The Best Guide to Sacramento’s Farmers Markets In 2025
Let’s Get One Thing Straight: Not Every “Farmers Market” Has Farmers
Look, we all love the idea of a farmers market. Wandering through booths with a cold brew in one hand and an organic heirloom tomato in the other? Cute.
But let’s be real—half these “farmers markets” are just overpriced flea markets with bananas that suspiciously look like they were bought in bulk at Costco two hours ago.
If you’re gonna drag yourself out of bed on a weekend, throw on pants, and pay $7 for a head of lettuce, you deserve the real thing.
So here it is: the no-BS guide to Sacramento’s farmers markets—which ones are actually worth it, and which ones are just lying to your face (and wallet).
First: Red Flags You’re at a Fake Farmers Market
Before we name names, here’s how to sniff out a market that’s more “Instagram pop-up” than actual farm-to-hand produce:
- Identical produce stacked in cardboard boxes = reseller alert.
- Strawberries in December? No ma’am.
- The “farmer” can’t pronounce the name of what they’re selling.
- More bath bombs than beets.
- No dirt, no signage, no clue? GTFO.
Your money deserves better. You deserve better. So let’s break down where to go—and where to skip.
1. The Midtown Farmers Market
20th St between J & L
Saturdays, 8am–1pm
exploremidtown.org/midtownfarmersmarket
Why it slaps:
This is your hipster-farmer-meets-urban-foodie dream. Real farmers with dirt under their nails. Shoppers who own compost bins. Vibes for days.
The layout flows, the produce rotates with the season, and the crowd is just the right amount of “I’m into turmeric” without being annoying.
What to get:
- Fresh eggs from pasture-raised hens (yes, you’ll taste the difference)
- Microgreens you’ll swear make you healthier just by looking at them
- Street tacos that make you forget it’s 9:30am
What to skip:
That one guy selling generic candles next to a lettuce stand. You’ll know when you see him.
Parking tip:
Street parking’s tight. If you hate parallel parking under pressure, rideshare or park a few blocks out and walk in like a local.
Dog-friendly?
Very. Expect to see golden retrievers with better outfits than you.
2. Sacramento Central Farmers Market (under the freeway)
8th & W Streets, under the WX freeway
Sundays, 8am–noon
california-grown.com/market
Why it’s legendary:
This is where Sacramento’s chefs shop. And you can feel it. It’s less about vibes, more about volume. It’s not “cute,” it’s efficient. Organized chaos. You come here to stock your fridge like a boss.
No live music. No craft booths. No BS.
What to get:
- Heirloom tomatoes during peak season (bring a box, not a bag)
- Bulk herbs for pennies
- Fresh citrus that makes grocery store oranges cry
What to skip:
If you’re looking for kombucha on tap or live ukulele covers of Billie Eilish… not your market.
Parking tip:
Free lot across the street. Easy in, easy out.
Dog-friendly?
Technically yes, but it’s crowded and fast-moving. Maybe leave Snickers at home for this one.
3. Davis Farmers Market
Central Park, 4th & C Streets, Davis
Saturdays 8am–1pm + Wednesdays (evening market)
davisfarmersmarket.org
Why it’s worth the drive:
You know Davis. Bikes, co-ops, and people who say “I ferment things” unironically. But this market? It’s elite.
Certified organic farmers. Rotating seasonal vendors. The Wednesday night market even has wine tasting, wood-fired pizza, and live bands that don’t make you want to fake a phone call.
What to get:
- Organic mushrooms that look like little alien spaceships
- Peaches you’ll write poems about
- Local hummus and pita that might ruin store-bought forever
What to skip:
Honestly? Not much. Even the weird art booths have charm.
Parking tip:
Free street parking nearby, but go early to beat the rush.
Dog-friendly?
Extremely. Leashed pups everywhere, and some vendors even put out water bowls. It’s a whole thing.
4. Elk Grove Farmers Market
Old Town Plaza, 9615 Railroad St
Saturdays, 8am–1pm
ilovefarmersmarkets.org/elk-grove
Why it’s solid:
Look, this one’s trying. And we love that. It’s smaller, friendlier, and still finding its rhythm—but the community vibe is real. Great for families, dog walkers, and people who don’t need it to be fancy.
What to get:
- Fresh herbs
- Local honey from actual local bees
- The best compliment you’ve gotten all week from a vendor named Linda
What to skip:
Some fruit stalls scream “wholesale rebrand,” but they’re easy to spot. Follow the dirt.
Parking tip:
Super easy. Small-town vibes, chill parking.
Dog-friendly?
Yes, and bonus: it’s the kind of place where strangers will ask your dog’s name and tell you a 10-minute story about their corgi.
5. Sunrise Mall Farmers Market (Citrus Heights)
Sunrise Mall parking lot
Saturdays, 8am–1pm
ilovefarmersmarkets.org
Why it’s… complicated:
This one’s got an identity crisis. You can find good stuff—stone fruit, nuts, some solid veggies—but you’ll also find resellers, oddball booths, and a guy aggressively handing out flyers for colon cleanses.
What to get:
- Great deals on bulk almonds and walnuts
- Seasonal fruit (when it’s actually in season)
- Tamales that honestly slap
What to skip:
Plastic-wrapped bananas. Asparagus in July. And anyone who says their produce is “artisan” without context.
Parking tip:
It’s in a mall parking lot. You’ll be fine.
Dog-friendly?
Sure. But watch those little paws on hot asphalt in summer.
Farmers Market Survival Kit (Trust Us)
- Reusable bags (and one backup because you will overbuy)
- Small bills or Venmo—some vendors take cards, others live in the cash-only era
- Water bottle (bonus if it’s a trendy Stanley or something ironic)
- Snack for the car ride home because hunger hits hard at 11:43am
- Sunscreen + hat unless you enjoy early crow’s feet
Why It Actually Matters
This isn’t just about aesthetics or avoiding overpriced tomatoes.
Supporting real farmers:
- Keeps local farms alive
- Reduces your carbon footprint
- Gets you fresher, better-tasting food
- Connects you with your local community (even if you’re not a “community event” person)
Sacramento has some of the best growing conditions in the country. We literally live in a food paradise. So if you’re gonna shop local—do it for real.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Get Farmers Market Catfished
Sacramento’s full of markets, but only a handful actually support the people growing your food. The rest? Vibes-only scams with cute signage and sad produce.
You work hard. You woke up early. You wore real pants.
Make it count.
Support the folks who planted the seeds, pulled the weeds, and showed up before sunrise so you could eat something that actually tastes like something.
Your taste buds (and your moral compass) will thank you.
Check out our other food guides here!
