Aliso Viejo Farmers Market — Saturday Mornings

1/ The Aliso Viejo Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the Regal Edwards Theatre parking lot at Aliso Viejo Town Center, 26701 Aliso Creek Road. It's a certified market under California's program, meaning vendors must grow or produce their goods within a set radius—typically 60 miles for produce—to ensure local sourcing. 2/ Expect 30-50 vendors each week selling seasonal produce like strawberries, heirloom tomatoes, and citrus from Orange County farms; food stalls with tamales, crepes, and kettle corn; plus artisanal items such as handmade soaps, olive oils, and fresh flowers. Certification requires vendors to submit affidavits proving origin, verified by county inspectors. 3/ The market started in 2015, organized by the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce and local producers, filling a gap for fresh goods in this master-planned community of 50,000 residents. It draws 1,000-2,000 visitors weekly, peaking in summer with live music and kid zones. No general admission fee—pay per purchase, with SNAP/EBT accepted at many stalls via California's Market Match program, doubling benefits up to $20. 4/ Location specifics: Park in the free lot off Aliso Creek Road, near the AMC theater (formerly Regal Edwards). It's shaded by mature oaks, with paved paths for strollers and wheelchairs. Public transit via OCTA bus 83 stops 0.3 miles away at Town Center Drive. Pets allowed on leashes; no drones or solicitation. 5/ Vendor highlights include Nigg Farms for eggs and microgreens from nearby San Juan Capistrano; Coastal Farm for hydroponic greens; and food trucks like Tacos & Tequila. Artisans like Bee Sweet Honey offer raw honey from local hives. Markets like this support small farms, which make up 88% of California's operations under 500 acres, per USDA data. 6/ Next market: Saturday, May 23, 2026, same time and spot. Rain cancels only if unsafe—check or Aliso Viejo Chamber socials (@AVChamberOC on Instagram) by 7 AM. Year-round through December, pausing January for winter. Bring reusable bags; ATMs on-site but cash preferred. 7/ Why it stands out: Aliso Viejo's market emphasizes zero-waste with compost bins and bans single-use plastics. It's part of OC's 40+ certified markets, contributing $10M+ annually to local economies via direct farm sales. For more OC events, see the full calendar.