Trip Ideas

heirloom tomatoes on a cutting board from grass valley farmers market

Farm 2 Fork – Grass Valley Farmers Market & Others In Nevada County

Nevada County loves any excuse for a community gathering and what better way to come together than a celebration for local farms. Throughout the week, visitors will find farmers markets in a number of towns and parks where fresh fruit, veggies, picnic foods, plant starts, artisan crafts, and lively music can be found aplenty. From the decades old Grass Valley Farmers Market to the year-round Penn Valley icon you won't soon forget.

Tips & Resources

Direct from local farms to you, the Grass Valley Farmers Market & others in Nevada County are a must when visiting this part of California.

Grass Valley Farmers Market

Downtown Grass Valley – Thursday Night Market

Truckee Certified Farmers Market

Nevada City Farmers Market

Tasty Thursday Farmers Market

By Laura Petersen

More Than Four Decades In Grass Valley

Formerly known as the Grower’s Market, the Grass Valley Farmers Market was started in 1980 – more than 40 years ago! The location has moved around over the years and was previously at the Nevada County Fairgrounds and the historic North Star House.

Every Saturday and Tuesday morning, look for the Grass Valley Farmers Market in the Pine Creek Shopping Center. Come listen to live music, hear from local non-profit organizations doing good work in our community, and if you want to know about plants and gardening, UC Master Gardeners of Nevada County are on hand to answer all of your questions.

Supporting Local And Sustainable Family Farms

pickers on a farm collecting vegetables in Nevada County for Farmers Market
Farmers harvest vegetables at Mountain Bounty Farm. Photo courtesy of BriarPatch Food Co-op.

The market supports a diversity of local and regional small California family farms from different cultures and backgrounds and some vendors have participated in the market for nearly three decades. Many farmers practice sustainable farming, do not use pesticides or GMOs, and/ or are certified organic. Artisans bring their wares ranging from ceramics to jewelry to fabrics and woodworking. On Tuesdays, a new hot food vendor is making delicious South American arepas.

“​Our vendors come from Grass Valley and several surrounding counties. We have certified organic Nevada County and regional farms. You’ll find many varieties of stone fruit, a plethora of produce, juicy berries, grass-fed meat, fancy mushrooms, local honey, gourmet olive oil and vinegar, handmade tamales, fresh fish, baked goods, jams, free-range eggs and more.”

Jade Benetatos Market Manager

But Wait, There’s More!

strawberries at a farm stand
Photo courtesy of BriarPatch Food Co-op.

Grass Valley isn’t the only market in Nevada County. View the list below for the full low down.

Grass Valley Farmers Market

Learn more – 530-265-5551

Saturday Mornings

April 20 – Nov 23; 8 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Pine Creek Shopping Center– (in front of JC Penney)
25+ vendors

Tuesdays

May 7 – September 10; 9 am – 1 pm
Location: Pine Creek Shopping Center —(in front of Raley’s)

Grass Valley Downtown Association Thursday Night Market

Thursdays

Learn more

May 30, June 6, 13, 20, & 27; 6 pm – 9 pm
Location: Mill Street, downtown Grass Valley

Nevada City Farmers Market

Learn more

In 2007, the Nevada City community came together to create a walkable marketplace where local farmers who practice sustainable agriculture and local businesses could gather in one place.

Saturdays

April 13 – December 21; 8:30 am – 1 pm
Location: Union Street, downtown Nevada City

January 13 – April 6; 9 am – 1 pm
Location: SAEL School Auditorium – 505 Main Street, downtown Nevada City

Truckee Certified Farmers Market

Learn more

Tuesdays

(2024 Dates to be announced – Mid-May through October); 8 am to 1 pm
Location: Truckee River Regional Park, 10500 Brockway Road

Even if you can’t make it to Truckee’s outdoor farmers markets, stop by the Tahoe Food Hub’s Farmacy. Located next to the Truckee Airport, you’ll find seasonal, sustainably-grown fruits and veggies from local farms to pick from. Or shop online via their “Harvest To Order” website. To learn more about your options to pick from, visit Truckee’s groceries, catering, and markets homepage.

Western Gateway Farmers Market

Learn more

Thursdays

May 2 – October; 9 am – 1 pm
Location: Western Gateway Park, Penn Valley

Laura-Petersen

Laura Petersen

Laura Petersen has a passion for storytelling and for two decades has chronicled the people and places of Northern California. Fascinated by folk who make a rustic livelihood from the land, her writing examines the complexities of human relationships with nature through topics such as sustainability, food and farming, arts & culture and outdoor recreation. In 2018, she founded Hiking For Good and can regularly be found hiking on trails in Nevada County. Read her work at https://muckrack.com/lpetersenmedia and contact her at laurapetersenmedia@gmail.com

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