On Monday, the Pittsburg City Council agreed to a 6-month pilot program to bring a farmers market to the City of Pittsburg.
With the 4-0 approval, Your Community Farmers Advocate (“Licensee”) will operate a weekly farmers’ market on the City Hall Lawn at 65 Civic Avenue, beginning August 1, 2026The Agreement authorizes use of the lawn area on the north side of City Hall each Wednesday for a Certified Farmers’ Market offering fresh local produce, small-batch prepared foods, and other artisanal goods.
The market will operate each Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It is anticipated to have 30-40 vendors.
According to the city, the Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association used to operate in the City of Pittsburg at cost of approximately $36k pre-covid, but discontinued operating its low performing markets.
The city also said it held a 6-month Night Market pilot, at a cost of $20k combining food trucks, farmers, vendors and live entertainment. The city struggled to get farmers to participate.
Councilmember Arlene Kobata expressed concerns from the public about the not having any weekend hours versus midday.
Staff shared they chose Wednesday because there would be no other competing markets in Contra Costa County noting they looked at other cities. They also looked at foot traffic and people who are still at home on that day. They said the weekends were saturated. The operator also had to look at his operations and vendors and where they would all be within the county.
Kobata also asked about the advertising and if the market advertised while also expressing concerns on the number of vendors and if it was sustainable.
Staff said the operator has a marketing team of their own and work to produce content on their platforms. Staff said they were also active on social media which would be utilized.
Councilmember Jelani Killings shared the excitement but also questioned the hours and if there were comparables.
Staff said the experience in Napa and Sausalito showcase opportunities – such as dropping off kids at school they would stop by the market. Staff again pointed out the oversaturation on weekends.
City Manager Darin Gale clarified the number of vendors noting the operator will have as many vendors as possible, as long as the community supports it.
“If people don’t show, the vendors will die off,” said Gale. “This was a vendor that has some farmers that will come out. Middle of the week, during the day, people will say why isn’t it on the weekend? The vendors already have days set to be somewhere else in the county. I would encourage people, to please think about buying their produce locally. But I am excited we actually have someone wanting to come to town.”
Gale noted they were also open to make changes if needed and the city would help promote it. He also called it an ideal location for the market.
Two residents spoke out against the day and time stating they would prefer it to occur on the weekends. They also suggested if they keep it on Wednesday, starting it later in the day so those working can also attend.
Killings agreed, noting they would also agree it would be better on the weekend, but this is what works for the operator and vendors.
“I think through demonstrations of support, of opportunities like this, that we can show our community can support a farmers market or any business that plants itself in Pittsburg, it’s really about the support from the community,” said Killing. “I am definitely going to support it, but I think when we all looked at it said Wednesday, its not ideal, but for an operator still interested in coming to our community and make it work, I am willing to support it to give it a try.”
Kobata said she was appreciated the effort staff has put in to try and bring a farmers market noting it was a pilot and they will see how it goes.
“It’s a start, it’s something, and I am very excited we at least have it back,” said Kobata noting it comes down to how residents support them by showing up.
The council then voted 4-0 in support.
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Aug 13, 2026 – Pittsburg Could Get Farmers Market in August
