Two farmers markets return to downtown Sacramento with outdoor dining. Here’s what’s new

Two weekly Certified Farmers Markets return to the capital this week, giving state workers and other downtown Sacramento commuters an excuse to step away from work for a long and bountiful lunch break.

The Capitol Mall Farmers Market, organized by the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, opens at 10 a.m. Wednesday on Capitol Mall.

The Bodega Days at Cesar Chavez Plaza opens the following day, Thursday, at 10 a.m. a couple of blocks north.

In collaboration with Sacramento restaurant La Cosecha, Bodega Days at Cesar Chavez Plaza will be “bigger and better than ever” with new string lights, seating and live music.

Each market will be stacked with the usual fare like fresh produce, baked goods and flowers, as well as sales of hot food and beverages. Customers shopping with CalFresh or pandemic food benefits should visit the CalFresh booth before they shop to get $1 market vouchers.

Chefs can stock up on fresh produce without a crowd at the Capitol Mall Farmers Market, downtown’s largest Certified Farmers Market, between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., according to the partnership’s website GoDowntownSac.com.

Both markets end the last week of September.

Capitol Mall Farmers Market

Address: Capitol Mall at Sixth Street

Hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays

Bodega Days at Cesar Chavez Plaza

Address: Cesar Chavez Plaza, Ninth and J streets

Hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays

This story was originally published May 3, 2023 at 5:00 AM.