The trees are still standing on Meridian Avenue. Every Thursday at 4 p.m., beneath their canopy, more than 60 vendors open for business at a farmers’ market that has run continuously since 1999 one stop south of Pasadena on the Metro A Line.
The South Pasadena Farmers’ Market is a California-certified operation, which means every farmer selling produce has been verified by the state to sell what they grow. The market, now in its 27th year and operated by the nonprofit South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce since 2010, sits at the intersection of Meridian Avenue and El Centro Street, directly adjacent to the Metro A Line’s South Pasadena station. Market manager Carole Gallegos oversees the weekly operation. For Pasadena and Altadena residents, it is a short rail ride or drive south free to enter, with free parking in the Mission Meridian lot north of Mission Street.
The market runs year-round on Thursdays, except Thanksgiving and major holidays, according to the market’s official website. Summer hours are 4 to 8 p.m.; winter hours shorten to 4 to 7 p.m. The market operates rain or shine, though organizers may cancel in severe weather such as heavy rain or strong winds, in consultation with farmers, vendors, and staff, per the market’s posted policy.
What distinguishes this market from a grocery run is the range. Certified produce vendors include Etheridge Farms, which sells organic stonefruit and citrus, and Ace Ranch, known for avocados, according to the market’s vendor listings. Bill’s Bees sells honey. McGrath Family Farms and Underwood Farms bring additional California-grown fruits and vegetables. The produce is generally picked within 24 hours of being offered for sale, according to Discover Los Angeles.
The prepared-food stalls turn the market into an evening meal destination. Shuck’s Oyster Bar serves oysters on the half shell. Tre Amici’s offers pizza. Mama Musubi sells onigiri. Carmela Ice Cream, Zaiga Kitchens, and Stuffed Crepes round out a lineup that the market lists at more than 60 vendors total, including farmers and food sellers. Live musicians perform weekly beneath towering trees that shade the market grounds.
The market also features a Local Market Annex, which showcases local businesses, and a Community Corner dedicated to local nonprofits, according to Discover Los Angeles. CalFresh EBT benefits are accepted at the market, along with WIC and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program coupons, according to South Pasadena Patch. Nearby indie shops and restaurants are often open late on market night, according to the market’s website.
The South Pasadena station, at 905 Meridian Avenue, opened in 2003 as part of the original Gold Line, now the A Line connecting downtown Los Angeles through Highland Park and South Pasadena to Pasadena. The city developed the transit plaza adjacent to the station specifically for community events, including the weekly market. The market itself predates the rail line by four years; the Los Angeles Times reported on its opening in September 1999.
Free parking is available in the Mission Meridian lot, north of Mission Street on Meridian Avenue. Additional parking may be available in the school district lot when school events are not taking place. The market’s phone number is (626) 403-2820, and information is available at southpasadenafarmersmarket.org.
The trees have been there longer than the market. The market has been there longer than the rail line. On Thursday evenings, they all converge.
