New Sunday Farmers Market launches May 18 with Second Sundays initiative in Old Courthouse Square

As the sun streamed through the windows of Santa Rosa's city hall, excitement filled the air during the Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting on April 14, 2025. A key highlight of the gathering was the announcement of the upcoming Sunday Farmer's Market, set to launch on May 18 and run weekly through September 28 from 10 AM to 2 PM. This initiative aims to celebrate local agriculture and artisan foods, providing a vibrant space for community engagement.

The market will be operated by a seasoned vendor known for successfully managing similar events in the area. City staff are finalizing logistics with the market operators, ensuring a smooth start to this much-anticipated community event. In tandem with the farmer's market, the city is collaborating with the Community Intergovernmental Relations Office (CERO) to develop outreach strategies and promotional materials.

A particularly exciting aspect of this initiative is the "Second Sundays" program, which will complement the farmer's market by activating Old Courthouse Square with family-friendly activities. Scheduled to begin on June 8, this program will feature partnerships with local organizations, including the Girl Scouts and various museums, to create a lively atmosphere every second Sunday throughout the summer months.

While the original vision was to host activities every Sunday, budget and capacity constraints led to the decision to start with just four dates—June, July, August, and September. The city is optimistic about expanding the program in the future, depending on community response and participation.

Information about the farmer's market and Second Sundays will be readily available online through Ilovefarmersmarkets.org and the city’s website, ensuring residents can easily access details about these exciting new offerings. As the meeting wrapped up, the enthusiasm for fostering community connections through local events was palpable, leaving attendees eager for the season ahead.