Guide to the Farmers’ Market (And Where to Find Them in SJC)

Farmers’ markets are an incredible way to get excellent goods, treats, produce, flowers and more. You get to know exactly where it’s coming from, meet local farmers and merchants, support local business, and spend time enjoying the community and the outdoors!

If you’ve never navigated a farmers’ market before, or simply want to up your market game, check out the tips below!

What to bring:

• Bags- Come prepared with reusable bags for all of your purchased goods. While some vendors might offer bags, it’s not the best idea to count on it. Furthermore, reusable bags will help eliminate waste.
• Rolling cart- If you’re planning on doing anything more than some casual browsing, a cart of some sort will probably be highly beneficial.
• Cash- Not all vendors accept card, so it’s best to come prepared with a decent amount of cash. Bring small bills and just enough to cover all the items you might want to get. Too much cash on hand might turn into overspending on goodies!
• A List- Plan out different dishes/meals you plan to make throughout the week, but leave some wiggle room! You want to be organized so you don’t overbuy and end up wasting food later in the week, but you also want to take advantage of all of the beautiful, seasonal produce. Have a general list that has meal ideas and states how many meals you’ll need to make that week. From there, let sales, farmers’ recommendations, and what looks good guide you!

 

When you’re there:

• Come early or later, depending on your preference. Morning farmers’ markets are great to get to early, so you can beat the crowds, have first pick, and maybe enjoy a fresh pastry for breakfast. But sometimes the early bird doesn’t always get the worm. Getting there later in the day when the farmers are about to pack up can lead to excellent deals, as they like to get their items sold before heading home for the day.
• Make a loop! Stroll around the the entirety of the market before beginning to make any purchases. You’d hate to buy the first thing you see only to find something better later on.
• Take your time! Farmers’ markets are a great way to get wonderful goods, support local business, and live a healthy lifestyle. They also have so much to see, sample, and browse, so have fun with it!

 

San Joaquin County Farmers’ Markets

Luckily for us, San Joaquin is an agricultural epicenter, and therefore has several amazing farmers’ markets! Be sure to check out any of these great options:

GOLDEN VILLA FARMER’S MARKET

255 South Sutter Street Stockton, CA 95203

Saturdays from 5:30am to 9:30am, all year.

PARK WEST PLACE FARMERS’ MARKET

Trinity Parkway, Park West Shopping Center, Stockton

Sundays from, 9am to 2pm, May through October.

 

FARMERS’ MARKET AT SWENSON GOLF COURSE

Swenson Parking Lot

Wednesdays from 9am to 2pm, all year.

 

WEBERSTOWN MALL FARMERS’ MARKET

Thursdays from 8am- 1pm, May through November.

 

LODI FARMERS’ MARKET

Downtown Lodi

Thursdays 5pm- 8:30pm, May through August.

 

DOWNTOWN TRACY FARMERS’ MARKET

10th St and Central Ave, Tracy

Saturdays 8am- 1pm, April through November.