Outdoor markets are a year-round delight in California, and here in Oakland is no exception. Farmers markets and craft markets pop up throughout the week, every week. Some markets have fostered incredible communities who support the vendors and enjoy being a part of developing Oakland-based culture, art, and commerce.

Markets aren’t just an opportunity to shop outside — they are an important space for upholding the small vendors who create the unique culture of Oakland. We feel lucky that at Fourth Street East, we have apartments near a variety of farmers markets.

Jack London Square Farmers Market

Pacific Coasts Farmers Market Association runs a farmers market that pops up once a week on Sundays, from 9 to 2, year-round, in Jack London Square. Lucky for us, Fourth Street East looks over the square and is a quick 15-minute walk (or even shorter bike ride) over to the market. It’s a great spot to buy incredibly fresh weekly groceries and support local farmers at the same time.

Vendors aren’t limited to produce — such as Diaz Farms or Medina Berry Farms. The market also has vendors serving coffee, tamales (at Donna’s Tamales) and other meals, flowers and floral arrangements, baked goods, and more. There is even a vendor — Fungi Farm — dedicated to providing a delicious variety of mushrooms to enhance your home cooking.

Weekly Water Street Maker’s Market

Running parallel to the farmers market, Wiggins Events hosts a maker’s market — also at Jack London Square — every Sunday from 11 to 4. That quick walk from Fourth Street East will put you at the center of Oakland creativity and innovation.

The Maker’s Market is known for doing a great job of fostering a supportive community environment. They are focused on promoting independent creators who are local to Oakland.

The maker’s market is intent on curating an incredibly diverse group of vendors. Some of the merchandise available on a weekly basis include jewelry, clothing, tarot card readings, food crafts, plants, and other small business ventures.

Old Oakland Farmers Market

The Urban Village Farmers Market Association hosts markets throughout neighborhoods in Oakland, but the one closest to Fourth Street East is in Old Oakland. The Old Oakland Farmers Market is a 15-minute walk from our building and offers a different vibe in a historical area of town. This one takes place on Fridays year-round from 8 to 2 at 9th street and Broadway.

Urban Village is a nonprofit dedicated to increasing food security and economic growth by connecting food vendors and consumers directly, as well as connecting California’s agricultural and urban areas. They also have goals to act as an educator about the environment and nutrition for families and schools about the environment.

Grand Lake Market

Grand Lake Market, hosted by the Agricultural Institute of Marin, is positioned at Lake Merritt in Splash Pad Park. While a little further from Fourth Street East (a 40 minute walk, or 15 minute bike ride), the market makes for a lovely afternoon getting out of downtown and enjoying the lake.

This market has what the other markets have — fresh, organic produce, flowers, and more — but also offers lots of prepared foods, like dim sum and delicious baked goods. This makes it ideal for grabbing treats for a picnic on the lakeside or to grab a to-go order for a late lunch after a day exploring the parks and gardens around Lake Merritt.

Grand Lake Market operates every Saturday from 9 to 2. The Agricultural Institute of Marin is a nonprofit dedicated to developing and supporting local food production.

Between these four markets, your whole weekend is covered by outdoor food and shopping, Friday through Sunday, all steps from the front door at Fourth Street East.