pull in spots (free parking). This market is very small with just a handful of vendors. During the summer – a decent selection of both fruits and vegetables.
During one of our visits, we enjoyed a rare sighting of Lou Preston – owner of the organically and biodynamically farmed Preston Vineyards and Farm located in Dry Creek Valley. Other artisans also sell their products here including desserts, baked goods and fresh mushrooms. Very much a community market – tourists don’t seem to have found this particular farmers’ market. Probably one of the smallest year round farmers’ markets in Sonoma County.
Quick Info: Tuesdays 3pm to 6pm
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- Oakmont Farmers’ Market – is held at the Wells Fargo Bank Parking Lot at White Oak and Oakmont Drives. Open Saturday from 9am until noon. Based on it’s location (Oakmont is a retirement community, 55 years or older) a number of the shoppers are baby boomers or older. Parking is on curbside on the street. This is certainly one of Sonoma County’s smallest year round farmer’s markets. A handful of vendors are lined up along the edge of the parking lot. For a small market a decent selection of veggies. Also a few artisan produces of food products and or artwork. Phone Number (707) 538-7023.
Quick Info: Saturdays, 9-12pm
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- Petaluma East Side Farmer’ Market is a sizable year round market (shrinks a bit during the winter months) located on the north side of Lucchesi Park along the edge of Lynch Creek Trail. Parking is in the parking lot near the Petaluma Community Center (a short walk to the actual vendors). There are plenty of parking spots here. Vendors are lined up across from each other. A good selection of produce and vegetables – during one visit we saw some seafood. Also various artisan producers including breads, honey products and other artisan goodies.
The food vendors are located at one end of the market. We have seen Japanese food, BBQ and several other food vendors present. Also some artisan crafts represented including jeweler and a vendor selling tie-dye clothes. Becomes busier during lunch time when presumably employees at nearby businesses walk or drive over.
Quick Info: Tuesdays, 10-130pm
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- Redwood Empire Farmers’ Market is held every Wednesday and Saturday from 830am-12pm or 1pm depending on the year (both days the market is held in the same location). This is the original location of Santa Rosa’s primary farmer’s market (although not Santa Rosa’s original farmer’s market).
The market is located in the parking lot of the Veteran’s building just south of downtown Santa Rosa. Features mostly produce vendors but also some artisan sellers. Grows in size with better weather – often May through September. Vendors are local but also come from within a several hour range – IE some of the citrus vendors come from the Central Valley. Visit: www.facebook.com/RedwoodEmpireFarmersMarkets
Quick Info: Wednesday & Saturdays, 830am-12/1pm
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- Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers’ Market is located in the parking lot at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts/Kaiser Hospital parking lot at 50 Mark West Springs Road. Phone Number (707) 522-8629. Open even in inclement weather, although the number of vendors in this case is greatly reduced. And the market is generally much smaller on Wednesdays as compared to Saturdays especially in the late Fall and winter months. This is the largest Farmer’s Market in Santa Rosa – it includes other artist type vendors besides the generally local grown produce. This market has evolved greatly since it’s founding in 1967 and it’s former location in the Veteran’s building parking lot. However, it’s original location some 50+ years ago was on Petaluma Hill Road next to the Crane Melon Farm.
Today the market is certified – meaning all the produce must be grown in California and is fresh (the growers are selling what they grow and not buying produce from other vendors) – the majority however is from Sonoma County. Still, as with any market, be careful with the produce you buy – and make sure it is actually ripe. Covered panels provide numerous in shade parking spots. Easy access from the 101 freeway. Visit: www.thesantarosafarmersmarket.com
Quick Info: Wednesdays & Saturdays, 830am-1pm
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- Sebastopol Farmers’ Market is located at the New Town Plaza at McKinley Street and Petaluma Ave. Held in downtown Sebastopol location within a fairly short walk from The Barlow Center and side street parking. A funky market with its own unique and easily identifiable character. Features a diversity of vendors with a strong focus on locally grown and highly organic products (mostly local vendors). A wide diversity of products that trend towards cooler weather climate veggies. Spring is the best time to acquire leafy green vegetables and or root vegetables – basically the only produce that should be grown in West County (along with select varieties of wine grapes). Seafood, meats, artisan products, baked goods and more.
Acoustic bands or perhaps a solo musician play notes from under the gazebo. If the weather is pleasant and people are in a good mood often a few patrons will be gyrating in front of the stage. Sometimes eclectic ‘sideshows’ are on site such as the old vehicle carrying the portable Musical Instrument Library (something so unusual that it reminds us of what we see on the streets of Hollywood sometimes). For always excellent produce, check out Singing Frog Farms. Phone Number (707) 522-9305. Visit: www.sebastopolfarmmarket.org
Quick Info: Sundays, 10am-1:30pm
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- Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers’ Market – is held all year every Friday morning from 9am to 1230pm. The market is located in the Arnold Field parking lot: 241 West First Street (next to where the Sonoma Stompers baseball team plays). The market was founded in 1985 and has become a popular go to event for mostly locals (unlike the Sonoma Plaza Market which due to it’s central location often sees a mix of locals and tourists).
Features a healthy number of various local farm vendors including Oak Hill Farms (a sizable farm off of Highway 12). Also there are plenty of artisan vendors including those selling artisan foods. Parking is in part of the parking lot not taken up by the market or on nearby side streets.
Quick Info: Fridays, 9am-12:30pm
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- Bodega Bay Community Farmers’ Market is held next to Highway 1 in a field behind the Bodega Bay Community Center. Parking is against the shade of the trees lined after you have pulled into the gravel driveway. Unlike many farmer’s markets that line up the vendors across from each other in a row, refreshingly the vendor booths here are lined up in almost a circle.
A rare coastal farmers market in Sonoma County. Often bracingly cold with fog and breezes cooled by the nearby frigid bay and ocean. A good Sunday at the market anytime of the year, is when the sun is out and the temperature is in the low 60s – that is about the best weather you can ask for here. For a small market, features a good diversity of products including some local seafood, breads, a food truck and other artisan products. Live music plays every market – open air tables are scattered about in the adjoining grass field. Take a few minutes after shopping to enjoy the music and nibble on a few purchases.
Quick Info: May to October, Fridays, 10-2pm
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- Cotati Farmers’ Market – is held near downtown Cotati at the La Plaza Park. Parking is somewhat limited along the edges of the park. This tiny market was founded in 2001 and features a handful of vendors selling mostly food and various artisan products. The market is sponsored by the Cotati Chamber of Commerce (they also have a booth on site). Live music is provided by musicians jamming on the small stage above the lawn. The market is held on the western edge of the park.
Quick Info: early June through the end of August, Thursday afternoon from 430pm until 730pm
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- Forestville Farmers’ Market – is held in downtown Forestville. This is one of the smallest markets reviewed on this page – only a handful of vendors – several selling local produce, some baked goods, BBQ and a few other miscellaneous vendors. Held on the edge of a gravel parking lot next to an oak shaded park (next to the West County Trail). While this is a small market, they have some of the better outreach on PR of any market in the county – putting out sandwich boards at a number of locations including on Highway 116. Live local sound often emanates from under the oak trees – soothing both the vendors and those shopping. Visit: www.forestvillefarmersmarket.com
Quick Info: June to the end of September, Tuesdays from 4-7pm
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- Healdsburg Farmers’ Market was founded in 1978 – one of the few original certified Farmer’s markets in the state. This is one of the worst farmer’s markets we have ever visited, and we have been to numerous farmer’s markets around the state and beyond. Features a number of snobby venders and customers with attitudes. Highly overpriced products.
Held in a city parking lot at North and Vine Streets (part of the parking lot is taken over for the market – the other part is still open for parking). Parking also available on Vine Street. Phone Number (707) 431-1956. Open June through October on Wednesdays (Cerri Lot on North Street between Grove and Foss streets). Also open from May through December on Saturdays (West Plaza Parking Lot) which is where are photos are take from below.
The Saturday market offers a wide diversity of artisan products along with various fruits and vegetables. Considered a medium sized market. The gentle sounds of acoustic musicians playing along the side of the parking lot often fill the air. Visit: www.healdsburgfarmersmarket.org
Quick Info: Tuesdays from 4pm to 7pm & Saturdays 830am-12pm
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- Kenwood Farmers’ Market – is held in a grass field next to the parking lot for St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church. This market used to be held at the Plaza Park off of Warm Springs Road and online farmer’s market directory’s still often reflect this old address. The ‘church’ location is much more visible as the market can be clearly seen from Highway 12.
Several local Glen Ellen and Kenwood vendors or artisans showcase their products here. A very local farm is Eddie’s Farm run by Stephen & Sarah – they sell lettuce, radishes and other seasonal greens. Some food and drink vendors. The market is fairly small – spread out over this field. Some trees provide shade with some chairs and tables for vendors who might be overcome by the heat of a mid summer market (or for those who just want to rest).
Quick Info: June to September – Sundays, 10-2pm
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- Occidental Bohemian Farmers’ Market – is held in Occidental – spread out next to Main Street just before First Street. A decent sized market with a diversity of vendors – both represented from the immediate surrounding as well as a bit further afield (but still in Sonoma County). Several of the same vendors make the rounds of various West County seasonal markets. A decent selection of fresh vegetables.
For an easy walk, park across the street in the parking lot next to Negri’s Restaurant. Live music on site. This non profit has been operating the farmers market since 2002. Visit: www.occidentalfarmersmarket.com
Quick Info: June to October, Fridays, 4-dusk
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- Petaluma Kaiser Hospital Farmers’ Market is located at 3900 Lakeville Highway about 10 minutes east of downotwn Petaluma. Pull in off this busy highway onto the tiny Pine View Way and then soon make a left turn into the main hospital parking lot. Plenty of parking although you might have to walk a minute or two if all the close spaces are taken.
This very tiny market is held in the courtyard between the two main hospital buildings. During our most recent visit, only one vendor was represented, an independent distributor of Young Living Essential Oils. Normally there are at least a few vendors including one that sells strawberry’s. In the absence of any food vendors, there is usually a small semi-permanent coffee shop open directly next to the entrance to the main building. Not only do they sell a variety of coffee but also chocolate drinks and teas.
Quick Info: May to October, Wednesdays, 11-2pm
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- Petaluma Theatre District Farmers’ Market is located on 2nd Street (between B & D Streets) – the closest landmark is the Boulevard 14 Cinemas. This market is located in the heart of the Theatre District. Parking is street side on nearby streets or in the Theatre District parking garage off of 2nd and C Streets. This sizable market is spread out over 2 blocks; one block contains mostly the produce and edible product vendors – while the other block contains vendors selling assorted crafts and clothing.
Plenty of food vendors also setup shop here. Live music on site every market – varying from bluegrass, to jazz to reggae. Mostly locals here. Not nearly as crowded as the one to the north in Santa Rosa (also held Wednesday evening).
Quick Info: June to August, Wednesdays, 430-8pm
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- Petaluma Walnut Park Farmers’ Market is located on the western edge of tiny Walnut Park. Vendors back their vehicles up (all lined up) on the edge of 4th street with the actual booths located both on the sidewalk and on the grass. this is a medium sized market (30 or so vendors represented) with many local Petaluma vendors selling fresh fruits, veggies, meats and artisan edibles. During one visit we spotted one vendor only selling dried garlic. Some local food and beverage vendors as well including Lagunitas Brewery. Seemed to be more of an elderly clientele. Look for live music in the nearby pagoda (center of the park).
Quick Info: Mid May to Mid November, Saturdays, 2-530pm
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- Rohnert Park Farmers’ Market – is held in the Library Parking lot – at the intersection of City Center Drive and State Farm Drive. In a town that doesn’t really have a central core, arguably this area is as close to ‘downtown’ as you will find. Calling this a Farmer’s Market is generous – vegetable and fruit vendors are far and few between compared to the rest of the vendors.
Most of the vendors do not seem to be farmers – we’ve seen everything from book sellers to food trucks to those selling artisan crafts. The market is really spread out for some distance over the parking lot and plaza area. Some grass is located near the edge of part of the market and live music usually plays in this area. Both street and some parking lot available for those who drive.
Quick Info: June to August, Fridays, 5-8pm
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- Russian River Farmers’ Market – is held seasonally in Guerneville off of Fourth Street (near the intersection of Highway 116 and Armstrong Woods Road). At our last check, this very tiny market is literally held in a small grass field in a residential neighborhood. Parking can be tough along Fourth Street so you may have to park several blocks away and walk to the market.
Very low key with mostly locals shopping here. Vendors seemed to be most local – with a focus on artisan products rather then fresh veggies and fruit. Music provided also seems to be locally sourced. During a recent visit a violinist was seated on a couple of plastic crates playing at the edge of the market for both shoppers and the vendors.
Quick Info: May to September, Thursdays, 3-7pm
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- Santa Rosa Downtown Farmers’ Market operates every Wednesday from early May through mid August in and around Old Courthouse Square in downtown Santa Rosa. Part of 4th street through downtown is closed and a variety of vendors with booths setup shop here. Founded in 1989, the market has now become an integral part of downtown for these select few months (average attendance is around 6,000 people per market).
The produce vendors take up about a block of space at the market – also plenty of food options and booths contains artisan products. Even activities for children including a large bouncy plastic “playground”. Chess available for those wanting to play. And if you bike – a bike valet parking lot is on site. On warm days this market is very crowded. More information is available here: www.srdowntownmarket.com
Quick Info: May to August, Wednesdays, 5-8pm
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- Sonoma Plaza Market – is held in the main plaza in the shadows (literally of the historic Sonoma City Hall) this is often a very crowded venue on Tuesday evenings. A good mix of both locals and visitors to Sonoma attend. The market is sizable and they also have acoustic performers on site (focusing on San Francisco Bay Area musicians) – with an audience that spreads out over the grass (people often make an evening of it, bringing food and lawn chairs).
The focus of the Farmer’s Market is on fresh locally grown produce – but there are also a variety of other vendors here including wine and beer, plenty of specialty foods and some artisans. Visit: www.vomcfm.com
Quick Info: May to October, Tuesdays, 530pm-dusk
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- The Springs Community Farmers’ Market is held in Boyes Springs (just north of the town of Sonoma). A true neighborhood market you have to drive through residential streets to reach the actual market. Held in a parking lot next to the baseball field at Larson Park. Many of the vendors are near tall trees which as the afternoon wears on provides much needed shade for those sometimes hot summer days.
A decent sized market – it’s first year operating was 2017. Has a strong focus on very local vendors – both farmers and artisan producers. Hidden enough that the market mostly attracts locals rather then tourists. Parking is nearby in another lot at the park.
Quick Info: July to September, Sundays, 4-7pm
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West End Farmers’ Market, Santa Rosa – Santa Rosa’s newest Farmer’s Market is held every Sunday morning in Old Railroad Square near the Welcome Center. This market is held every Sunday from Spring through late Fall and features locally grown produce as well as select vendors.
This started out as truly a neighborhood farmer’s market – held right in the midst of a residential neighborhood however in 2016 the market moved to Old Railroad square. With its proximity to downtown and urban Santa Rosa – the market is ideal for those living in the area who want to walk or bike to it. Sometimes artisans showcase their work and sometimes there is live local music. You expect to get fresh produce at markets like this but one vendor was pushing bags of old Satsuma mandarins from their sister farm in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas as a better deal than all the fresh tangerines on the table (from what we have seen, the rest of their produce is extremely fresh). As always even at Farmer’s markets, check in detail regarding any produce you buy. Also unique compared to other Sonoma County farmer’s markets in that you can ride the train here – (the market is literally just steps from the Railroad Square train depot station.
Quick Info: April to October, Sundays, 930-2pm- WIC Farmers Market, Santa Rosa is located in the parking lot next to the Social Security office – off of Range Ave or Guerneville Road. Located across from Coddingtown Shopping Center (just west of Whole Foods). WIC stands for women, infants and children – presumably the most common shoppers here (validated during several visits where we saw no men other then the actual vendors. At our last visit, only 2 vendors represented here. This makes this the smallest farmers’ market we have visited in all of Sonoma County. During the height of summer, one vendor sells mostly veggies while the other vendor focuses on fruit. Plenty of parking in the nearby lots.
Quick Info: June to August, Thursdays, 9-12pm
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- Windsor Certified Farmers’ Market – is held in old downtown Windsor on the eastern edge of the Windsor Town Green. Open Sundays from 10-1pm April through December and Thursdays from June to August from 5-8pm. This medium sized market is spread out in roughly an “L’ shape with a variety of fresh local produce vendors as well as a number of artisans.
Live music brings a relaxing acoustic sounds to the market. This market was founded in June 2001. Certain market days throughout the summer are themed. Visit: www.windsorfarmersmarket.com
Quick Info: April to December, Sundays, 10-1pm
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YEAR ROUND
SEASONAL
Other Markets, Check back soon for more updates
Santa Rosa Medical Center Farmers’ Market, 401 Bicentennial Way – Mondays, Feb-Dec 930-2pm. We will update this once we have had a chance to visit.
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