Farmers' Market

The Arcata Plaza farmers' market is the largest of the North Coast Growers' Association's markets, hosting over 70 local farmers and makers at the height of the season. The market as we know it today evolved from the first Community Producers Market started in 1978 and was one of the very first farmers' markets established in the state. The Saturday market moved locations a couple times before landing on the Arcata Plaza in the mid-80s, expanding to all four sides of the Plaza, with the center food court added in 2004 and the market becoming year-round with the official adoption of the Winter Market in 2012. Shoppers purchase the freshest Humboldt-County-grown, GMO-free produce along with plants, meats and other wonderful products, and educational materials including a seasonal eating guide and farmers' market merchandise items are available at market. Families picnic in the grass, hula hoopers abound, and spontaneous events pop up from time to time including group tai-chi or the occasional flash mob, and over the years the market has hosted produce tastings, salsa competitions, pumpkin contests, Diversity days and the Eat Local Challenge. The Plaza is closed to vehicles every Saturday during market hours for public safety.