Marin County’s farmers’ markets serve up some of the freshest produce and artisanal foods you’ll find anywhere in the Bay Area. With several year-round markets scattered across the county, both locals and visitors get a real taste of Northern California farm life every week. The Sunday market at the Marin Civic Center stands out—it’s the third largest weekly farmers’ market in California, drawing over 150 vendors with everything from organic veggies to small-batch cheeses.
These markets feel like community hubs. You get to meet the people who actually grow your food, which adds a personal touch to grocery shopping. The Thursday and Sunday markets at the Marin Civic Center run from 8am to 1pm, rain or shine. It’s not just about shopping—there’s a sense of tradition and a real impact on supporting local farms and sustainable food systems.
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Sunday Marin Farmers’ Market
The Sunday Marin Farmers’ Market is huge—one of California’s largest weekly markets with more than 150 vendors. You’ll spot all kinds of fresh organic produce, including some oddball varieties you probably won’t see at a chain store.
Definitely show up hungry. The prepared food scene is strong—dim sum, sandwiches, you name it. Plenty of folks make a morning out of it, grabbing breakfast or lunch as they wander the stalls of local farmers.
There’s more than just fruits and veggies. You’ll find grass-fed meats, artisanal cheeses, and bread so fresh it’s still warm. The market attracts everyone from everyday shoppers to chefs on the hunt for the best ingredients.
The location adds something special. The Marin County Civic Center, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, gives the market a unique backdrop with its architecture and rolling hills. It runs all year, no matter the weather, so it’s a pretty reliable weekend plan.
Rating: 4.8 (600 reviews)
Location: 3501 Civic Center Dr, San Rafael, CA 94903
Contact: (415) 472-6100
Website: Visit Website
Thursday Marin Farmers’ Market
The Thursday Marin Farmers’ Market sits right by the lagoon at the Civic Center in San Rafael. With 85+ vendors, you’ll find everything from just-picked produce to specialty breads and pastries. Sure, chefs shop here, but you definitely don’t need to be one to appreciate the good stuff.
It’s easy to spend a morning here, checking out stands with local meats, seasonal veggies, and fresh-baked treats. The vibe is more laid-back than the bigger weekend markets. Grab lunch from Porchetta Toscana or Mr. Dim Sum and kick back with a view of Mount Tamalpais.
The reusable foodware program is a nice touch. Some vendors offer reusable containers, and you can drop them off at stations around the market. It’s a simple way to cut down on waste.
Getting there is simple. Drive and park just off Highway 101, hop on the SMART train to the Civic Center, or bike in on nearby trails. The market’s open every Thursday, year-round, rain or shine.
Rating: 4.6 (91 reviews)
Location: 10 Ave of the Flags, San Rafael, CA 94903
Contact: (415) 472-6100
Website: Visit Website
Marin Community Farm Stands
If you’re in Forest Knolls, Marin Community Farm Stands is worth a stop. The main stand is open every day from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, rain or shine, so it’s always there when you need it.
The setup is comfortable and welcoming, right on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. The stand’s become a local fixture, and customers seem to love it based on the glowing reviews.
They focus on local, seasonal products straight from Marin County farmers. You’ll find just-picked vegetables, fruit, and other farm goods, all while supporting local agriculture. The staff is friendly and happy to chat about where the food comes from or how it’s grown.
The consistent hours make it a great stop if you’re exploring western Marin. The quality’s high, and the farm-to-table vibe feels authentic—not just a marketing gimmick.
Rating: 4.9 (313 reviews)
Location: 6700 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Forest Knolls, CA 94933
Contact: (415) 497-9496
Website: Visit Website
Mill Valley Farmers Market
The Mill Valley Farmers Market sits right at the base of Mount Tamalpais and is buzzing every Friday morning, all year long. Local farmers and makers show up with their freshest produce and handmade goodies.
The quality here is hard to beat. You can try organic strawberries that honestly make grocery store berries seem bland. Most of the veggies are picked just hours before the market starts, which you can really taste.
The whole scene is neighborly—shopping feels relaxed, and you’ll probably run into people you know. The bread stands are always popular, and vendors often remember their regulars, tossing in a recipe tip or two if you ask.
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There’s more than produce, too—think small-batch jams, cheeses, and fresh flowers. The market’s not huge, but each vendor brings something special, so it never feels overwhelming.
Rating: 4.9 (7 reviews)
Location: 759 E Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941
Contact: (415) 382-7846
Marin Country Mart Saturday Farmers’ Market
Marin Country Mart in Larkspur is a lively shopping spot with upscale boutiques and casual eats. The open-air setup makes it easy to wander between shops while soaking up the Marin breeze.
The Saturday Farmers’ Market runs from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and always draws a crowd. You’ll find local produce, crafts, and live music, so it’s got a fun, family-friendly vibe.
The shop lineup is eclectic—Birkenstock, Goop, James Perse, Toy Crazy for the kids. Food-wise, there’s Hog Island Oyster Co., Shake Shack, and the new Buvette du Marais, so you won’t go hungry.
It’s not just about shopping and eating. The mart offers services like International Orange Spa, and you can work out at SoulCycle or Love Story Yoga. There’s plenty of space for kids to play while you browse, making it a solid weekend destination.
Rating: 4.4 (775 reviews)
Location: 2257 Larkspur Landing Cir, Larkspur, CA 94939
Contact: (415) 461-5700
Website: Visit Website
Fairfax Community Farmers Market
The Fairfax Community Farmers Market brings a cozy, small-town vibe to Bolinas Road. Here, you’ll spot a handpicked mix of just-harvested produce from Marin and nearby counties—nothing too flashy, but always fresh.
Since 2010, Agricultural Community Events Farmers’ Markets has run this spot (and nine others nearby). You’ll feel the local pride right away, with folks eager to chat about their farms and crafts.
If you’re in a rush or just like planning ahead, their pre-order system is a lifesaver: order online, then swing by for curbside pickup. They also accept CalFresh and Market Match, so qualifying shoppers get up to $10 matched for healthy food.
Sure, it’s not the biggest market around, but Fairfax makes up for it with its tight-knit community feel. Vendors rotate, so there’s always some new surprise—sometimes it’s a rare jam, other times a new baker. If you’re a regular, it’s worth signing up for their newsletter for updates and special deals.
Rating: 4.3 (7 reviews)
Location: 124 Bolinas Rd, Fairfax, CA 94930
Contact: (415) 999-5635
Website: Visit Website
San Rafael Summer Farmers Market
Every Thursday evening from April through September, San Rafael’s downtown 4th Street comes alive for the Summer Farmers Market. There’s a long row of over 40 local vendors—produce stands, food artisans, crafters, you name it.
The scene is festive, almost like a mini block party. Musicians play while families sprawl out on grassy patches, digging into food truck dinners. It feels less like shopping and more like a community hangout—catching up with neighbors, people-watching, soaking in Marin’s laid-back energy.
Produce rotates with the seasons. Early summer brings strawberries and cherries; later, you’ll find tomatoes and stone fruit. Many growers use organic practices, and you can actually ask them about it—no corporate mystery here.
The prepared food section is a highlight. One minute you’re eyeing wood-fired pizza, the next you’re tempted by tamales. Grab a bit from several vendors and call it dinner. It’s casual, unhurried, and honestly, a great way to spend a summer evening.
Rating: 5 (1 review)
Location: 1001 4th St, San Rafael, CA 94901
Point Reyes Station Farmers Market
The Point Reyes Station Farmers Market is about as intimate as it gets in Marin. Saturday mornings, local farmers and food makers set up in the heart of town, and the vibe is genuinely welcoming.
Open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM each Saturday, this market gives you time to wander through stalls of produce, cheese, and baked treats. Lots of the offerings are organic, and most come from farms just a few miles away.
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What really sets this place apart is the connection to West Marin’s agricultural roots. You’ll often chat directly with the people who grew your salad greens or baked your bread. The pace is slow, and the conversations about farming and sustainability feel real—not just sales talk.
After you’ve stocked up, Point Reyes Station is right there for exploring, or you can head into the National Seashore for hiking and those classic coastal views. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday, honestly.
Rating: 4.8 (9 reviews)
Location: 11250 CA-1, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
Contact: (415) 456-0147
Website: Visit Website
Petaluma East Side Farmers’ Market
The Petaluma East Side Farmers’ Market is lively and loaded with fresh produce and local goods. Expect plenty of seasonal fruits, veggies, and artisan products straight from the source.
Since 2010, it’s been part of the Agricultural Community Events Farmers’ Markets family. You can stroll through stalls of just-picked produce and chat with vendors who actually grew the stuff—always a plus.
This market stands out for its community spirit and accessibility. CalFresh and Market Match are both accepted, so if you qualify, you get up to $10 matched for fresh food. That’s a big deal for making healthy food more available.
Short on time? Use their pre-order system for curbside pickup. You’ll get the best of the market, minus the lines and crowds—perfect when you’re in a hurry but still want great produce.
Rating: 4.7 (110 reviews)
Location: 320 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, CA 94954
Contact: (415) 999-5635
Website: Visit Website
Understanding Marin County Farmers’ Markets
Marin County’s farmers’ markets are some of the most lively and diverse in California. They’re not just about veggies—they’re community hubs where farmers and shoppers meet face-to-face, swapping stories and recipes over piles of just-picked produce and handmade treats.
What Sets Marin County Markets Apart
Honestly, the quality and variety here are hard to beat. The Sunday Marin Farmers Market is actually the third biggest weekly market in California, with over 150 year-round vendors. That means you get options—lots of them.
Most Marin markets lean into organic farming, so you’ll spot plenty of pesticide-free produce. It’s a point of pride and lines up with Marin’s food-obsessed, eco-conscious vibe.
But it’s not just about the food. These markets double as social scenes—families, chefs, and food lovers mingling, sampling, chatting, and building connections. Vendors often offer samples, which, let’s be real, is half the fun.
History and Evolution
Marin County Certified Farmers’ Markets started out to connect farms straight to shoppers—no middlemen, just fair prices and fresher food.
Over the years, the markets have changed a lot. Some stick around all year, while others close for the off-season and pop back up in spring when crops start rolling in.
Big news came in July 2024 when Marin County signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a permanent home for the Marin Farmers Market. That’s huge—years of effort finally paying off for a stable, reliable market spot.
Even as trends shift, these markets keep their focus: supporting local farms and making sure Marin folks can get fresh, real food. That’s something worth holding onto.
Sustainable Practices and Seasonal Offerings
Marin County’s farmers’ markets really walk the talk on sustainability and seasonal eating. Local vendors focus on eco-friendly growing and always bring what’s freshest—sometimes you never know exactly what you’ll find, which is half the adventure.
Supporting Local Producers
Marin County’s farmers’ markets put you face to face with the folks who actually grow your food. Shopping here? You’re directly backing small-scale agriculture in the region—no faceless grocery chains involved.
The Sunday Marin Farmers Market stands out, honestly. With more than 150 vendors showing up every week, it’s one of the biggest in California. Some of these family farms harvest their produce just hours before the market opens, so you’re getting food that’s about as fresh as it gets.
Because there’s no middleman, farmers can actually earn a fair price for their hard work. That’s a big deal, especially around here, where costs can be pretty steep.
Want to know where your carrots came from or how to cook those odd-looking greens? Just ask. Most vendors love chatting about their growing practices, favorite recipes, or even the quirks of their farms. It’s a nice change from the usual checkout line small talk, isn’t it?
Organic and Eco-Friendly Initiatives
Marin County produce markets really push environmental practices front and center. Plenty of vendors stick to organic growing methods, steering clear of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
Eco-friendly farming? That’s just how things are done around here. Vendors lean into sustainable techniques—crop rotation, composting, water conservation, you name it.
The markets stick to seasonal produce, which cuts down on the carbon footprint from shipping stuff in from far away. Plus, eating with the seasons just tastes better and packs more nutrition. That’s not just hype—try a summer tomato here and see if you disagree.
Lots of vendors skip extra packaging or use compostable containers instead. Honestly, bringing your own bags or containers is just kind of expected if you want to keep things green.
You might find educational displays about sustainable agriculture at some stalls. These can be eye-opening, showing how your shopping habits ripple out to the environment.
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Corte Madera Farmers’ Market
Downtown San Rafael Farmers’ Market
Fairfax Community Farmers’ Market
Hamilton Landing Farmers’ Market
Marin Country Mart Farmers’ Market
Mill Valley Farmers’ Market
Novato Farmers’ Market
Point Reyes Station Farmers’ Market
Rollin’ Root Farmer’s Market
Strawberry Village Farmers Market
Sunday Marin Farmers’ Market
Thursday Marin Farmers’ Market
Cities and Towns in Marin County
Things to Do in Marin County
Places to Stay in Marin County
