When you think of Palm Springs, there’s a good chance you picture a vacation filled with ample sunshine, warm weather, and scenic views to match. The good news is that this view is refreshingly authentic! That makes Palm Springs a prime getaway locale for travelers hailing from across the map year-round. The inviting climate that Palm Springs boasts makes it a place where agriculture thrives as well. Many might be surprised to learn that just behind tourism, agriculture is the area’s second-largest industry. Here, fresh fruits and vegetables abound meaning that when you head this way in the name of fun, there’s no reason to leave a farmers market or two off the to-do list. It’s common to find farmers markets in the area are paired up with craft vendors so you have even more opportunities to browse local goods and support the community you’ve come to enjoy. Whether you’re just looking or excited to shop for goods and souvenirs, adding a local farmers and craft markets in Palm Springs to your itinerary will surely elevate your stay.
Spend Time Enjoying the Palm Springs Villagefest
If you have a Thursday evening to spare during your stay in Palm Springs, heading downtown to the Palm Springs Villagefest is always a good idea. This evening gathering functions as an entertainment experience and a farmers and craft market where you can enjoy live music, international cuisine served up by local vendors, and opportunities to browse stands showcasing fresh flowers, vegetables, assorted fruits, and more. There are handcrafted goods to purchase at the Palm Springs Villagefest too and if you have a sweet tooth to satisfy, you’ll be pleased to learn this event always hosts an array of delicious treats to try. Palm Springs Villagefest can be found on the iconic Palm Canyon Drive meaning after you’ve had time to browse, you’ll also be within easy reach of famed local shops, clubs, and restaurants. If you’re visiting Palm Springs with your favorite canine companion as part of your traveling crew, you’ll be happy to know that Palm Springs Villagefest is a pet-friendly experience!
Take time to Check Out the Street Fair at College of the Desert
Yet another great farmers and craft market to check out in the greater Palm Springs area during your stay is the Street Fair at College of the Desert. This beloved event is hosted every Saturday and Sunday from October through May between the hours of 8:00 am and 2:00 pm. At The Street Fair at College of the Desert, you’ll have easy access to the area’s premier open-air shopping destination that’s been a staple in the greater Palm Springs region for more than 40 years. A visit here is often considered a top activity to add to any itinerary, and when you see the setup, you’ll quickly understand why.
The Street Fair is located at the College of the Desert campus on the northwest corner at Monterey Avenue. Guests are invited to stroll this open-air shaded destination which is packed with merchandise and goods that are suitable for all ages and budgets. There are hundreds of items for sale at this event including produce, fresh flowers, unique gifts, plants, pet accessories, homemade crafts, leather goods, luggage, cosmetics, footwear, pottery, furniture, patio items, art, clothing, accessories, jewelry, and more! There’s even a chance you’ll come across vintage cars at this market and the options to enjoy gourmet food on-site paired with live entertainment makes it much more than your traditional farmers and craft market experience.
Visiting the Street Fair at College of the Desert is even more meaningful when you know that a portion of all proceeds here go towards helping college students reach their educational goals and dreams. You’ll be playing a part in supporting the destination and education every time you drop by.
Explore Markets in Indio and Rancho Mirage
When you want to expand your farmers and craft market experiences in the Palm Springs area, you won’t have to go far to do exactly that. The Indio Certified Farmers Market is hosted at the intersection of Bliss Avenue and Towne Street on Sundays from 9:00 am until l2:00 pm between October and May. Here, you can browse chef-prepared fresh foods, and locally harvested fruits and vegetables, or make time to browse creative goods crafted by local artisans. There’s no cost to attend and live music and food trucks are built into the experience as well. The Rancho Mirage Certified Farmers Market is hosted on Fridays from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm year-round. It’s a one-stop shop for fresh produce, flavorful fare, and handcrafted gifts that are sure to inspire.
Explore the Original Coachella Valley Certified Farmers Market
One of the larger certified farmers markets in the area is the Original Coachella Valley Certified Farmers Market which functions as a Palm Spring Cultural Center program. Between October and May, this farmers market is hosted on Saturdays between 8:00 am and 1:00 pm at the Palm Spring Cultural Center parking lot on E. Baristo Road. Between June and September, you can enjoy the fun while beating the heat by moving to their indoor location at the Palm Springs Pavilion on Saturdays from 8:00 am until 1:00 pm. If you’re spending time in the Palm Desert area, they have a market to check out there as well between October and April at 72559 Highway 111 on Sundays from 8:00 am until 1:00 pm.
Book Your California Vacation in Luxury and Style Today
Elevate your Palm Springs stay in comfort, luxury, and style by booking your vacation rental through Ryson Vacations. Reach out today to learn more about our inviting options and to start planning your next trip to California.