Los Angeles is home to what can only be called a diverse array of farmers markets, each boasting its own unique character and specialty offerings. Farmers markets are not only an ideal place to buy locally-sourced foods and fresh produce, they are also an excellent way to support local famers and businesses – which have been absolutely rocked by instability in the post-COVID era – while enjoying the vibrant community environment.
In this roundup, we will explore some of Woodland Hills’ top farmers markets while singling out their specialties and best-sellers so you can indulge with some confidence…at your leisure.
Woodland Hills Farmers Market, located at 5650 Shoup Avenue, is first on our list and you can probably guess why: this local institution has become a Woodland Hills community staple in a scant two-years’ time, singled out for its more than 30 vendors of all kinds, live music, kids activities, free entry and parking and so much more. Established in 2022, Woodland Hills Farmers Market boasts everything you need in one place, from farm-fresh produce to specialties like hummus, dips, yogurts, granola, hot foods, wine, teas and coffees. Not enough variety? Consider that this farmers market also offers jewelry, hand-made candles, fresh fruits and vegetables of all kinds. Open every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm.
Old Town Calabasas Farmers Market, located at 23504 Calabasas Road in Calabasas, is a proud member of the California Certified Farmers Market network, and as such boasts a multitude of vendors selling a myriad of premium products, including unique items like almond butter, pistachio butter, fresh organic eggs, sweet oranges, organic groceries, healthy snacks and more. Organic fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds are just the beginning of the Old Town Calabasas Farmers Market experience, evidenced by the plethora of food vendors, live music and select boutiques. This is an experience not to be missed in Calabasas. Open every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm.
Encino Farmers Market, located at 17400 Victory Boulevard in Van Nuys, remains a fun way for everyone in the family to spend time together – and away from the mobile devices for a while – for shopping, food and more. This certified farmers market features a variety of California-grown fruits, vegetables, artisanal cheese, fresh flowers, eggs and chicken, honey, mushrooms and plants, with about a third of the products sold here sourced from growers who practice organic farming methods. During the peak months between May and November, about 40 farms from all over central and Southern California participate, but Encino Farmers Market is open year round on Sundays from 8 am to 1 pm.
Canoga Park Farmers Market, located at 7248 Owensmouth Avenue in L.A., is a little gem just being discovered by many Angelinos, and what it lacks in size it makes up for in prices and how friendly the vendors are. Case in point: organic strawberries here are $6 for a three-pack as opposed to $12 at some other markets. Fan-favorite fruit vendor “Mr. G” boasts a straight per-pound price for all organic fruits sold at his stand at Canoga Park Farmers Market, while four food vendors vie for your attention with fresh-cooked items that look and smell delicious. There’s even an organic funnel cake stand if you like to seek out unique nooks and crannies at farmers markets. Open Saturdays from 9 am to 1:30 pm.
Agoura Hills Farmers Market at Whizin Market Square, located at 28914 Roadside Drive in Agoura Hills, goes far beyond the garden – some pun intended – variety farmers market concept with more than 50 vendors, a kids play area, local farmers and artists, live music and much more. From rows of produce with plenty of organic selections to stands selling art and jewelry, food trucks and even a Sage Bistro representative on hand, the Agoura Hills Farmers Market isn’t to be missed. If you’re bringing the kids, check out the bouncy slide, which should keep them entertained for hours. Open Saturdays from 11 am to 4 pm.
Tapia Bros, located at 5251 Hayvenhurst Avenue in Encino, offers everything from cute animals to beautifully growing produce, with a farm stand that boasts delicious vegetables and some of the best strawberries you’ll ever lay eyes on. Families return year after year for Tapia Bros’ pumpkin patch, always a hit around the autumn season, as well as the multitude of adorable animals kids can observe, pet and feed. There’s also a circle of ponies for children to ride around in addition to baby pigs, baby goats and a small horse. Beyond the produce, pumpkin patch and petting zoo are hayrides, a corn maze and one of the best selections of sunflowers you’ll find in all of SoCal. Contact Tapia Bros at (818) 905-6155 for more information about their seasonal schedule; normally open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm.
Northridge Farmers Market and Family Festival, located at 9301 Tampa Avenue in Northridge Fashion Center Mall in Northridge, was established in 1995 under the management of Coastal Pacific LLC, which has been managing farmers markets for 15 years, and takes pride in bringing the freshest produce from the farm to the community. From fresh produce to entertainment of all kinds, it’s difficult to find a more encompassing spot than Northridge Farmers Market and Family Festival – after all, it’s here you’ll discover kettle corn, Chicharrons, funnel cakes, lemonade, orange juice, Thai food, Yemen Rolls, hot dogs, Philly Cheesesteaks, corn on the cob and much more. Most importantly, it gives you the opportunity to support local small businesses…which need all the help we can give them nowadays. Come and experience the freshest produce from local and organic farmers, enjoy cooked foods and pre-packaged delights and visit local crafters and artisans – but don’t forget the entertaining live band and occasional raffle. Open every Wednesday from 5 to 9 pm at the Northridge Fashion Center in front of Macys.
When it’s peak produce season in California, the state’s 700-some farmers markets abound with fresh strawberries, sweet cherries and heirloom tomatoes, but they also serve as town squares and picturesque hangouts as much as they do places to buy ingredients for your next meal. Never has this been so evident than at the markets we have outlined in this roundup – and always remember: farmers markets are at the heart of the local food movement, where consumers can purchase food direct from the farmers that grow it.
