Downtown Sacramento Partnership Activates Public Places To Make More Welcoming & Livable Spaces
Wednesday Farmers’ Market and Thursday Bodega Market return with more space and new activities
SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (April 28, 2025) – Two summer staples return to downtown Sacramento this week, with Certified Farmers’ Market opening Wednesday, April 30, and Bodega Market opening Thursday, May 1, which will both include tables, chairs, and umbrellas to shade market attendees. Also new this year, Bodega Market in Cesar Chavez Plaza will host weekly activities during lunch hours that include a book club, instructor-led stretching, and more.
“Creating a vibrant, central neighborhood includes providing amenities that encourage people to gather in communal spaces,” says Michael Ault, executive director of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership. “Creating a destination of choice is as important for the downtown workers as it is for visitors and residents. We’ve put a significant effort into creating activations that activate public spaces, and partnering with other local organizations helps us build a more inclusive community.”
About Capitol Mall Farmers’ Market:
Downtown Sacramento’s popular Certified Farmers’ Market returns to Capitol Mall for another sunny season Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. With a large selection of farmers, downtown employees, residents, and visitors can stroll up and down Capitol Mall to buy their weekly, locally sourced groceries, baked goods, fresh flowers and more. For employees who work on Capitol Mall and residents who live in the nearby communities, this market provides a convenient lunch break spot, where fresh food and fresh air is just steps away from the office or home.
Additionally, customers shopping with a CalFresh/EBT card can use their benefits at the Capitol Mall Farmers’ Market thanks to Alchemist CDC. By visiting the CalFresh booth before shopping, customers can deduct the amount they would like to spend from their card. That amount will be given to them in $1 vouchers that can be used for all eligible items at participating vendors. Customers can also earn up to $15 free dollars in Market Match for fresh produce.
About Bodega Market at Cesar Chavez Plaza:
Bodega Market at Cesar Chavez Plaza returns Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with hot food, handmade goods, live music, and weekly activities that fit perfectly into designated lunch hours including a book club, instructor-led stretching, and more. Mobile park infrastructure including cornhole, book carts, and al fresco seating will return, making Cesar Chavez Plaza a vibrant place to eat lunch, play games, and listen to music.
Downtown Markets Schedule:
- Capitol Mall Farmers Market
Wednesdays: 9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., April 30 – Oct. 29 Capitol Mall, 5th Street & Capitol Mall
- Bodega Market at Cesar Chavez Plaza
Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., May 1 – Sept. 25 Cesar Chavez Plaza, 9th & J streets