Discover the San Ramon Farmer’s Market
San Ramon, California, is known for its beautiful suburban landscapes, thriving community, and an array of local amenities that make it a perfect destination for families, food lovers, and anyone looking to enjoy the best of Bay Area living. One of the city’s standout attractions is the San Ramon Farmers Market, a weekly hub of fresh produce, artisan foods, flowers, and community spirit. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just visiting, the market offers a unique chance to connect with local growers, discover new flavors, and experience the vibrant culture of San Ramon.
For over 20 years, the San Ramon Farmers Market has been a staple in the community, welcoming locals every Saturday at City Center Bishop Ranch from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This long-standing market is not only a place to shop but also a gathering spot where families, friends, and neighbors come together to celebrate local agriculture, artisanal food, and the spirit of San Ramon.
A Local Tradition Since 2005
The San Ramon Farmers Market began in 2005 and has grown into a beloved weekly ritual for residents and visitors alike. Its location at City Center Bishop Ranch makes it easily accessible from all corners of San Ramon, providing a central point for locals to gather, shop, and socialize. Over the years, the market has expanded to include a wide variety of vendors, food trucks, and special events, while maintaining its community-focused atmosphere.
The market is open year-round every Saturday, with special hours for holidays and winter months. For instance, during December and early January, the market operates from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on select Saturdays. It remains open on Easter, Christmas, and New Year’s, while closing only for Thanksgiving weekend. These hours ensure that the San Ramon community can enjoy fresh, local products even during the winter season.
What Makes the San Ramon Farmers Market Special?
The San Ramon Farmers Market stands out for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s a direct connection between consumers and producers. The market features local growers who cultivate 100% of the produce they sell. This means when you buy fruits, vegetables, or herbs at the market, you are directly supporting San Ramon’s local agricultural economy.
Vendors at the market include:
Smit Family Farms, offering a wide variety of certified organic apples, including the popular Aztec Fuji, as well as blueberries and grapes grown on 100 acres in Linden, CA.
Alexandre Family Farm, a 5th-generation dairy farm providing pasture-raised A2/A2 milk and dairy products, perfect for those seeking healthier alternatives.
Walid Bees and Gerard’Z Honeybees, local beekeepers offering honey, propolis, and other bee products.
Additionally, the market regularly features pop-up vendors and street food trucks, ensuring that each visit to the San Ramon Farmers Market brings something new to explore.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in San Ramon
For produce lovers, the San Ramon Farmers Market is a dream come true. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are the centerpiece of the market, with vendors offering an ever-changing array of fresh, organic options. From crunchy apples and juicy berries to leafy greens and vibrant microgreens, shoppers can find ingredients for every meal.
Popular vendors include:
Buying produce at the San Ramon Farmers Market ensures that you are getting the freshest, most flavorful ingredients while supporting local farmers who take pride in sustainable growing practices.
Artisan Bakes and Local Foods
No visit to the San Ramon Farmers Market is complete without exploring the artisan foods and bakery section. Vendors like Starter Bakery offer delectable pastries, breads, and seasonal specialties such as Kouign-Amann. Tal’s Patisserie brings Mediterranean and Israeli-inspired baked goods, while La Kalidad offers Filipino-Californian pastries and pies. Local favorites like Melo Bread and Scoop N Wubbie Cookies provide unique treats for visitors of all ages.
The market also features pasture-raised meats from vendors like Chavez Lamb, Prather Ranch, and Sonoma County Meat Co., giving San Ramon residents access to high-quality proteins for their families. Combined with artisan cheeses, fresh eggs, and specialty condiments, the market provides everything needed to create a farm-to-table experience at home.
Local Honey and Beekeepers
Honey lovers will find a treasure trove at the San Ramon Farmers Market. Local beekeepers such as Walid Bees and Gerard’Z Honeybees offer a variety of honey types, propolis, and other bee-related products. This not only supports San Ramon’s local beekeeping industry but also helps maintain the health of pollinators in the area. A visit to these vendors is both educational and delicious.
Flowers and Greenery
The market’s floral section is a feast for the eyes. Vendors like Neve Farms and Medrano’s Flowers provide a wide selection of roses, tulips, hydrangeas, and seasonal blooms. Buying flowers at the San Ramon Farmers Market allows shoppers to bring home a touch of natural beauty while supporting local growers who dedicate their lives to cultivating vibrant, high-quality flowers.
Street Food and Pop-Up Vendors
For those who enjoy a little variety, the San Ramon Farmers Market hosts a rotating lineup of street food vendors. Popular options include:
Ofa’s Island BBQ, serving mesquite charcoal-grilled ribs and tri-tips
Cousins Maine Lobster Truck (first Saturday of each month)
Cali Crab BBQ Oysters
These food trucks bring global flavors to San Ramon, ensuring that visitors can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or snacks while strolling through the market.
Live Entertainment and Community Experience
The San Ramon Farmers Market is a vibrant community hub. Every week, live music from local performers adds an engaging atmosphere. From jazz to country blues, folk to world music, the entertainment ensures that every visit is lively and enjoyable.
Cooking demonstrations by local chefs also take place at the market, providing inspiration for home cooks. Visitors can watch chefs prepare dishes using ingredients sourced directly from the market, turning their Saturday morning into a culinary adventure.
Seasonal Highlights
One of the best aspects of the San Ramon Farmers Market is its seasonal variety. Each season brings new offerings:
Spring: Early greens, asparagus, strawberries, and edible flowers
Summer: Stone fruits, tomatoes, berries, and a bounty of vegetables
Fall: Apples, pumpkins, squash, and seasonal squash varieties
Winter: Citrus, root vegetables, and limited winter greens
No matter the time of year, the San Ramon Farmers Market provides fresh, high-quality produce and seasonal specialties for residents and visitors alike.
Nearby Attractions in San Ramon
While the San Ramon Farmers Market is a destination in itself, the city offers plenty of nearby attractions to complement your visit. After picking up fresh produce and flowers, you can explore:
Bishop Ranch Regional Parks for walking trails and outdoor activities
Downtown San Ramon restaurants and cafes for brunch or lunch after shopping
Local coffee shops such as The Prominent Roast for a freshly brewed cappuccino or cold brew
These nearby locations make the San Ramon Farmers Market not just a shopping stop, but the centerpiece of a full Saturday experience.
Community Impact and Importance
The San Ramon Farmers Market plays a critical role in supporting local agriculture, small businesses, and the overall community. By purchasing directly from local growers and artisans, visitors help sustain the local economy. The market also fosters connections among residents, providing a space where people from all walks of life can gather, socialize, and enjoy the benefits of a thriving local food system.
Additionally, the market’s acceptance of SNAP, CalFresh EBT, and Veggie RX vouchers ensures accessibility, allowing more members of the San Ramon community to access fresh, nutritious foods.
Tips for Visiting the San Ramon Farmers Market
To get the most out of your visit, consider the following tips:
Arrive Early: The market opens at 9:00 AM, and arriving early gives you first pick of seasonal produce and baked goods.
Bring Reusable Bags or a Cooler: Many vendors sell perishable items that benefit from a cooler for the trip home.
Bring Cash and Cards: While most vendors accept cards, some small vendors may prefer cash.
Plan to Stay a While: With live music, food trucks, and chef demos, it’s easy to spend hours enjoying the atmosphere.
Talk to the Vendors: Learn about the products, farming methods, and recommendations for preparing fresh produce.
Following these tips ensures a full and enjoyable experience at the San Ramon Farmers Market.
Why the San Ramon Farmers Market Is a Must-Visit
Visiting the San Ramon Farmers Market is about participating in the heart of the community. The market brings together the best of San Ramon, fresh local foods, artisan products, live entertainment, and the welcoming energy of a city that values connection and local pride. Every visit offers new flavors, new vendors, and a chance to connect with friends and neighbors.
Whether you’re looking for the juiciest seasonal fruit, a freshly baked pastry, flowers for your home, or just a Saturday morning outing that combines shopping with entertainment, the San Ramon Farmers Market delivers on every front.
Final Thoughts
For residents and visitors of San Ramon, the San Ramon Farmers Market is more than a shopping destination—it’s a weekly celebration of community, food, and local culture. Open year-round every Saturday at City Center Bishop Ranch, the market provides fresh, seasonal produce, artisanal foods, flowers, pasture-raised meats, and live entertainment, making it a hub of activity for the entire city.
If you haven’t visited yet, plan your Saturday morning around the San Ramon Farmers Market. Bring your reusable bags, come hungry, and take the time to explore the stalls, taste the fresh offerings, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. It’s a perfect way to support local farmers, connect with your community, and experience the best that San Ramon has to offer.
Mark your calendar, every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the heart of San Ramon comes alive at City Center Bishop Ranch. Experience the flavors, the smells, and the vibrant energy of the San Ramon Farmers Market for yourself—you’ll leave with fresh goods, new discoveries, and memories to last the week.
