East Sacramento Connect

East Sacramento’s farmers’ market scene is a vital aspect of the community, bringing together local residents, farmers, artisans, and food enthusiasts in celebration of the region’s agricultural bounty. Sacramento’s ideal climate and fertile soils make it one of the nation’s agricultural leaders, often referred to as “America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital.” The farmers’ markets in and around East Sacramento showcase the incredible diversity of locally grown produce, handcrafted goods, and prepared foods that reflect the area’s rich cultural background.

These markets do more than just provide fresh food—they create essential community gathering spaces where neighbors connect, local businesses thrive, and sustainable food practices are celebrated. For East Sacramento residents, these weekly markets offer an opportunity to meet the people who grow their food, learn about seasonal eating patterns, and support the local economy. The direct farm-to-consumer relationship fostered at these markets ensures that shoppers receive the freshest possible produce while farmers receive fair compensation for their work.

The standout of Sacramento’s farmers market scene is undoubtedly the Midtown Farmers’ Market, which has earned significant recognition as the #1 Farmers’ Market in California and #3 in the entire United States according to the American Farmland Trust’s Farmers’ Market Celebration. Located at 1050 20th Street, this impressive market operates every Saturday year-round from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Spanning five blocks with over 200 vendors, the market offers an extensive selection of local agriculture, prepared foods, artisan crafts, and services, creating a well-rounded shopping and social experience.

The Midtown Farmers’ Market distinguishes itself not just through its size and vendor selection but also through its commitment to community engagement. The market features regular live music, special vendor activities, free children’s events on the first Saturday of each month, artist programming on the second Saturday from May through October, and live cooking demonstrations on the last Saturday of each month. The market also embraces sustainability with recycling and compost receptacles throughout. Convenient parking options are available nearby, with several designated lots and garages making it accessible for visitors from across the Sacramento region.

Another excellent option for East Sacramento residents is the Oak Park Farmers’ Market, which operates at McClatchy Park (3500 5th Ave) every Saturday from April through November, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This market offers a diverse array of vendors selling locally produced fruits and vegetables, specialty plants and sprouts, breads, cheeses, tamales, fresh flowers, and more. The Oak Park market has become a beloved community institution, reflecting the neighborhood’s cultural diversity through its vendor offerings and creating a welcoming atmosphere for families and food enthusiasts alike.

For those willing to venture slightly farther afield, several other excellent farmers’ markets operate in the greater Sacramento area. The Carmichael Farmers’ Market at Carmichael Park runs year-round every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, honey, eggs, meat, herbs, olive oil, cheeses, and olives, plus freshly prepared items like hummus, yogurt, and baked goods. Meanwhile, Downtown Sacramento’s Farmers’ Market at Capitol Mall operates seasonally on Wednesdays from May through October, providing a convenient midweek option for downtown workers and residents to stock up on farm-fresh produce.