Updated for 2026

I was invited to The Original Farmers Market to explore the market and learn about its history. I had been to the Market so many times before, and even though I always felt the uniqueness of the Original Farmers Market, I didn't know much about the history behind it. During a full tour of the market, visiting every eatery and shop and learning about its history, I was completely intrigued.

Let me start with the fascinating history of The Original Farmers Market.

The History:

In 1880, Arthur Fremont Gilmore and a partner bought two dairy farms in the Los Angeles area, and about ten years later, Gilmore took control of a 256-acre ranch and dairy herd at 3rd and Fairfax. While drilling for water around 1900, he struck oil instead and went on to build the Gilmore Oil Company. In 1934, Gilmore built Gilmore Stadium on the property, and its midget car races became the town's most popular attraction.

That same year, entrepreneurs Roger Dahlhjelm and Fred Beck approached E.B. Gilmore with the idea of a village-style farmers market on the land. In July 1934, a dozen farmers and a few other merchants parked their trucks at the corner of 3rd and Fairfax and sold fresh produce right from the back of their trucks.

Almost immediately, the concept became so popular that farmers and other merchants asked for permanent stalls and built them over the summer, creating the Farmers Market we know today.

Restaurants:

The very first restaurant, "Magee's Kitchen", opened the same year the Market did, in 1934, and more than 90 years later, folks still line up for its roast beef, corned beef, turkey, and ham platters.

Another Market classic is "Patsy D'Amore's Pizza", which opened here in 1949 and still bakes its pizza in the original brick oven. Don't skip the lasagna and spaghetti, either.

Today, The Original Farmers Market is home to nearly 90 merchants, including dozens of restaurants, eateries, coffee shops, candy shops, bakeries and butchers. That variety makes it a perfect spot for families: everyone can pick a favorite from a different stall and then sit together at a table in the Market's open-air courtyard under the sunny Los Angeles sky.

Among other popular restaurants are "Du-par's Restaurant", serving comfort food (and famous pies) at the Market since 1938, and "Pampas Grill", a Brazilian churrascaria and my personal favorite. At Pampas Grill, you can choose from beef, sausages, chicken, and other dishes, and pay by the weight of the food on your plate.

Restaurants with separate dining areas are ideal for a date night, as they serve beer and wine, and you can even watch your favorite sport as you eat and spend quality time with your spouse.

I also have to mention "The French Crepes" (formerly The French Crepe Company), another favorite of mine, serving light and luscious sweet and savory crepes for breakfast, lunch or dinner, plus magnificent sandwiches.

Pasta Corner, from the team at Michelina Artisan Boulanger, is a must-try for fresh pasta lovers. Read our review of Pasta Corner.

After you finish your meal, visit one of the ice cream shops or bakeries to satisfy your sweet tooth. "Local Ice" serves delicious cold treats on the Market's West Patio, hand-crafting creamy ice cream and dairy-free Italian ices on site with organic ingredients. Another favorite is "Bennett's Ice Cream", a family business with roots at the Market going back decades, where the ice cream is made in-house from fresh ingredients.

Craving a burger and a milkshake? "Gott's Roadside", the popular Napa Valley burger stand, opened at the Market in March 2026, its first Southern California location. Kids love the burgers, fries, milkshakes and soft serve. For something different, "Oh My Dumpling" on the East Patio serves dumplings, chow mein and egg rolls that are easy to share.

Things To Do:

Beyond satisfying your appetite, the Market offers plenty to do. Visit "Light My Fire", which stocks hundreds, maybe thousands, of hot sauces from around the world. I guarantee you will be amazed by the selection at this store.

Don't forget to stop by "Magee's House of Nuts" to taste and buy peanuts and other nuts in charming gift boxes. I also highly recommend "Magic Nut and Candy Company" for mixed nuts and candies. They offer so many varieties of candies and flavored popcorn that it's hard to keep track, and you can find sugar-free sweets here, too.

Don't be surprised if I tell you that you can even find a dog bakery at The Original Farmers Market. You can treat your dog to fresh, fun, healthy baked goods at "The Dog Bakery".

At the Market, you can also find everything you need for a perfect lunch or dinner at home. Kids love picking out fresh fruit and veggies at Farm Boy Produce and Farm Fresh Produce, and you can shop for fish, poultry and meat at Monsieur Marcel Seafood Market, Huntington Meats & Sausage, Marconda's Meats and Farmers Market Poultry.

Then stop by "Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market" for thousands of imported specialty foods, olive oils, spices, sauces and chocolates, or browse Loteria Marketplace and Mediterranean Market to finish your shopping for a great meal at home.

Another must-visit with kids is "Kip's Toyland". Open since 1945, it's known as L.A.'s oldest toy store and has been family-owned for more than 70 years. You'll find lots of fun toys, games, dolls, puzzles, costumes, stuffed animals and more.

Newer additions make the Market even more fun for families. Pottery Barn Kids in the North Market carries kids' and baby furniture, bedding and toys, and Janie and Jack offers children's clothing from newborn through size 8.

My 7-year-old loved browsing around "Sticker Planet", a Market favorite since 1992, located in the middle of the Market. We were amazed by the thousands of unique stickers, perfect for projects.

Near Gate 2, you'll find the Farmers Market Newsstand with magazines and newspapers, plus the Farmers Market Postal Center right next door. Basically, you can dine, shop, have fun and even do some of your chores at The Original Farmers Market. It really doesn't get better than this!

For the full list of all the amazing merchants at the Market, see the official merchant directory.

Keep your eyes open, too. The Market is a longtime favorite with Hollywood, so you never know who you might bump into on any given day.

Events:

The Original Farmers Market hosts free seasonal events all year long. Coming up in 2026:

Fall Festival: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17–18, 2026, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a petting zoo, a pumpkin patch and games, crafts and live music, all free.

Halloween: Trick-or-treating at participating merchants on Saturday, Oct. 31.

Prosperity Market: Saturday, Nov. 14.

Salvation Army Kettle Kick-Off: Wednesday, Nov. 18.

Chanukah Celebration: Sunday, Dec. 6, with a menorah lighting at 5 p.m.

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree: Saturday, Dec. 12.

Other yearly favorites include Lunar New Year specials, Mardi Gras, the Mutti Gras Pet Parade and Costume Contest, St. Patrick's Day, the Gilmore Heritage Auto Show on the first Saturday in June, and Friday Night Grooves concerts. For the latest details, check the Market's events calendar.

Location & Hours:

The Original Farmers Market is located at 6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90036, at the corner of 3rd Street and Fairfax Avenue. The Market is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Some restaurants, like Du-par's, keep their own hours, so check before you go.

Parking:

Parking is free for the first 90 minutes with validation from any Market merchant, or 2 hours with validation from select grocers. After that, it's $4.50 for the first 15 minutes and $2.50 for each additional 15 minutes ($47 maximum). Without validation, parking is $3.50 per 15 minutes ($56 maximum).

30-minute parking zones also run on the north and south sides of the Market, and The Grove's parking structure next door offers more parking (first hour $5).

Parent Tip: Weekday mornings are the calmest time to visit with little ones. Grab breakfast at Du-par's or a pastry at Michelina, let the kids pick a treat at Magic Nut and Candy Company, and get your parking validated before you leave. Then walk next door to The Grove to ride the trolley and watch the dancing fountains.

To learn more about The Original Farmers Market, please visit the official Farmers Market website.

Disclaimer: The Original Farmers Market invited me as a guest for review purposes. All opinions are my own. Video credit: The Original Farmers Market