Freshly Oakland: 7 Farmers Markets For Your Daily Dose Of Fruit & Veg

Freshly Oakland: 7 Farmers Markets For Your Daily Dose Of Fruit & VegProduce from Thomas Farms. (Photo: Grand Lake Farmers Market/Facebook)
Susan Xu
Published on March 30, 2017

There are many organizations and individuals promoting food justice in Oakland, but farmers markets are on the front lines when it comes to providing communities with healthy, affordable options.

Visiting a farmers market isn't just a way to eat well: it's also an opportunity to ask direct questions of the people who raised your food, something that doesn't occur with shrink-wrapped items from the supermarket.

Make a shopping list, grab some sturdy shopping bags, and consider paying a visit to one of these spots where you'll find some of the best fruit, vegetables, seafood, meats and artisanal foods in the Bay Area.

Old Oakland Farmers Market. |Photo: Steve S./Yelp

Old Oakland Farmers Market
9th Street at Broadway | Fridays, 8am–2pm (year-round)

Urban Village Farmers Market Association refers to Old Oakland as "The People's Market." According to its website, it has served as the East Bay's most "diverse, affordable, and accessible farmers market" for almost 20 years. Due to its location near Chinatown, it offers produce like bitter melon and lotus root alongside items like hummus and tamales, reports Yelper Viola L.

Photo: Grand Lake Farmers Market/Facebook

Grand Lake Farmers Market
Grand Ave. & Lake Park Ave. | Saturdays, 9am–2pm (year-round)

Regarded by many as the finest farmers market in the East Bay, Grand Lake Farmers Market brings together more than 40 local farmers, 30 specialty food purveyors and several local artisans.

The market has been sponsored by the Agricultural Institute since its establishment in 1998. In addition to organic produce and food stalls, patrons will find crafts, fresh-cut flowers and prepared foods like baked goods and bread.

Photo: Jack London Square Farmers Market/Facebook

Jack London Square Farmers Market
Webster St. & Water St. | Sundays, 9am–2pm (year-round)

Situated by the waterfront, CUESA's Jack London Square Farmers Market was founded in 1989. With 40+ vendors, it's smaller than Grand Lake, but serves as a popular gathering spot thanks to its convenient location near shops and restaurants. Pro tip: head to the market near the end of the day for price cuts on produce. 

Note: Starting April 23, JLS Farmers Market will operate from 10am–3pm.

Photo: Urban Village

Temescal Farmers Market
5300 Claremont Ave. | Sundays, 9am–1pm (year-round)

Listen to live music and chow down on organic eats from Andy and Cindy's Thai Food, Donna's Tamales and Lovabowl at Temescal Farmers Market, located in the empty parking lot of the DMV. Among a host of certified organic producers, the market, also operated by Urban Village, offers "ready to eat" options from vendors like Cholita Linda.

Photo: Urban Village

Montclair Village
La Salle Ave. at Moraga Ave. | Sundays, 9am–1pm (year-round)

Yelper Sara B. reports that the Montclair Village Farmers Market is on the small side — just one block long — but it offers all the "basic necessities." As for prepared food, choices include an oyster vendor, French crêpes and naan wraps.

Photo: Uptown Oakland Farmers' Market/Facebook

Uptown Oakland Farmers Market
1 Kaiser Plz. | Wednesdays, 10am–2pm (April–November)

The Uptown Oakland Farmers’ Market (previously the Ordway Farmers' Market) was established by the Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association in 2012. Located near the west shore of Lake Merritt between the Ordway Building and the Cathedral of Christ the Light, the market operates seasonally until November; this year, it will run from April 12 to November 13.

Photo: Dan B./Yelp

Fruitvale's Farmers Market
3411 E 12th St. | Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12pm–7pm + Sundays, 10am–3pm

Conveniently located near Fruitvale BART (and nearby several AC transit lines), this small neighborhood farmers market generally serves as a pit stop for locals in search of seasonal produce, kettle corn and snacks like candy and roasted almonds. (There's usually R&B music playing, too.)