Santa Rosa Farmers Markets and Farms

Farm markets and stands are a staple in Sonoma County, and visitors to Santa Rosa have numerous ways to pick up fresh-off-the-farm produce and products.

Farmers Markets

Santa Rosa hosts numerous farmers markets, where you’ll meet the people who grow the tomatoes, olives, peaches, mushrooms, berries, and a huge assortment of other delectable fruits and vegetables.

Established in 1967, the Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market was one of the first such markets in California to become organically certified. This market runs year-round, two days a week (Wednesdays and Saturdays). Special events that occur throughout the year include August’s Gravenstein Apple Celebration, spring and summer clothing swaps, and September’s Tomato Tasting. Enjoy live music on Saturdays and most Wednesdays. Prepared food vendors are always on hand with tempting dishes.

The Santa Rosa Downtown Market, which runs on Wednesday evenings from May to August, has always been a fun and lively affair. It brings the community together in Courthouse Square to enjoy a variety of food, arts & crafts, fresh produce, non-profit agencies, entertainment, and activities. Over the past 30 summers, the Market has drawn more than a million people to downtown Santa Rosa. The 2021 season is TBD.

Previously held at the Veterans Building, the Santa Rosa Community Farmers’ Market is a dynamic year-round market now held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings in the nearby Farmers Lane Plaza shopping center.

Gather locally grown produce, freshly made food from vendors, and beautiful seasonal florals at this new farmers’ market next to Mitote Food Park in Roseland. Experience the vibrant culture at the Mercadito Market at Roseland Village, and savor some fresh crepes, hot churros, and sweet crunchy kettle corn while shopping for unique seasonal produce freshly plucked from nearby farms. Open on Thursday afternoons and Sunday mornings, year-round.

And in a senior community on Santa Rosa’s eastern border with the Sonoma Valley, the Oakmont Farmers Market is open on Saturday mornings, year-round.

Produce and Artisanal Product Stands

A family farm for more than 34 years, Tierra Vegetables grows everything from asparagus to zucchini. You can buy whatever their farm is growing, at the peak of quality and freshness, at the stand. The farm stand also offers its own farm-grown dried chilies and dried beans, wool products from their Shetland sheep, and culinary gifts.

Another popular Santa Rosa produce stand, offering a large variety of quality fruit and vegetables, is Imwalle Gardens — a nursery that also produces marvelous things to eat (they also purchase produce from other growers).

From late September to late October, Muelrath Ranches is the perfect place to celebrate autumn. The ranch grows 21 varieties of pumpkins (including mini pumpkins), along with gourds and winter squash. It offers hayrides; you can have fun in the hay tunnel or corn maze; and there’s a nice picnic area with a great view. And on Friday and Saturday nights, there’s a “Campfire in the Corral,” with roasted hot dogs, marshmallows, hot cider and more.

Written by Sonoma Insider Suzie Rodriguez.