About
On your Redwood Coast getaway, be sure to take a Saturday to go to the Arcata Plaza Farmer's Market. The smell of the freshly picked strawberries and the sound of a guitar drifting through the air make it absolutely magical.
Since 1978, this has been the market at the heart of downtown Arcata, and the plaza is a real celebration of North Coast produce every week from April through November. It started with a few growers in pickup trucks and has evolved into a major event, a real draw for the locals, the college kids and people from all over the place.
It's run by the North Coast Growers' Association, and during peak season (summer) there are over 70 vendors. All the produce is grown in Humboldt, Trinity, or Del Norte counties, so it's a true regional product. You'll find all the usual fruits and vegetables along with artisan cheeses, fresh breads, flowers, honey, and locally roasted coffee. There are also food trucks and pop-up kitchens on site with everything from wood-fired pizza to tamales and vegan food.
But it's far more than just a food market. It's a place to meet up with friends, a place for families to just sit on the grass and relax. It's a community event. There are live bands, there are dance performances, there's occasionally a parade or a festival. If you want to get a feel for the Redwood Coast then this is the place to be.
Arcata Plaza Farmer’s Market: Fun Facts & Cool Features
One of the best things about the Arcata Plaza Farmer's Market is that it's a "producer only" market. Everything that's sold is grown or made by the person at the stand. You can therefore talk to the farmers about their growing methods, sample the heirloom tomatoes, and get advice on how to cook that odd squash you've just plucked from the market.
It's renowned for having some of the earliest and sweetest berries in the area as well as a fantastic selection of organic greens and edible flowers.
Kids love the market for the face painters, the balloon artists and the games that go on spontaneously in the central lawn. There's loads of live entertainment throughout the morning with local musicians, folk bands and even a circus to keep you amused. The market is very much in tune with the eco-conscious shopper, with a huge emphasis on reusable bags, compostable containers and the range of zero waste options available at many of the stalls.
The market is also a great showcase of the area's creative talent, with local artists and craftspeople having booths with pottery, jewelry, soaps, and all sorts of handmade clothing. There are various special events throughout the year (Apple Tasting Day, the Zucchini Festival, to name but two) which add a real fun element to the regular market. Being located right on the historic Arcata Plaza, you're just a few steps away from the independent bookshops, coffee shops and art galleries, so it's very easy to spend the whole day there.
Whether you're in for a picnic, you're just out there chatting with the farmers, or you're simply wanting to be in the festival atmosphere, the Arcata Plaza Farmer's Market is a must for any Redwood Coast holiday.
Local Tips
- Arrive early for the best selections.
- Bring your own bags or baskets to shop more sustainably.
- Parking is free downtown on Saturdays, but the plaza fills quickly.
- Check the North Coast Growers' Association website for the special event dates and live music schedules.
