OPEN 7 Days | 6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90036
1880: The story begins…
In 1880, A. F. Gilmore and a partner bought two dairy farms in the Los Angeles area. The partners elected to split their holdings ten years later and Mr. Gilmore took control of the large 256-acre ranch, its dairy herd and farmhands at what is now the world famous corner of 3rd & Fairfax. The city, which would eventually surround the property, was still far to the east.
The Gilmore property remained largely vacant into the 1930s, when at the height of the Depression, two entrepreneurs, Fred Beck and Roger Dahlhjelm, approached A.F.’s son, Earl Bell (E.B.) Gilmore, with “an idea.”
The Beginning
Fred Beck & Roger Dahlhjelm wanted to build a “Village” at the corner of 3rd & Fairfax where local farmers could sell their fresh fare. E.B. Gilmore agreed to give it a go. In July 1934, a dozen farmers and a few other merchants parked their trucks at the corner of 3rd & Fairfax and sold their fresh produce from the back of the trucks.
By October 1934, mere months after it opened, farmers and merchants, including restaurants, grocers and service providers, were moving into permanent stalls and the new Farmers Market was so popular that its founders staged a celebration, the first Fall Festival at Farmers Market.
While it grew to be a must-see destination for travelers from around the world, Farmers Market was always the favorite place for L.A. families to shop for groceries.
The Clock Tower became an icon of the Farmers Market in 1948. Over the decades, it has become a worldwide symbol of food and fun. This photo of the first tower (which now sits atop Starbucks) features the iconic phrase “An Idea”, a humble nod to Fred Beck, Roger Dahlhjelm and the 18 original tenants who helped forever shape the corner of 3rd & Fairfax.
Hollywood’s Favorite Location
Farmers Market isn’t just Hollywood’s favorite place to hang out, it’s also one of the industry’s favorite locations. World renowned chef and TV star Alton Brown and Gordon Ramsay have both used the Market several times for their shows. The HBO hit Entourage closed out its run with a segment at the Market, and late night guru Jimmy Kimmel frequently engages our customers for quirky feature segments.
Fall Festival
Fall Festival at Farmers Market has evolved over the years. Back in the day, merchants built their own floats and staged a parade around the Market. The parade doesn’t march anymore, but Market merchants still don costumes and dress up their stalls. Kids love pumpkin patches and arts & crafts while everybody enjoys lots of free live music.
Pop, Rock, Country & Jazz at Farmers Market
In the mid-1980s, one of the Market’s West Patio merchants thought it would be fun to ask a few local bands to perform on Thursday evenings. The idea was so popular that the Market extended it through the summer. Decades later, our Thursday Night music program ist still going strong.
Location
6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Monday-Friday – 9AM-9PM
Saturday-Sunday – 10AM-9PM, 10AM-7PM
