Upland's downtown has the kind of old-California feel that most Inland Empire cities lost to strip malls decades ago — tree-lined streets, historic storefronts, and a walkable grid centered on Second Avenue. Every Saturday, the Upland Farmers Market sets up right in the middle of it, drawing a steady crowd of locals who treat it as a weekly ritual.
Market Details
The market occupies a stretch of 2nd Avenue in downtown Upland, within walking distance of restaurants, coffee shops, and the Metrolink station. It runs year-round — no seasonal gaps — and keeps a five-hour window that's long enough to accommodate both early birds and late risers.
Certified growers make up the core vendor roster, selling produce from farms in the Inland Empire, Coachella Valley, and the Central Valley. You'll find staples like tomatoes, peppers, citrus, avocados, and leafy greens alongside specialty items like fresh herbs, dried fruits, and locally harvested nuts. Non-produce vendors sell baked goods, kettle corn, olive oil, honey, and prepared foods.
What's in Season in the Western Inland Empire
Upland sits at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, in a pocket of the Inland Empire that still has some agricultural land nearby. The Mediterranean climate means something is always growing:
- Spring (Mar–May): Strawberries arrive first, followed by snap peas, asparagus, artichokes, and the last of the winter citrus. Avocados from Inland Empire groves start showing up in April.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Peak variety. Tables overflow with stone fruit — peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots — plus tomatoes, corn, melons, cucumbers, and every kind of pepper. This is when the market is at its busiest.
- Fall (Sep–Nov): Grapes, persimmons, pomegranates, winter squash, and sweet potatoes. Apples and pears come down from Oak Glen, about 40 minutes east.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): The Inland Empire's citrus season carries the market. Navel oranges, mandarins, grapefruit, Meyer lemons, plus hearty greens like kale, chard, and broccoli.
Nearby Markets in Rancho Cucamonga
Upland borders Rancho Cucamonga to the east, and three Heritage-branded farmers markets serve that area. If Saturday doesn't work for you, these give you mid-week and alternate options:
Between Upland and the three Rancho Cucamonga markets, you can hit a farmers market on Saturdays and most Thursdays without driving more than 15 minutes from either city.
Tips for Visiting
- Parking: Free street parking on 2nd Avenue and surrounding blocks. The lot behind the storefronts on the west side of 2nd usually has space. Arrive before 10:30 for the easiest parking.
- Make a morning of it. Downtown Upland has good coffee shops and breakfast spots within a block of the market. The walkability is a real advantage over markets in parking lots.
- Metrolink access: The Upland Metrolink station is a 5-minute walk from the market. If you're coming from LA or further west on the San Bernardino Line, you can skip the drive entirely.
- Bring cash and bags. Not all vendors take cards. A reusable tote or two will serve you better than juggling plastic bags.
- Ask about Market Match. Some vendors participate in CalFresh/EBT matching programs that double the value of your benefits on fruits and vegetables.
Further Afield
Other Saturday markets in the county worth knowing about:
- Redlands Downtown Morning Market — Saturdays 9 am–1 pm (30 min east)
- Big Bear Farmers Market — Tuesdays 8:30 am–1 pm, seasonal (1 hr northeast)
- Hesperia Community Farmers Market — Saturdays 10 am–2 pm (45 min north)
Browse all 26 certified farmers markets in San Bernardino County on our main directory.