When you spend your money at the farmers market you support local farmers. Keeping your money in our community is essential to job creation and community growth. Also, there is more than just produce at farmers markets, there is fresh hot food, good drinks and all sorts of products and crafts from local artisans. It's also a great opportunity to explore downtown businesses.
When you buy from a local farmers market you know that you are getting fresh produce. Many local farms are pesticide and GMO free and some are even certified organic. Also, the fruit and veggies are harvested when they are nice and ripe and end up at the market within days of being harvested. At a grocery store you will often find produce that has been shipped in from out of state or even outside the country. That means those fruits and vegetables are often harvested before they are fully ripe so they can make the long journey to end up in your local grocery store.
The two hottest farmers markets in town are the Thursday Night Market and the Saturday Farmers Market.
Thursday Night Market
April 5 – September 27, 2018 | 6-9 pm
Downtown Chico on Broadway between 2nd and 5th Street
From DowntownChico.com:
Explore Downtown Chico's Thursday Night Market on Broadway between 2nd and 5th Street, including side streets and the fabulous City Plaza! This festive, weekly market is a ton of fun and features a bounty of farm-fresh produce from CDFA certified farmers, mouth-watering prepared foods from food trucks and booths, handmade, local arts and crafts, and live entertainment for all ages.
*PETS ARE NOT PERMITTED AT THE MARKET PER CALIFORNIA RETAIL FOOD CODE CHAPTER 12, SECTION 114371(d).Saturday Farmers Market
YEAR ROUND, RAIN or SHINE 7:30am – 1pm
Downtown Chico Municipal Parking Lot 2nd St. & Wall St.If you want the biggest variety of fruits, veggies and fresh food this is the market for you. Bring a basket or reusable shopping bag and fill it with beautiful seasonal produce. You'll be amazed with the options and happy with the reasonable prices.
Pro Tip: Even though many vendors now accept credit cards using mobile devices like Square, cash is still king. Some vendors may only accept cash and all vendors appreciate it since they don't lose 2-3% to the credit card processing fees. Using cash is also a good way to set a pre-determined budget for yourself and not overspend.
Parking downtown is generally not too bad, but there are some great local apartments nearby that are actually walking distance on a nice Chico day. All of the apartments below are less than 2 miles from the downtown farmers markets. A short walk or a very quick bike ride and you're there!
1301 Sheridan Avenue, Chico
Conveniently located in central Chico, Sheridan Square residents are pampered by a caring staff of professionals. You may want to relax by the sparkling pool, enjoy a stroll though our beautifully landscaped grounds, or improve your serve on the lighted tennis courts! Visit the well appointed clubhouse and fitness center to play a game of pool, sit by the fire or get a quick workout. Call or visit Sheridan Square for a private tour of our roomy one and two bedroom apartments.
1836 Laburnum Ave, Chico
Sierra Manor offers a park-like setting in the historic and beautiful Avenues. Enjoy the view from your balcony overlooking tree shaded grounds or take a dip in the resort style pool. Sierra Manor is conveniently located close to all of Chico's favorite spots and conveniences. The professional on-site manager is ready to assist you. Call or visit for a private tour today.
1565 N. Cherry St., Chico
When you visit Westpark Gardens, you will discover one of the nicest apartment communities on the West side. These one bedroom apartments offer newly tiled kitchens, ceiling fans and central heating and air conditioning in many apartments. Westpark Gardens is located in a quiet neighborhood, yet minutes away from downtown CSU Chico.