The Walnut Creek Farmers Market

If you’ve ever wandered through downtown Walnut Creek on a Sunday morning, you’ve probably heard the music drifting down Locust Street, smelled fresh bread baking just steps away, or spotted neighbors carrying overflowing bags of farm-fresh produce. That familiar energy belongs to the Walnut Creek Farmers Market, a beloved weekly tradition that has been serving the community for decades.

Located in the heart of Walnut Creek on Locust Street, nestled between Cole Avenue and Lacassie Street, the Walnut Creek Farmers Market is a community gathering, a support system for local farmers, artisans, musicians, and makers, and a central part of life in Walnut Creek. Open year-round every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the market brings together the best of Northern California agriculture and creativity in one vibrant, walkable setting.

In this article, we’ll explore what makes the Walnut Creek Farmers Market so special, from its seasonal offerings and impressive vendor lineup to transportation tips, community impact, and why “eating in season” in Walnut Creek changes the way you think about food.

A Central Hub in the Heart of Walnut Creek

One of the biggest draws of the Walnut Creek Farmers Market is its prime location in downtown Walnut Creek. Situated on Locust Street between Cole and Lacassie, the market sits in the middle of a bustling downtown filled with shops, cafes, boutiques, and restaurants. Whether you’re walking, biking, driving, or arriving via BART, getting to the Walnut Creek Farmers Market is easy and convenient.

For those taking BART to Walnut Creek, the market is just a short, pleasant walk from the Walnut Creek BART station. This proximity makes the Walnut Creek Farmers Market an ideal destination for residents throughout the East Bay who want to enjoy a car-free Sunday outing.

If you’re driving into Walnut Creek, parking is made simple thanks to the generous support of Grower’s Square, which provides the first hour of free parking every Sunday for farmers market customers. The parking garage is located at 1646 N California Blvd, with the entrance on Cole Street, just steps from the Walnut Creek Farmers Market. After the complimentary first hour, standard parking rates apply, and convenient pay stations accept credit cards.

Public transportation also makes access to Walnut Creek smooth and straightforward. County Connection bus lines 104 and 121 run nearby, connecting more neighborhoods to the Walnut Creek Farmers Market and encouraging residents to leave their cars at home.

This easy access helps reinforce Walnut Creek’s commitment to sustainability, promoting walkability, public transit, and support of hyper-local food systems.

Serving Contra Costa Since 1982: A Proud Walnut Creek Tradition

Operated by the Contra Costa Certified Farmers’ Markets (CCCFM), the Walnut Creek Farmers Market is part of a legacy that stretches back to 1982. For decades, this organization has connected farmers to communities like Walnut Creek, giving local growers a reliable way to sell their harvest while giving residents direct access to food grown near their own city.

In Walnut Creek, the farmers market is institutional. Families have grown up visiting the Walnut Creek Farmers Market every Sunday. Parents who once wandered the aisles with their own parents now bring their children. Friendships have been built over conversations at the honey stand. Relationships with local farmers have developed over years of shared seasons, stories, and tasting booths.

This continuity is part of what makes Walnut Creek special. The farmers market is a rhythm of life.

Eating in Season in Walnut Creek: Why It Matters

One of the core values of the Walnut Creek Farmers Market is the idea of eating in season. Seasonal eating means choosing fruits and vegetables at their natural peak, when flavor is richest and nutrients are most concentrated. This also supports sustainable agriculture practices and minimizes the environmental impact of long-distance shipping.

At the Walnut Creek Farmers Market, shoppers can follow the incredible rhythm of California’s growing seasons throughout the year.

Winter in Walnut Creek

In the winter months, Walnut Creek fills with vibrant winter greens and citrus. Stalls overflow with:

• Blood oranges

• Cara Cara oranges

• Grapefruit

• Lemons

• Tangerines

• Kale

• Spinach

• Broccoli

• Cauliflower

• Artichokes

• Potatoes

• Turnips

• Carrots

• Onions

• Parsnips

Even on chilly mornings, Walnut Creek feels alive with color, from golden citrus to deep green leafy vegetables. The Walnut Creek Farmers Market in winter is a reminder that California agriculture never sleeps.

Spring in Walnut Creek

Spring is when Walnut Creek begins to burst into sweetness and soft colors. The Walnut Creek Farmers Market welcomes early favorites like:

• Strawberries

• English peas

• Fava beans

• Cherries

• Apricots

• Arugula

• Herbs like cilantro, dill, and parsley

• Baby onions

• Scallions

• New potatoes

Shoppers in Walnut Creek can taste the shift in the season with every bite. As flowers bloom around downtown Walnut Creek, the market mirrors that growth with each new crop arriving on the stalls.

Summer in Walnut Creek

Summer is peak season in Walnut Creek, and the farmers market fully becomes a feast for the senses. Locals flock to the Walnut Creek Farmers Market for:

• Peaches

• Nectarines

• Plums

• Pluots

• Watermelons

• Cantaloupe

• Corn

• Tomatoes

• Zucchini

• Cucumbers

• Peppers

• Basil

• Blackberries

• Blueberries

• Raspberries

• Grapes

This is when the Walnut Creek Farmers Market is at its busiest, and for good reason. Everything tastes better in summer, especially when it’s grown in the fertile lands surrounding Walnut Creek.

Fall in Walnut Creek

As temperatures cool, Walnut Creek’s farmers market shifts again into autumn abundance:

• Pumpkins

• Sweet potatoes

• Winter squash (delicata, butternut, kabocha)

• Pears

• Apples

• Persimmons

• Pomegranates

• Pecans

• Raisins

• Dried fruits

Fall in Walnut Creek is particularly beautiful, and the Walnut Creek Farmers Market embraces it with seasonal flavors perfect for cozy home cooking and holiday gatherings.

A Look at the Walnut Creek Vendor Community

The Walnut Creek Farmers Market is also known for its diverse and impressive lineup of vendors. In addition to farmers and ranchers, the market features:

• Local artists and crafters

• Handmade jewelry designers

• Small-batch candle companies

• Potters and ceramic artists

• Musicians and performers

• Specialty food creators

• Bakeries

• Gourmet sauce makers

• Local honey producers

• Olive oil purveyors

• Hummus makers

• Dumpling vendors

• Mushroom farms

• Succulent specialists

• Acai bowl stands

• Teriyaki stands

• Pupusa vendors

• Crepe makers

• Mediterranean, Italian, and French-inspired foods

Some vendors even include live music performances from artists tied to Walnut Creek’s creative community. The result is a multi-sensory experience where Walnut Creek visitors can enjoy not just shopping, but entertainment, art, and culture.

Many community organizations also set up at the Walnut Creek Farmers Market, providing information and engagement opportunities for local residents. From gardening education with the UCCE Contra Costa Master Gardener Program to school arts showcases and local nonprofits spreading awareness, the Walnut Creek Farmers Market acts as a community connector.

The Culinary Inspiration of the Walnut Creek Farmers Market

The possibilities are endless when cooking with ingredients sourced directly from Walnut Creek Farmers Market. CCCFM even shares chef-inspired recipes that are tailor-made for shoppers in Walnut Creek, including:

• Farmers Market Greek Salad

• Labneh Anytime Bowl

• Kale and Lettuce Summer Salad

• Tomato Bread Salad

• Apple Cardamom Baked Oatmeal

• Zesty Cherry Salsa

By shopping at the Walnut Creek Farmers Market, home cooks in Walnut Creek gain access to ingredients that elevate their everyday meals. There is something powerful about knowing where your food comes from, shaking the hand that harvested it, and building meals around what Walnut Creek’s land is offering that week.

Eating this way reconnects Walnut Creek residents to the land, even while living in a modern suburban city.

Music, Art, and Culture in Walnut Creek

One of the most charming elements of the Walnut Creek Farmers Market is its lively atmosphere. Musicians, guitarists, violinists, and even full bands often provide background music, turning downtown Walnut Creek into an open-air concert hall.

Artists showcase their work, from paintings and photography to handcrafted pottery and textiles. Indie art shops bring color and character to each corner of the market. Walnut Creek residents can meet the creators, learn their stories, and support micro-local businesses in a meaningful way.

This blend of agriculture and art is part of what gives Walnut Creek its unique cultural identity.

Important Guidelines: Service Animals Only

To ensure safety and comply with Contra Costa Environmental Health regulations, the Walnut Creek Farmers Market allows service animals only within the market area. While Walnut Creek loves its furry friends, pets are not permitted inside the market itself.

If a visitor brings a pet to Walnut Creek, they are encouraged to have a friend walk the animal on an adjacent sidewalk and keep them leashed at all times. This policy helps protect food safety while still allowing everyone in Walnut Creek to enjoy the experience comfortably.

Why the Walnut Creek Farmers Market Matters to the Community

The Walnut Creek Farmers Market strengthens local relationships, supports family farms, boosts independent entrepreneurs, and enhances the local economy. Money spent at the Walnut Creek Farmers Market stays closer to home and helps drive sustainability and small-business success in Walnut Creek.

It also encourages healthier lifestyles. Access to fresh fruits and vegetables in Walnut Creek gives families the tools they need to prioritize wellness, nutrition, and balanced living.

In a world of fast convenience, the Walnut Creek Farmers Market slows life down and brings people back to the basics: food, community, conversation, and connection.

Planning Your Visit to Walnut Creek Farmers Market

To summarize what you need to know before visiting:

• Location: Locust Street between Cole Ave & Lacassie Street in Walnut Creek

• Time: Sundays, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

• Open: Year-round

• Parking: First hour FREE at 1646 N California Blvd (Grower’s Square), entrance on Cole Street

• Transportation: BART (Walnut Creek Station), County Connection Bus lines 104 and 121

• Pets: Service animals only

Arrive early for the best selection, bring reusable bags, and come hungry. Whether you live in Walnut Creek or you’re visiting for the day, the Walnut Creek Farmers Market is a must-see destination.

Final Thoughts: Walnut Creek, One Market at a Time

From sunrise to early afternoon each Sunday, Walnut Creek gathers to celebrate its roots at the Walnut Creek Farmers Market. It is a place where young and old meet, where families connect, where artists share, and where the best of California agriculture arrives in the streets of Walnut Creek week after week.

In a constantly changing world, some things remain beautifully steady. The Walnut Creek Farmers Market is one of them. It stands as a symbol of local pride, sustainable progress, and the kind of community spirit that makes Walnut Creek feel like home.

Whether you're shopping for tonight’s dinner, planning a healthy week of meals, or simply enjoying live music in downtown Walnut Creek, this market invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and experience Walnut Creek at its finest.