Napa Downtown Farmers Market

Napa Downtown Farmers Market pairs weekly shopping with a nonprofit mission: it describes itself as a small nonprofit that relies on community support to help the market grow and says, “Together we grow community around” the market experience. In Downtown Napa, the market runs in the City of Napa parking lot at 1100 West Street, with shoppers directed to a weekly vendor map to see which farmers and specialty food producers will be there. CalFresh customers can double benefits for fruits and vegetables through Market Match, which gives this market a clear food-access role alongside its regular shopping draw.

Why it matters locally

The market frames food access as part of its core work, stating that it is on a mission to fight food insecurity by increasing access to local fruits and vegetables for low-income neighbors. That mission is backed by specific local collaborations: the market facilitates produce donations to the Napa Valley Food Bank and provides cash to purchase produce for salads for residents at South Napa Shelter.

Its leadership structure also reflects a locally rooted organization rather than a single operator. Cara Mae Wooledge serves as executive director, while Wendi Moore chairs the board, Ben Horne serves as vice chair, Laurie Corona is treasurer, and Caroline Wiegardt is secretary. The market’s executive director also represents farmers market operators on committees tied to the California Department of Food & Agriculture, the California Alliance of Farmers Markets, and the World Farmers Market Coalition.

What you'll find there

This market emphasizes a rotating mix rather than a fixed published roster, pointing shoppers to a vendor map to see which farmers and specialty food producers will be at the market that week. It also states that around 100 vendors participate, giving the downtown setup a broad lineup across farm and specialty food stalls.

• -Shop from farmers and specialty food producers featured on the market’s weekly vendor map.
• -Find a market with about 100 vendors participating across its lineup.
• -Use CalFresh benefits on fruits and vegetables through the Market Match program at the market.

The market also has a Chef Demos program under construction, with plans to make it more accessible, engaging, and representative.

Know before you go

No pets are allowed at this market; only trained service animals are permitted, which is the detail most likely to change plans for anyone arriving with a dog. Parking is centered on the market’s downtown location in the City of Napa parking lot at 1100 West Street, and the FAQ advises shoppers to use street parking and the lots adjacent to the market area.

The market is described both as Napa Downtown Farmers Market and as the Napa Farmers Market, and it is located at the former site of the Cinedome movie theater, a useful landmark when navigating downtown blocks. Saturday runs year-round, while Tuesday operates from April through late December, and the market notes that extreme weather closures are shared through its e-news updates. The organization also states that its site aims to comply with WCAG 2.1 AA standards and includes an accessibility interface for users.

Payments & SNAP

CalFresh customers can double their food assistance benefits for fruits and vegetables with Market Match at Napa Downtown Farmers Market. The market also states that some farmers accept WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks from May through November and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks from May through November.