Long Beach Farmers Markets
Farmers markets have evolved from culinary curiosities to community staples.
They offer all manners of fresh, healthy food as well as a way of life that is more intentional, sustainable and deliciously fun. Here’s a daily rundown of where you can join these food scenes in Long Beach, throughout the week!
Tuesday
BIXBY PARK
Address: 130 Cherry Ave.
Times: Tuesdays 3 PM - 7 PM and Saturdays 10 AM - 3 PM
At Bixby Park, amid the laughter of kids in the playground and the music being performed on a small stage with the Pacific Ocean just across the street, the vibe feels like a waterfront festival. The market is its energy terrific, and so is the selection of items: fresh fruit and vegetables, gourmet specialty foods, as well as handmade jewelry, soaps, and candles from local makers. There is also a wonderful variety of prepared food, with the empanadas and pupusas being high on the popularity list.
WEDNESDAY
MARINE STADIUM
Address: 5255 Paoli Way
Times: 3 PM - 7 PM
The Marine Stadium market, farm fresh, California-grown fruits and vegetables are a staple as are stunning selections of fresh cut flowers. As the Marine Stadium market has evolved, so has the selection of artisanal items, ranging from bread to honey to vinegar as has the selection of gourmet specialty foods and coffee. Located by the water of historic Marine Stadium, which hosted the rowing events of the 1932 Olympics, it makes for a wonderful afternoon/evening out, whether shopping for food, jewelry or something to eat right away while you groove to live music.
THURSDAY
4TH STREET
Address: 2000 E 4th St
Times: 8 AM - 12 PM
The newest farmers market in Long Beach is held on Thursdays in the parking lot at 4th Street and Cherry Avenue in the Retro Row neighborhood. At the Fourth Street Farmers Market, you can shop for fruits and veggies, eggs, honey, microgreens, and loaves of artisanal sourdough bread from Hey Brother Baker. Other vendors include Long Beach Mushrooms, Stepladder Ranch & Creamery selling meats and cheeses, and Black Sheep Farms selling dried beans and other goods.
Local tip: If you aren't able to attend, you can pre-order a box of produce from Weiser Family Farms and pick it up at nearby Alder & Sage until 8 PM on Thursdays.
THURSDAY
BIXBY KNOLLS
Address: Between 46th Street and Atlantic Avenue
Times: 3 PM - 7 PM
This market, held in Bixby Knolls, has a warm, neighborly vibe, and not only features great food, but things like face painters and balloon artists for kids. Adults will appreciate the great produce and such specialty items as Asian vegetables and melons, almond oil, handmade organic soap, as well as such locally produced pantry items such as hummus, peanuts and eggs along with fresh seafood. Baked goods and roasted corn are popular as is the Southern-style BBQ that attracts people to the market all on its own.
FRIDAY
DOWNTOWN LONG BEACH
Address: Fourth Street and North Promenade
Times: 10 AM - 2 PM
This market, is well-known for terrific fruit, including such staples, depending on the season, as cherries, apricots and nectarines as well as hard-to-find items like prickly pears and dragon fruit. There are also sustainable personal and household items such as toothpaste, dish soap and laundry detergent, as well as great food that’s ready to eat. Tamales and hot dogs are popular choices. Since it’s located downtown, the market is easily accessible on foot or bike. If you choose to pedal, the market offers free bicycle valet service.
SATURDAY
WRIGLEY
Address: 2530 Daisy Ave
Times: 2 PM - 6 PM
The Wrigley Farmers Market hosts a variety of vendors for pop-ups with its Shop Small Club on Saturdays. The market sets up in the parking lot behind Long Beach Beer Lab under the shade of solar panels, perfect for strolling and shopping. While seasonal fruits and veggies are always on offer alongside artisanal bread and other goodies, here you can also find clothing, home goods like handmade soaps and artwork, accessories like jewelry and custom tumblers, and food vendors, including loaded hot dogs, pastries, and coffee.
SUNDAY
ALAMITOS BAY
Address: 205 N. Marina Dr
Times: 9 AM - 2 PM
The market is located in the Alamitos Bay Marina parking lot, across the street from the 2ND & PCH retail center. The parking lot borders the harbor and it would be hard to imagine a more idyllic location for a farmer’s market on a Sunday morning. As you might expect for its location, it features lots of fresh seafood and a wide variety of fruits and veggies, as well as Mediterranean treats, meats, jellies and very popular artisanal cheeses. There’s also a great selection of self-care items such as lotions, skin serums, soaps and lip balms.
SUNDAY
FARMERS MARKETPLACE OF LONG BEACH
Address: 5000 E Spring St.
Times: 8 AM - 1 PM
This market is held in the parking lot at the corner of Clark and Spring near the Long Beach Airport. You can find fresh fruits and vegetables as well as baked goods, roasted nuts, honey, fresh cut flowers, and other goodies, plus live music. As Long Beach farmers' markets go, this one is smaller and relatively uncrowded for a more relaxed, stroll-and-shop experience.
Tips for First Time Visitors
Going to a farmers' market for the first time can be a little overwhelming with the number of vendors offering everything from produce to products and even services. So, before you go, keep these tips in mind:
- Wear sunscreen: farmers' markets happen more often during warmer, sunnier months, it's important to keep your skin protected while roaming!
- Bring a bag: Some booths may offer grocery bags or crates, but it's easier to have a personal bag to carry all your purchases.
- Be mindful: Markets can get crowded; always be aware of stopping in the aisles or in front of vendors.
- Look for an information booth: Not all farmers' markets have these accessible, but they can be very useful when navigating larger markets for the first time.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions!
What produce is in season and when?
Spring and summer bring a wave of farmers' markets to the streets of Long Beach. With countless opportunities to snatch up fresh fruits and veggies, knowing when your favorites are in season will ensure you get the best of the locally grown produce.
| FRUITS | VEGGIES | |
| SPRING | Kiwi | Asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, collard greens, kale, lettuce, mushrooms, radishes, rhubarb, spinach, and turnips |
| SUMMER | Blueberries, cantaloupe, cherries, mangos, peaches, pears, plums, raspberries, grapes, tomatoes, and watermelon | Bell Peppers, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, green beans, and zucchini |
| BOTH SEASONS | Apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, blackberries, lemons, limes, pineapples, plantains, and strawberries | Carrots, celery, garlic, herbs, onions, and peas |
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