By Stella Singer—
The Castro Farmers’ Market is back for the season! The market opened with a bang on April 1 (we promise this isn’t an April fool’s joke) and will run until November 18. Despite the looming rain clouds, the weather cleared just in time for a blessing from the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a greeting from Donna Sachet, and a ribbon-cutting with the farmers’ market managers.
Donna—a fellow San Francisco Bay Times columnist—has been at the Castro Farmers’ Market opening every year since its inception, and we were honored to have her and the Sisters share some words and positive energy this year. One of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence shared, “The Sisters have come here for many years to give an opening blessing and are excited to be here to help welcome the farmers’ market back for the season, celebrate the community, and to celebrate all the hard work that goes into creating a sustainable and life-affirming bit of community.”
The day was soundtracked by Mama Mia and the Spicy Meatballs, who brought some great tunes and welcoming atmosphere.
We got to welcome several new vendors and are excited for the fresh energy they’ll bring to the market. Stop by next Wednesday and give all the farmers and vendors a warm Castro welcome. Brian of Scone Wild (whose chocolate chip scones are to die for) said, “We’re really excited to be starting at the Castro market today, and to keep growing our business and meeting new people here.”
Roli Roti already had a long line waiting to get their hands on some rotisserie chicken and potatoes; farmers’ market shopping makes ya hungry! I picked up a mocha muffin and olive bread from Bernal Bakery and cannot stop singing their praises. They started as a small operation and have grown into a brick and mortar bakery now selling at many markets. More farmers and producers will continue to join the market once produce like cherries and stone fruit come into season. We can’t wait to see how the market grows over the coming months.
Later in the season, Ken’s Top Notch will have cherries, grapes, and stone fruit, so keep your eyes out for those delicious summer treats. Alpine Blue boasted a table overflowing with blueberries; I got my hands on a pint and snacked the whole way home. Many of the farmers, artisans, and hot food vendors expressed that they feel excited for the start of seasonal farmers’ markets and the new faces they get to see at markets like the Castro. Oliver of Super Duper Microgreens said, “This is always one of my favorite markets. When it opens, it’s the start of the whole season and that’s really exciting.”
Local shoppers were also excited for the return of their neighborhood market. One woman buying cheese at Pacheco Family Ranch said, “I live around the corner and I’m so excited for the market to be back!”
Strawberry season is starting, and you’ll find the most flavorful berries at the market. Celio Farms, Fifth Crow Farm, and Orozco Farm all bring strawberries to the market, so you have many options to choose from. Another market super star this season is asparagus. It’s best to eat asparagus right after harvest, and, for just-picked-flavor, stop by Jacob’s Farm. For a true springtime meal, check out our asparagus quiche, made with eggs raised by Clara’s Egg Farm and Fifth Crow Farm.
The Castro Farmers’ Market takes place every Wednesday from 3–7 pm at Noe and Market streets. The market is open through November 18. Come shop local, say hello, and enjoy this community space.
Stella Singer is a recent UC Berkeley graduate who writes and designs for the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association. With a background in environmental journalism and science, she brings a keen interest in food systems and sustainability to her work.
Farmer’s Market Finds
Published on April 9, 2026
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