This story was originally published July 15, 2016. It was updated April 28, 2017.
With much of the local produce hitting peak form and many markets open for just a few months right now, summer is prime farmers market season. As we get to this mid-point of the summer, don't miss out on all the local food you could be stocking up on. We've rounded up, below, a few of the best farmers markets in the East Bay, but there are many more, with smaller neighborhood markets popping up nearly every day of the week. If you're looking for other options, check the Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association, California Farmers Market Association, or the Urban Village Farmers Market Association.
Alameda
Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association
The Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association runs over 60 certified farmers markets around the Bay Area, a number which are on our list here. The organization started in 1988 with a market in Emeryville, and does a number of education and chef events at its markets. The Alameda market has a wide selection of organic produce and fruit.
Ph: (925) 825-9090
Facebook: Alameda Farmers Market
Twitter: @PacCoastFarmers
Instagram: PCFA
EBT: Yes
Tuesday & Saturday:
Webster Street and Haight Avenue [map]
9am-1pm, year-round
Berkeley
Ecology Center Farmers Market
Started in 1987, the Ecology Center's farmers markets have a strong emphasis on advocating for sustainable food systems and organic standards. The market is a mix of local produce, dairies, and bakeries, as well as activists' booths and artists. It's been voted one of the Bay Area's best farmers markets in variety of publications.
Ph: (510) 548-3333
Twitter: @ecbfm
EBT: Yes
Tuesday:
Adeline and 63rd Streets [map]
2-6:30pm, year-round
Thursday:
Shattuck Avenue and Rose Street [map]
3-7pm, year-round
Saturday:
Center Street, between MLK and Milvia [map]
10am-3pm, year-round
Castro Valley
Urban Village Farmers Market Association - Castro Valley
Once seasonal, the Castro Valley Farmers Market became year-round in 2013, after bringing in more food trucks and prepared foods, like the popular pot pie and popcorn. There are about 40-50 vendors on any given week now, but that's about to double in May. The market includes sustainable fish and eggs in addition to produce and baked goods.
Ph: (510) 745-7100
Facebook: Castro Valley Farmers Market
Twitter: @UrbanVillageFM
Instagram: UrbanVillage
EBT: Yes
Saturday:
Redwood Road and Norbridge Avenue (Castro Valley BART station) [map]
10am-2pm, year-round
Concord
Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association - Concord
Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association runs the year-round Tuesday market, as well as a seasonal Thursday night market. Thursday nights are known for the city's Music & Market series of live concerts, which people typically bring blankets and chairs to, while Tuesdays' markets are smaller affairs focused primarily on the vendors. The high-quality produce stalls are spaced around the edge of the park, creating a town square feel, with hot food and specialty items mixed in.
Ph: (925) 825-9090
Facebook: Concord Farmers Market
Twitter: @PacCoastFarmers
Instagram: PCFA
EBT: Yes
Tuesday & Thursday:
Todos Santos Plaza [map]
Tues, 10am-2pm, year-round
Thurs, 4-8pm, April 20-Oct.26
Emeryville
Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association
Another of the Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association's markets, the Emeryville market is new and seasonal. Although it has a slightly smaller selection of vendors, the market has teamed up with local artists to also offer arts and crafts.
Ph: (925) 825-9090
Facebook: Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association
Twitter: @PacCoastFarmers
Instagram: PCFA
EBT: Yes
Saturday:
5616 Bay St. (at the Bay Street Emeryville Shopping Center) [map]
3-7pm, April 15-Sept. 30
Oakland
Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association - Ordway
Formerly known as the Ordway Organic Market, this market is now run by the Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association. Though small and seasonal, the market's produce is all organic and the farmers are certified. There is also bread and cheese vendors, and across the street is a food truck park that operates at the same time.
Ph: (925) 825-9090
Facebook: Uptown Oakland Farmers Market
Twitter: @PacCoastFarmers
Instagram: PCFA
EBT: Yes
Wednesday:
1 Kaiser Plaza [map]
10am-2pm, May 10-Nov. 8
