Farmers Markets in Oakland
Take a walk through Oakland on any given day and you’ll find farmers markets everywhere. California is well known for its surplus of fresh produce, explaining the pop-up stands throughout every major city. Anyone living in the Oakland apartments will tell you, though, that this is the best area for fruits and veggies by far.
With summer in full swing, you have a rich bounty of markets to choose from in the area. Take it from a local, some simply outshine the rest. When you’re ready to stock your kitchen with the freshest produce around, here’s where you want to go in the East Bay Area.
Alameda
You’ll find a number of markets on this list run by the Pacific Coast Farmer’s Market Association. Why? They’ve been providing some of the best fruits and veggies since 1988 when they started in Emeryville.
The PCFM offers more than just food, too. They work to educate individuals on urban farming techniques and even feature live chef events where masters of the trade crate wholesome, healthy meals. Their selection is also organic, which is a major plus in Cali.
Where: The corner of Webster Street and Haight Avenue
When: Every Tuesday and Saturday
Times: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Berkeley
Ecology Centers Farmers Market has also been around since the 80’s, placing a strong emphasis on sustainable food systems and wholly organic produce. You can find locally grown items here as well as dairy products and bakeries. As an added bonus, the market comes complete with activist booths and art displays. This market has been voted one of the best in the Bay Area several times by numerous publications.
Where: Adeline and 63rd Streets / Shattuck Avenue and Rose Street / Center Street
When: Tuesday / Thursday / Saturday
Times: 2- 6:30 p.m. / 3-7 p.m. / 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Castro Village
The Castro Valley Farmers Market has been a year-round event since 2013, ditching their seasonal schedule and adding a variety of entertainment. Food truck vendors sell everything from pot pie to popcorn, and dozens of vendors offer their good during the event. This is where you can find sustainably caught fish, organic cage-free eggs, and plenty of baked goods.
Where: Redwood Road and Norbridge Avenue
When: Saturdays
Times: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Concord
Sticking with the year-round trend, Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association offers weekly produce with a variety of vendors on the edge of the park. Hot food and specialty items are mixed into their fresh produce to provide something a little different from the norm. They also host a seasonal Thursday night market with live music where you can bring blankets and chairs.
Where: Todos Santos Plaza
When: Tuesdays and Thursday April 20th to October 26th
Times: Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Seasonal Thursdays from 4-8 p.m.
Emeryville
This is where the Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association got its start. The vendor selection is slightly smaller than PCFM’s other locations, but they make up for it with arts and crafts from local artists. You can expect the exact same quality at any of their locations, displaying their dedication to quality food, but keep in mind that this market is only open seasonally.
Where: 5616 Bay Street
When: Saturdays from April 15th to September 30th
Times: 3-7 p.m.
Oakland
Located directly in the Oakland area itself, the PCFM now runs what was formerly known as Ordway Organic Market. This farmers market is relatively small and seasonal, but every ounce of organic produce comes from certified farmers through PCFM. You can also find bread and cheese vendors, as well as a food truck park across the street for a hot meal.
Where: Kaiser Plaza
When: Wednesdays from May 10th to November 8th
Times: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The fun doesn’t stop there, though. Oakland is also home to a number of other farmers markets. The Urban Village Farmers market Association on 9th Street and Broadway is open year-round from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., boasting over 20 years in the industry. Their diverse vendors, live music, and hot food stands kick of the weekend each Friday. You can even buy in bulk through their chef’s market program.
On Lake Park and Grand Avenues, you can find the Agricultural Institute of Marin selling everything from meats to bread and coffee on Saturdays. Winner of numerous awards, the quality of their produce is only matched by their selection of entertainment.
There’s also CUESA, formerly known as the Jack London Square Market. Here, ready to eat foods and educational events are in surplus as you shop through their selection of local vendors. You’ll find CUESA open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Webster Street and Embarcadero in Palm Plaza.
Finally, there’s the Urban Village in the DMV lot. You’ll find plenty of fresh produce alongside the area’s fresh caught fish, organic meats, and even prepared foods like pizza. This is a large community event with families taking time to eat lunch during their shopping experience, and the Thai food isn’t something you’ll want to miss.
Oakland Apartments
Living on Fourth Street East, residents have immediate access to any of Oakland’s farmers markets thanks to the area’s easy walkability. The rest on this list are just a short trip away in neighboring towns, allowing you to experience what makes each one unique.
These premier homes offer the excitement of downtown with the serenity of a waterfront neighborhood. Easy access to the ferry terminal, BART, and nearby freeways make any commute to San Francisco’s Financial District a breeze. More importantly, these luxury dwelling come equipped with the finest in modern furnishings and host of carefully curated amenities to access a variety of Bay Area lifestyle.
We invite you to come experience all that Oakland has to offer with the comforts of a luxury home. Fourth Street East is redefining the idea of apartment living in Oakland. Don’t take our word for it, though. Come see for yourself.
