It’s that wonderful time of the year again when valley spring crops are beginning to peak. That’s right, it’s farmers market season!
It’s been a few years since my last Farmers Market roundup so it felt like time for an update. Without further adieu, I present to you:
The 2022 FresYes Guide to Farmers Markets
(All markets are linked to web pages with additional information for your easy reference.)
The Vineyard Farmers Market is held under the iconic arbor at Blackstone and Shaw in Fresno.
Beautiful fresh flowers and bouquets greet shoppers at the Vineyard Farmers Market.
The Vineyard Farmers Market (Central Fresno)
The Vineyard Farmers Market, now in its 42nd year of operation. It is a Fresno staple operating twice weekly, year round (rain or shine). It’s located under the beautiful, vine-covered arbor on the northwest corner of Blackstone and Shaw avenues in central Fresno.
The Vineyard operates on Wednesdays from 3-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon.
The Saturday vendors tend to be a bit more plentiful than the Wednesday vendors, but you can find everything from fresh, organic stone fruit and berries to locally made gourmet cheeses, artisan chocolate, and farm-fresh eggs on both days.
My best tips are:
- Be sure to check out Thao Farms at the far west end of the arbor for some of the best and most varied vegetables you’ll find anywhere.
- Arrive early during the summer if you want to get the greatest variety in berries. Mendoza Farms is very popular and always has a line (though it moves quickly!).
- Go early on a Saturday and enjoy a pastry from La Boulangerie and a coffee from Fabiano’s before you shop for the week’s produce. It’s heaven!
More info: Vineyard Farmers Market
Clovis Community Hospital (Clovis)
This market is open every Monday from 9am to 2pm just north of the West Parking Garage. It’s open for employees and the general public, so if you’re in the Clovis area, stop on by for a weekly fill up on local produce during your lunch hour!
More info: CCMC Market
River Park Farmers Market (North Fresno)
The River Park Farmers Market is a year-round market, taking place every Tuesday evening from 5-9 pm. and Saturdays from 10am – 2pm. The market sets up directly west of Regal theater and focuses on organic and locally grown produce, as well as prepared foods like Mexican-style corn on the cob (elote), tacos, and shaved ice. There are also occasional food festival events like the Spicy Food or Bacon festival to enjoy. The River Park Farmers Market frequently provides free entertainment as well as live music or dance performances.
More info: River Park Farmers Market
Shoppers enjoy a balmy evening at the River Park Farmers Market
A Sanchez Corn Bowl with Chile and Cheese from the River Park Farmers Market.
Market at Heart (North Fresno)
This is a new market, taking place on Thursdays from 10am to 2pm at the Fresno Heart Hospital at 15 E Audubon Dr., Fresno, CA 93720. The market sets up in the parking lot to the southeast of the main entrance. This market is open to both employees of the Heart Hospital and the general public, and is a great spot for NE Fresno residents and workers to enjoy a lunch at, while stocking up on fresh produce for the weekend ahead.
More info: Market at Heart
Old Town Clovis Farmers Market (Clovis)
This is actually a two-part market.
One part is the year-round market that happens from 9-11:30 a.m. every Saturday in the old DMV parking lot at 625 Pollasky Ave. in Clovis.
The other, perhaps better-known, market is the one that happens Friday evenings from 5:30-8:30 p.m. beginning the first weekend in May and running through the end of September.
Vendors at each are extremely varied and offer everything from delicious fruits and nuts to fresh lobster and chicken chow mein. Though the Saturday morning market is considerably smaller than the seasonal, Friday night market (which offers live entertainment, music, children’s activities, and food trucks) it is not light on options.
More info: Old Town Clovis Farmers Market
The Market In The Parc (Downtown)
This weekly, year-round, California Certified Fresh Market takes place on the grounds of Community Regional Medical Center, and near UCSF Fresno in Downtown Fresno at 2210 E. Illinois.
If you’re Downtown and looking for a tasty lunch and some fruits and veggies to take home for the weekend, this market will be here for you every Friday from 9am-2pm.
More info: The Market in the Parc
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