Farmers markets are more than just places to shop. They’re weekly rituals, community hubs, and living reminders that food is about connection as much as nourishment. For families in Los Angeles, one of the best examples of this is the Westwood Village Farmers Market.
Every Thursday afternoon, Westwood Village transforms into a colorful, vibrant gathering filled with fresh produce, local artisans, and the kind of neighborly warmth that can be hard to find in a city as sprawling as L.A. Our family has made this market part of our weekly rhythm, and every visit feels like both an errand and an adventure.
In this post, we’ll explore why the Westwood Farmers Market is such a gem:
- The history and community role of the market.
- Fresh produce and artisanal goods.
- Activities and kid-friendly highlights.
- Insider tips for families.
- Why farmers markets matter for health and sustainability.
- How this market compares to other favorites across Southern California.
We’ll also share practical advice—from what to bring, to how to store your produce, to why investing in the right farmers market tote bag on wheels can change the way you shop.
A Brief History of the Westwood Farmers Market
The Westwood Village Farmers Market began as a way to reconnect the UCLA community, local residents, and small farmers. Westwood Village has long been a hub for students and professionals, but the market added something new: a weekly event that invites people to slow down, sample, and connect with the growers behind their food.
📌 According to the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, farmers markets play a vital role in strengthening local economies, supporting small-scale farmers, and improving community access to fresh, healthy foods. The Westwood Market embodies these goals.
What Makes This Market Special
Unlike massive weekend markets such as Santa Monica or Hollywood, Westwood’s is cozy and approachable. You won’t feel overwhelmed by endless rows of vendors, but you’ll still find everything you need for a week’s worth of meals.
Highlights include:
- Fresh Organic Produce: Strawberries from Ventura County, heirloom tomatoes, and fragrant herbs.
- Prepared Foods: Handmade tamales, Mediterranean dips, and fresh-baked sourdough.
- Artisanal Goods: Local honey, small-batch skincare, and hand-crafted cheeses.
- Seasonal Surprises: Peach season in summer, pumpkin patches in fall, citrus in winter.
💡 Pro Tip: Always walk one full loop before buying—this way you spot the freshest deals and seasonal specialties.
A Family-Friendly Market
For families like ours, the Westwood Farmers Market isn’t just about grocery shopping—it’s about creating a weekly ritual that kids look forward to and parents find manageable. The scale of the market is small enough to avoid overwhelming crowds, yet diverse enough to keep things interesting week after week.
Kid-Friendly Experiences
- Music and Entertainment: Local musicians often perform, and it’s not unusual to see children dancing in front of the stalls while parents chat with farmers. Live music gives the market a festive feel, transforming errands into a celebration.
- Free Samples: Farmers frequently offer tastes of fresh strawberries, peaches, or nuts. For our daughters, sampling new foods is part of the fun—and it makes them more adventurous eaters. According to a study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, children who are involved in selecting and tasting produce are more likely to consume a wider variety of fruits and vegetables at home.
- Interactive Learning: Many vendors enjoy explaining how their crops are grown, or how honey is harvested. Kids get mini science lessons while parents stock up on groceries.
A Safe and Welcoming Environment
Unlike the massive weekend markets in Santa Monica or Hollywood, Westwood feels approachable and relaxed. Parents can let their kids walk a few steps ahead without worrying about them getting lost in the crowd. Families pushing strollers will also find the wide aisles easy to navigate.
💡 Parent Tip: Bring along a rolling cart or a farmers market tote bag on wheels. It frees up your hands so you can hold little ones’ hands or help them sample fruits without juggling heavy bags.
Encouraging Healthy Habits Early
Farmers markets like Westwood play an important role in shaping children’s lifelong eating habits. Research published by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health confirms that kids exposed to fresh produce and food diversity early on are more likely to carry healthy eating habits into adulthood. By letting our children choose their own fruit or vegetable each week, we’re empowering them to feel ownership over what they eat—and we notice they’re more enthusiastic about trying new dishes at home.
A Weekly Family Ritual
For us, Thursdays in Westwood have become more than just an errand—they’re a chance to slow down as a family. Instead of rushing through a supermarket, we stroll together, talk to farmers, pick out dinner ingredients, and sometimes sit down to share a treat before heading home. These small moments build family memories.
👉 In short, the Westwood Farmers Market doesn’t just provide fresh food—it provides an atmosphere where families can bond, learn, and live out healthier habits together.
Family-Friendly Market Comparison
| Market | Family-Friendliness | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westwood Farmers Market | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Best for families) | Small and manageable size, stroller-friendly, safe environment, great for after-school trips | Smaller selection than larger markets |
| Santa Monica Farmers Market | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Huge selection, chefs’ favorite, vibrant energy | Can be crowded and overwhelming for kids, parking is difficult |
| Hollywood Farmers Market | ⭐⭐⭐ | Eclectic vendors, lots of entertainment, cultural mix | Very crowded, not stroller-friendly, parking challenges |
| Brentwood Farmers Market | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Upscale vibe, gourmet prepared foods, great for foodie parents | Prices can be higher, less casual for families with toddlers |
👉 Why Westwood Wins: For parents who want a relaxed, safe, and kid-friendly midweek outing, Westwood is hard to beat. It balances variety with accessibility in a way that makes it an easy addition to a family’s weekly schedule.
📌 Research published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior shows that children who regularly visit farmers markets are more likely to try new fruits and vegetables. Family visits are not only fun but also encourage healthy eating habits.
Top 5 Kid-Friendly Things to Do at the Westwood Farmers Market
- Sample Fresh Fruit at the Stalls
Kids love free samples, and farmers at Westwood are generous with their tastings. Our daughters always run to the berry stands first, and choosing their “fruit of the week” has become a tradition. According to the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, children who sample produce in fun settings are more open to eating those foods later at home. - Dance to Live Music
On most Thursdays, you’ll find local musicians performing everything from folk to jazz. Kids often gather in front of the performers to dance, clap, and sing along. It’s an easy way to burn energy while parents finish their shopping. - Meet the Farmers and Ask Questions
Many farmers enjoy talking about how their food is grown. Kids can learn about planting, seasons, and sustainability directly from the source. It turns a shopping trip into a mini science lesson. Parents can also use these moments to reinforce healthy eating habits. - Pick Out a Weekly Treat
Beyond fruits and veggies, the market has prepared foods—like tamales, kettle corn, and fresh-baked cookies. Giving kids a small budget to choose a treat makes them feel included and excited about the trip. Pair it with healthy produce for a balanced outing. - Help Carry Groceries with a Kid-Friendly Tote
Kids love being “helpers,” and letting them carry a small tote or basket gives them responsibility. For heavier loads, parents can rely on a farmers market tote bag on wheels, while children handle the lighter items like herbs, bread, or a single apple.
👉 Family Tip: Combine these activities into a routine—sample fruit, pick a veggie, dance to music, grab a treat, and help carry groceries. It keeps kids engaged from start to finish, turning the market into a weekly highlight instead of a chore.
Why Farmers Markets Matter
Supporting a farmers market isn’t just about getting fresh food—it’s about making a broader impact.
- Health Benefits: Produce at markets is typically harvested within 24–48 hours, meaning higher nutrient retention compared to supermarket goods.
- Economic Benefits: Dollars spent at local markets are reinvested in the community. According to the USDA, every $10 spent at a farmers market generates nearly $20 in local economic activity.
- Environmental Impact: Buying directly from local farmers reduces food miles and supports sustainable practices.
📌 Harvard Medical School notes that diets rich in fresh produce can lower risks of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity (Harvard Health, 2022). Farmers markets make those foods more accessible.
Insider Tips for Visiting the Westwood Farmers Market
1. Bring the Right Bag
Carrying groceries can get heavy fast. That’s why we recommend investing in a farmers market tote bag on wheels. It saves your shoulders and makes hauling produce much easier—especially with kids in tow.
2. Arrive Early (or Late)
- Early Birds: Get first pick of the best produce.
- Late Shoppers: Catch deals as farmers reduce prices before closing.
3. Bring Cash and Small Bills
While many vendors accept cards, cash is faster and sometimes earns you a discount.
4. Involve the Kids
Let children pick one fruit or veggie for the week. This not only gets them excited but also encourages them to eat what they helped choose.
5. Plan Meals Around the Market
Instead of shopping with a rigid grocery list, build your week’s meals around what’s fresh and in season.
Must-See Vendors at the Westwood Farmers Market
One of the best parts of the Westwood Farmers Market is discovering the vendors who make the market special. Over time, our family has developed “regular stops” that we never miss. These booths represent the heart of the market—small businesses, family farmers, and artisans who pour passion into their work.
Here’s our must-see vendor list when visiting Westwood:
🌱 Arnett Farms – Seasonal Fruits and Stonefruit Magic
Arnett Farms has become legendary across Southern California markets, and for good reason. Their seasonal fruits—juicy plums, crisp apples, and fragrant peaches—are as close to farm-to-table perfection as you can get in L.A.
- Family Favorite: Our kids always head straight for the plum samples, often begging us to buy more than we planned.
- Nutrition Bonus: According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, diets rich in fresh fruit reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Fresh produce from vendors like Arnett makes it easy to eat well.
- Tip: Don’t skip their citrus in winter—it’s sunshine in a peel.
🍿 Kettlecorn Booth – A Snack for the Walk Home
No farmers market trip is complete without a bag of freshly popped kettlecorn. The Westwood kettlecorn booth delivers that perfect balance of sweet and salty, with kernels that stay crisp even after a few days.
- Why We Love It: Our girls consider this their “reward” for helping with the shopping.
- Pro Parent Hack: Buy a small bag at the start of your visit. Sharing popcorn keeps kids occupied while you shop.
🥛 Bonjour Kefir Yogurt – Probiotic Goodness
This booth is a hidden gem for anyone who cares about gut health. Their kefir-based yogurt is tangy, creamy, and packed with probiotics that support digestion and immunity.
- The Mayo Clinic notes that probiotics help balance gut bacteria, which is linked to stronger immune systems and improved digestion.
- Family Use: We like to pair their yogurt with berries from Arnett Farms for an easy, healthy breakfast.
🍷 Dancing Crow Vineyards – Local Wine Tastings
Farmers markets aren’t just about produce—sometimes they surprise you with indulgences. Dancing Crowe Vineyards offers tastings of their carefully crafted wines.
- Why Parents Love It: While kids enjoy samples of fruit and popcorn, parents can pause to sip a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or bold red.
- Tip: Pick up a bottle to pair with sourdough from Leaven Heaven—you’ll thank us later.
- Connection: Wine tasting at the market feels like a mini “parent-time” moment, almost like our visits to AJA wine tasting room in Santa Monica, but in a casual, Thursday-afternoon setting.
🍞 Leaven Heaven – Artisanal Sourdough Bread
Leaven Heaven is one of the most popular booths, and the smell of fresh-baked sourdough will pull you in from across the market.
- Family Staple: Their loaves are the foundation for our weekend breakfasts and weekday sandwiches.
- Research from the Journal of Food Science and Nutrition shows sourdough’s natural fermentation process supports better digestion compared to conventional bread.
- Tip: Arrive early—sourdough sells out fast!
🍲 Kreung Kitchen – Cambodian Comfort Food
One of the market’s most exciting vendors, Kreung Kitchen serves Cambodian dishes that are bold, flavorful, and unlike anything you’ll find in a typical grocery store.
- Family Note: This booth is a teaching moment for our kids. We use it to introduce them to new cuisines and talk about different food cultures.
- Must-Try Dish: Their lemongrass chicken is full of flavor and perfect for a take-home dinner.
🥖 Boule de Pain – French-Style Breads and Pastries
This vendor transports you to Paris with their rustic boules, baguettes, and buttery pastries. It’s the kind of booth where you pick up something “for later” and end up eating half of it before you get home.
- Family Indulgence: Their chocolate croissants disappear quickly in our house.
- Link Connection: If you loved our review of La Provence Patisserie and Café, Boule de Pain brings that same French flair to the market.
Why Supporting These Vendors Matters
Each of these vendors represents more than just food. They represent families, traditions, and a local economy that thrives when we support small producers.
📌 According to the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, shopping at farmers markets supports over 167,000 small and mid-sized farms in the U.S., strengthening communities and preserving farmland.
👉 Final Tip for Families: Build a vendor “route.” Ours goes something like this: fruit from Arnett Farms, bread from Leaven Heaven, yogurt from Bonjour Kefir, kettlecorn for the kids, and maybe a glass of wine from Dancing Crow for mom and dad. Finish with a treat from Boule de Pain and dinner-to-go from Kreung Kitchen. It’s more than shopping—it’s an experience.
Comparing Westwood to Other Southern California Markets
Southern California is blessed with incredible farmers markets, each with its own personality.
- Westwood Village: Best for a cozy, family-friendly weekday outing.
- Santa Monica Farmers Market: Massive, world-famous, frequented by top chefs.
- Hollywood Farmers Market: Eclectic, artsy, and full of surprises.
- Brentwood Farmers Market: Upscale, with gourmet prepared foods.
- Farmers markets in Southern California is our guide into the region’s markets.
Beyond Shopping: A Community Gathering
What sets Westwood apart is the feeling of community. Farmers know regulars by name. Families linger to chat. Musicians create a festive backdrop.
For us, Thursdays in Westwood have become a ritual: we grab fresh sourdough, stock up on berries, and let the kids choose a new snack. Then we head home to cook together, often inspired by what we found.
📌 According to the Journal of Environmental Psychology, regular participation in community events like farmers markets improves social cohesion and reduces stress.
Linking Food, Family, and Travel
One of the joys of writing for CulinaryPassages.com is connecting local experiences with our broader family adventures. Farmers markets like Westwood prepare us for:
- Travel Meal Prep: Stocking up on snacks before a road trip.
- Healthy Balance: After indulgent dining at places like Pizzana, markets help balance our meals with fresh produce.
- Lifestyle Connection: Farmers markets tie into family dining, weekend outings, and even big trips like our Carnival Firenze cruise or time at the Ritz Carlton Turtle Bay in Hawaii, where we always seek out local markets too.
FAQs About the Westwood Farmers Market
When is it open?
Thursdays, typically from noon to 6 p.m.
Where is it located?
In the heart of Westwood Village, near UCLA.
Is parking easy?
Yes—several garages and metered spots are nearby.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, but keep dogs leashed and mindful of crowds.
Do vendors accept credit cards?
Many do, but cash is still recommended.
Final Thoughts: Why Westwood Farmers Market Belongs in Your Week
The Westwood Farmers Market is more than just shopping. It’s an opportunity to reconnect—with your food, with your neighbors, and with your family.
For us, it’s part of the rhythm of raising kids in Los Angeles: one week we’re indulging in fine dining at Bacari Sherman Oaks, another week we’re exploring farmers markets, and sometimes we’re boarding a cruise or heading to Hawaii. But the common thread is always this: food is about connection.
👉 Whether you’re a UCLA student grabbing a snack, a parent teaching kids about healthy eating, or a traveler looking for authentic local flavor, the Westwood Farmers Market delivers.
If you’re planning to explore more, review best farmers markets in Southern California and the must-have tote bag on wheels that makes shopping stress-free.
Because sometimes the most wonderful adventures aren’t found in faraway places—they’re discovered right in your own neighborhood.
About the Author (Ginger Graham):
The author behind Culinary Passages is a Los Angeles–based food and travel writer who finds joy in exploring local markets, neighborhood gems, and authentic community experiences. With a passion for fresh ingredients, artisan finds, and the people behind them, this writer celebrates the everyday places that make Southern California so vibrant.
The Westwood Farmers Market has become one of the author’s favorite weekly rituals — a spot where friendly faces, seasonal produce, and the scent of freshly baked goods fill the air. It’s not just about shopping; it’s about connection, community, and the joy of discovering something new each time.
Through Culinary Passages, the author continues to highlight local favorites and family-friendly experiences that remind readers to slow down, savor, and enjoy the beauty of life’s simple pleasures.
