Santa Rosa Wednesday Night Market, May through July

I, personally loved the night market! Yes there were a lot of people, yes the lines were long after 6 but we got there right at 5, I was able to get all the food I wanted right away, the vendors were super friendly. The music was awesome, our kids had a blast! If I lived in The area I would definitely be there every week simply for the fun and inviting atmosphere.

Love the vibe. Every Wednesday night , during the summer , at five pm, the party starts downtown. Excellent food vendors, a wide variety of food available, beer and wine for sale, live music, and dancing. Is family fun

Santa Rosa is the most wonderful, amazing, outstanding city in the world. Children had a great time at the Santa Rosa Rose Parade. Families gathered. Music, arts, dancing, crafts, families and children had the best weekend, the best time this weekend, as the City of Santa Rosa celebrated.

Happened to be staying at a nearby hotel the same night as this event. Fun atmosphere. All the food/drinks were very overpriced. But we still enjoyed it. But don't expect to find a bargain.

The first time I went it was fantastic! They played 80s and 90s music. I loved every minute of it! Weeks later, my 2nd experience, to my opinion...the band really was lousy! Not only because of their political attributes and opinions but their music, NOT A FAN!! Please musicians, this is a family event Keep your political BS and opinions to yourself! Nobody wants to hear it and just because you have a stage to announce it on doesn't mean you should! 🤷🏼‍♀️

A random collection of vendors with mostly a lot of crafts, clothing and other items for sale. Small farmers market and food truck area also and there is also music. Not exactly what I was expecting. I was going for more food trucks or food stalls. Otherwise ok.

Great place for all around entertainment! Food,music, drinks and you can bring a blanket or chairs for a picnic or arrive early to reserve your favorite table and chairs! Always something new every week!

Fun, food and music. What more could you ask for? Tip...Don't miss the beignets from Sonoma Crust!

Lots of people out enjoying this market in town square. I feel like it should have a few more vendors selling items, it was lacking in that department. Some food choices as well, had a variety. Popcorn, churros, ice cream, elote, corn dogs, empanadas, etc. I did buy a very cute knitted/crochet potted plant. There was also a DJ on one end playing very loud music and then they had a big stage with a free concert. Also some kids stuff in one area like bounce houses.

First time in a number of years. Only one fruit vendor and no vegetables. Most of the kioks were cheap stuff and the food was pedestrian. Will never go back again.

The Wednesday Night Market is a must to experience. It is a weekly feature during summers. On Wednesday evenings, Santa Rosa downtown gets very lively, full of people, frolic. There is a variety of food being served from different parts of the world and there is an abundance of fresh Fruits & Vegetables available, brought by the local farmers. The live band and music adds to the environment. It's a place where one can enjoy with family and/or with friends. Can have a picnic or just chill around grooving to the music along with the fresh beer, available on-site. Will surely recommend a visit.

The crab fries were awesome but on the expensive side. Although crab is expensive so I guess it's a good deal. There was a lot of crab. The pork buns were very good and the price was reasonable. There was a band and they were not to loud and very fun. Lots of people were up dancing.

We have enjoyed this event for years. You can bring your own chairs for comfort or sit on the lawn. It's Free! The bands are great...but... we appreciate the ones that play hit songs, popular music of all types. Seriously I wish they would Not hire bands doing only their original music. And I wish those bands would add some popular music to their repertoire. Like pop dance or even uptempo blues. This is after all a Family event. Did I mention it's Free! Some of the bands are really great. Even the latin music is great for non latinos because of it's meditative qualities. We might still dance to the Cupid Shuffle. It's Free!

A great safe place to go on a Wednesday evening - mostly during summer. There's a lot to see and do. Besides the veggies and fruit markets, they're more trinkets than I can handle - great for Crafty folks like Steve S. & Mina G. LOL. There were cool rides for the kids - a strap you in and jump as high as you can go venue for $10/person. Music and a Movie - this is true local goodness. My favorite part is the Beer & Wine section run by local celebrity Robert Brauny. The night I went 2 weeks ago had 6 Breweries!! and 4 Wine Stations - all exceptional local artisans. (I hate that word 'artisan' but these products are special, local, natural, and fermented!!).

Gosh, the last time I was in Santa Rosa, the Mexican restaurant on downtown 4th Street was called Cantina (now La Rosa), that's how long it's been. We used to party and go clubbin' at Cantina, for Santa Rosa it was the place to go, and parking was much easier back then LOL! I'm happy they transformed the downtown Courthouse Square into a night market on Wednesdays, ingenious idea! If you like beignets, get in line early to get them hot & fresh; otherwise, the line would be too long to care. A nice variety of foods available and handcrafted items. I love such markets, especially when the weather's nice, and it mostly is in Santa Rosa. Can't wait to come back to check out new businesses and more delicious foods from all over the world right here in Santa Rosa, who would've thunk! It's kid-friendly, dog-friendly, live music, and happy hour nearby. There's something for everyone. 'Til next time ~ cheers & see you on Yelp! https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wednesday-night-market-santa-rosa-2?select=TzfuGJ7JImVHEZnV2KNuVQ https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wednesday-night-market-santa-rosa-2?select_video=KMXjHBTspslroPVU3a6eUw

Paid $4.50/each for the saddest excuse for tacos. Ordered two chicken, 1 Al pastor. I've never had ground chicken in an authentic street taco, and this one was so bland I tasted the corn tortilla more than the meat. The Al pastor was marginally better. Did NOT come with the pineapple the woman taking my order promised it would (she confirmed it twice). Each taco came with about ~1oz of meat. I expect to pay $4.50+ a taco in a big city at an upscale establishment, but certainly not in Santa Rosa for a street taco that skimps on the meat. What a rip-off. Will not be ordering from them again. Wish I could take back my $.50 tip, it was that awful.

Both my parents are Welsh, so as a kid - I grew up around Welsh markets. Due to Welsh weather - they were often indoor markets. There were familiar places that I got dragged to by my grandmother - when she wanted to buy meat for dinner, where she went for the latest Market place gossip, where we went when I wanted to pick out a small doll (to most likely "makeover" - ie: cut off all hair), where I went for grab-bag candy, and where my grandmother would drag me and my siblings to show us off (tear-chocolate stained faces and all) to all of her market place friends. The concept of a market has always felt so homey to me. It's where everyone of all ages come to gather, connect, and reconnect with each other in the midst of daily/weekend life. It's about community. It's about life. Community and life. A walk down Santa Rosa Downtown Market takes me back to those bustling Welsh markets, except less cheek pinching by eldery Welsh women, more music, more fruit, and well...sun. I love the sense of community oozing out of ever corner of Downtown Santa Rosa Market. I especially appreciate how diverse the scene is. All nationalities, all ages, all socio-economic backgrounds, all sorts of food, all sorts of music... It really is a glorious intermingling of local. Real local. In a real way. From ripe fruit, to fresh oven cooked pizzas, to creamy cupcakes, to picture perfect macaroons, to fish tacos, to crafts, to bands, to jewelry: Santa Rosa Downtown has a little bit of everything for everyone. Embrace it - and make a trip there on a Wednesday night. The Market is the place to be. Trust.

Hip, easy to navigate, engaging, and overall a great market located in downtown Santa Rosa! I have always heard good things about the Wednesday night market, but between getting off work earlier than the start time and the parking situation downtown (More on this to come), I always passed the opportunity up. I found myself though right in the middle of the market a few months back and thanks to a helpful hint from a local/coworker I was told after 6:00 PM parking in the theater garage down the street does not cost a dime. This alone had me sold in terms of visiting the market and its goodies. The market itself is no small event, they close off one of the main strips in Santa Rosa and for many blocks you are greeted with tents of beautiful goods. I snacked, I bought local hand goods, and enjoyed the local performers and honestly can say it was nowhere near the hassle of what I thought it would be like. As of right now (End of winter), it has been closed and expected to re open on Wednesday nights on May 2nd. I can tell you this, I fully expect to visit it more often this year and not to mention congrats to them for their 30th anniversary of the event!

I've been to the market a couple times now. I think I will probably be a regular down here. Delicious food from local restaurants and caterers - check Beer and wine - check Craft vendors - check Farm stands - check Live music and other entertainers - check Nice setting with a lot of space to bring lawn chairs or sit at one of the tables - check Markets like this are part of the reason I am happy that I moved to Santa Rosa. The remodeled square is a great place for these weekly events. There is a lot of space, and quite a few tables where you can sit and enjoy your food. You can also just sit on the grass. The market is family friendly. There appears to be good security and police presence, but the police looked like they were having as much fun as everyone else. It can get a bit loud near the stage. Finding parking can be a challenge, but there are pay lots available that are just a block or two from the square. I have heard they have a free bike valet, and they do encourage walking or riding to the market. If you just want a snack at the market, you can always take advantage of the local bars and restaurants on 4th Street. If you have never been or have not been for a long time, check it out. See you there.

I have been going to the market for years. It was Wednesday then it moved to Thursday and now back to Wednesday. I was very disappointed on the re-opening las Wednesday the 25th. No Willie bird turkey legs no paella. The food was mediocre and expensive. The music was not good either. The whole market missed the mark of what once was. I will go later in the future to see if it improves. For now I am very disappointed with the market. Whoever coordinates the event needs help.

While traveling up north, I happened to pass through Santa Rosa on a Wednesday and run into this market. This is unlike any market I've seen. It's about 4 streets worth of vendors, restaurants, gourmet food trucks, and farmers. We walked up and down sampling something from everyone. It's possible to have a complete meal here without actually buying something but there's something for every palate here. I also love that it's held downtown. Downtown Santa Rosa is an awesome area. There's a mall nearby and plenty of coffee shops and boutique stores. The market draws a large audience. I bought some hummus and pita chips to snack on later.

It is a classic institute of necessity to have gone here at least once while growing up here in Santa Rosa/Sonoma County area. Especially as a teen, this seems to be the local hangout and meet and greet for all the young hoodlems of today's society. I will say though, there are more punk and rock looking kids than gangbangers as it was back in the day. No fear here while in attendance, just have to deal with young kids who think they are awesome all around you. Nothing new for downtown Santa Rosa though. The market is such a bounty of culinary treasures! You can now get one of my favorite restaurants in Santa Rosa, Rosso at the market for a fraction of the dining costs if at the restaurant but all the tasty goodness. There are multiple offerings of delectable treats that tantalize the tongue like mini cheesecakes ($1/each!!), home made candy, cookies, kettle corn, cotton candy. Enough to give you a diabetic coma with a smile on your face. While the crowds can get old, the market is a fabulous place to eat at some of the tastiest restaurants in the area at a discounted rate and enjoy some local culture in the process. If nothing else it is great for people watching.

Update June 2017: The review below is old news. The street fair / market has slightly relocated west on the fourth street. The farmers produce stands are relocated to the town square. But my critical opinion about the proliferation of "junk" booths remains the same. August 2015 ...Been coming to this weekly event since it started. I don't cruise 4th street anymore to see the same craft vendors, club booths, or greasy county fair style food. I come for the half block (in front of the public library on E street) of farmer's stalls. Number of food sellers has dropped drastically in the past few years, typically there are only 7 present. But it is a good place to get farm fresh fruits and vegetables. My lovely wife has recently Yelped this event as 1 star. I'm not quite as disgusted as her, but I share her opinion that the quality here is fallen. A good place to drop off your teenager for a few hours. There's a million of them here cruising up and down the street.

The Wednesday Night Market completely changed the way I look at downtown Santa Rosa. Not that the Courthouse Square has been remodeled and new restaurants are lining every street, I'm now a firm believer that Santa Rosa is where it's at. And if it's not exactly 100 there yet... it will be soon. Nowhere is this more evident than the Wednesday Night Market. From 5pm - 8:30pm, downtown comes alive with an eclectic mix of food vendors, artisan retailers, music, and more. It's a huge party, and everyone's invited (adults, kids, dogs, all walks of life, etc.). It's so nice to see the community come together like this. Word to the wise, parking is someone limited. So if you live nearby, I'd recommend walking or taking your bike. And if you are driving, you might want to hit up the mall parking lot (a few blocks away; and only $2 for 2 hours).

Always a blast! I have loved coming to the market almost every Wednesday (during summer) since I moved to Santa Rosa almost 10 years ago. They always have great entertainment, food, and other vendors. It's a wonderful spot to go on a relaxed date where you could spent nothing and enjoy the sights and sounds, or go crazy on sampling all that the market has to offer! I highly recommend coming down to downtown Rosa Wednesday evenings (during market season) to unwind from the daily grind.

Remember when this market used to be in Thursday's? (I officially feel old). What can I say about this market? They've got everything from pizza, and pasta to a giant turkey leg. I've noticed that this year they have new vendors; like more Indian restaurants, and the wurst (their hot dogs are pretty good when their grilled, and they have at least 10 different sauces). The only thing that sucks about the market is the fact that it's kind of hard to find parking, and it tends to get crowded. I often see those high school kids who think their all that and a bag of chips! (Not going to the market to spend money, but just going to be going)

This is BY FAR my favorite market in the area. I just love that it's actually bustling and has soooo many stands and stalls to check out. You can get a huge variety of cuisines here, and it's just nice to walk along blocks and blocks of different stands with some friends when you have time! Also, please be sure to check out the fruit stands. And sample lots of peaches and plums.

It's a freak show. It's a shit show. And as Yogi Berra said, "The place is so crowded, nobody goes there anymore."

The Santa Rosa Downtown market is your typical farmer's market, amped up and more juiced up than Barry Bonds. It is chaos theory on the streets of Santa Rosa. It's slightly more expensive than the Napa Farmer's Market. There are booths with the usual fruits, berries, vegetables, and honey... but then there are ones for the Journey Center (a New Agey Christian place), an LGBT rights booth with "I love drag queens" bumper stickers, and environmentalists. There are philosophers who stride around, striking up metaphysical conversations with passers-by. It's Northern California summed up in a couple of blocks-with organic biodynamic food, cannabis legalization, and New Age spirituality.

I keep trying for a good experience here. Food vendors suck, now down to 3 Thai booths, mom's Apple pie, an Willie Bird Turkey. Is it because the City of Santa Rosa charged too much? Really $13 for a smoked turkey leg? Thai food in to go plastic containers? Bands are normally good, one local veggie vendor (amongst 7. Or so from Central Valley which is NOT local!). I am getting disgusted.

I am very much looking forward to the Wednesday Night Market in Downtown SR! Now that I live downtown, I hope to make it every single week through the duration of the season. For two years now I have very excitedly attended WNM for the food and the entertainment. To me, the Thai food booth (closest to B street) has the best deal. For about $8 you get a bunch of food: two sides and a main dish. As an added bonus you get a free drink, including Thai Iced Tea. If you saw the incredible amount of food and drink you got, you'd know that $8 is an incredible value, since you'd be out about $20 at the restaurant to eat the same quantity for dinner. Not only do you get a lot of food, it's TASTY food, too! There are bunches of other food vendors that I hope to try this year. Like to hang out with live reptiles? You can do that at the Market. Like to buy fresh produce? You can do that at the Market. Like to stand around and watch live music? You can do that at the Market. I am excited for the start of the 2014 Wednesday Night Market tonight!

Not to be confused with the Santa Rosa Farmers Market which happens on Saturday over on Maple, the Santa Rosa Downtown Market is as Lee S. aptly described it, a freak show. And guess what? You're one of the freaks! So what's there? Eye candy? Both legal and jailbait. Shame on ya' fer lookin'! Foodie nirvana? Off the frickin' chart. Cool musicians playing instruments, some possibly that you've never seen before? ABO-SO-LUTE-LY. Child abuse in the form of a contraption in which parents pay to have their kid strapped in so the little tykes can bounce virtually gravity free? Ohhhh, yeahhhh! SPRONG!!!! WEEEEEEEE!!!!!! Frighteningly overprice produce? Cha-ching! So here it is in a nut shell. 1.) A great place for tweens and teens to roam and hang, see and be seen in a safe environment. (Plenty of cops everywhere, no public drinking.) 2.) Food and food additives, (spices, etc.), "hippy" clothing, art and public interest booths galore. 3.) Street musicians and visual artists. 4.) Young families with strollers, seniors, boomers and a smattering of bangers around the edges. 5.) Cops, firefighters, (with the BIG RED TRUCK) and kiddie rides. Lastly, there was one table, er..., guy..., uh, cowboy.. type dude who defies explanation. For those of you who've been waiting for the meat of this review, thou shalt not go away with a wantin' piehole. So my piehole, along with my sister's piehole, are cruising the market. There was this guy, 40ish, cowboy hat, standing by a card table, handing out flyers. On the table are...tin foil... footballs, about the size and shape that would hold a baked potato..., sitting...., on the table. Lots of them....sitting... on the table. He's not handing them out, they're just...sitting...on...the table. The guy totally creeps out my sister, who is no wimpy cookie. (She used to hunt wimps for sport.) So I, with no sense at all, go over and get a flyer from him. Sis watches in horror, sure that she'll never see me again. He seems surprised I actually want a flyer, looks at me strangely, but hands me one anyway. I get back to my sister intact, (much to her relief), and hand her the flyer to read. I glance over her shoulder, curious. It said... I don't know. Something about angels and who knows what not. No phone number, no email addy, no web site. Nada. Whatever this guy thought was important enough to spend money on to print up a bunch of flyers, set up a table downtown and then stand out there all afternoon, with a bunch of... foil-wrapped baked potatoes on his table had to do with angels. All of this just added to poor Sis's creep-o-meter. So was ol' Panochey freaked? No sir, my take on it was a) the guy was hurtin' NOBODY and b) Is this a great country, or what!?! Ya' just gotta' go be the freak show!

I love the Wednesday Night Market. I have been coming here as long as I can remember (long enough that when I started coming it was the Thursday night market). It is a mix of a street fair, a farmers' market, and a wine tasting event. The main part of the fair consists of your typical street fair. Lots of the same food venues from the Sonoma County Fair are represented. The food here really is quite good - it is nice to wander through a find something for dinner. There are lots of stands to buy things like hippie jewelry and handmade soaps. This week there was a stand with snakes to pet and buy. Not my thing. So not my thing. But it attracted a huge crowd. On one end of the market is a produce market. Lots of growers come in with fresh fruit for you to buy and sample. This is a great place to get beautiful produce, flowers, and local honey. On the other end is a little wine tasting area. There is also a kids area with clowns (consider yourself warned) and bouncing houses. Word to the wise: watch out for the political wackos on your way in. This week they were championing taking fluoride out of our drinking water. Last year they were on a circumcision ban kick. A little local flavor to round out your market experience.

Can't beat perusing thru the fruit & vegetable stands. A cool, local cornucopia of produce. Some must grabs for me are: Purple garlic Cherry tomatoes Yellow onions Green beans Honey! (Local & so many flavors, try blackberry) Nectarines Cherries Be sure and sample everything, that's the fun part. Some live music is always playing throughout, causing interesting dance-skills people watching. Try out the BBQ stands, their pulled pork sandwiches are tasty. If you're feeling an ambitious appetite coming on, then give a Willy's Turkey leg a try. Favorite market foods of mine are also the BBQ'd oysters along with Thai spring rolls. Last few years they've featured a wine tasting area. Wines featured can be hit or miss, haven't had a time where I bought a bottle after liking what I tasted. For a desert to go, recommend getting a Killer Baking Company brownie. There is usually a designer cupcake booth as well. Always bring cash! Only a few booths except credit cards. There's an ATM on Fourth & Mendocino. If you go too late a lot of booths might be out of food. Have been going and will keep going for years. A must Santa Rosa activity in the summer.

I am a people watcher. A couple of years ago, I bet 2 of my friends $20 that they in the course of 20 minutes couldn't find a 'normal' person that we didn't know. I won. Yes, it's a total meat market. Yes the vendors really aren't that good. Yes all the bars/restaurants are jammed backed with early twenty somthings in over rimmed kohl eyes and enough juicy smack lip gloss that if they run into you - they leave a clown face imprint. Yet, it continues. Personally, I prefer the produce/products of the Saturday morning, but still I go, a time or two in the summer, if not for anything else, but to watch the masses, shake my head, and maybe grab one of those really really big turkey legs and make cave men sounds.

It's great, but it's jam packed with people, music, vendors, oh and the farmers? They're on Mendocino Ave for about a block around 4th & 5th Streets. I went through the "crowds" on 4th once, I'm not going to do it again, ever. But, the farmer's market part is great! For instance, last week got totally organic produce, and the last of the cherries, and almost got some organic strawberries this time, but not this time, since we had donut peaches, nectarines, more peaches, and cherries. We have to eat that first! There's also bread there (can't remember the baking company name), and Hector is usually there with his honey and eggs, but not always. Oh and we bought some torpedo onions of course. The organic heirloom tomatoes were going for $3.50 a pound at that organic place! So, come and shop there, but...you can ALSO shop in the morning on Wednesday at the Veteran's Building and it's way less insane. Most of the same vendors are there too. But that market is only open from 8:30 am till noon, so that's why we went to the Wed Night one.

Now that Courthouse Square has been revamped, our Wednesday night markets are a pretty happening place to be. The music stages are set up on the new area which makes it more enjoyable to kick back and enjoy. Loads of street vendors offering some pretty delicious food of all cuisines. If you're looking for more of a sit-down dinner, there are plenty of nice restaurants on 4th street that can give you an excellent vantage for people watching. Organic produce, wine, local vendors... Street parking is limited, but the downtown mall offers unlimited parking for a minimal price.

I have been going for years. The only reasons to go are for the food and to people watch! I have lived in Santa Rosa over 20 years so I am guaranteed to see people I know. I know the people who own the funnel cake booth - go get yours! I had already eaten so the food didn't entice me this time. The one thing I don't like about the market is that it becomes the "meat market" after dark where high school kids hook up - ugh! I advise to get some good food (turkey leg, pasta king, fruits, veggies) and go home!

I heart the market tons. People watching potential is through the roof and all the crazies come out in the masses. Interesting variety of booths (9/11 Truth?) and a good idea if you want to run into people you haven't seen for awhile. If you want to escape, just seek solace in a nearby bar or go shopping at the mall.

I've been coming here a few times a year since I moved to Santa Rosa (it's been ten years). I love Farmer's Markets and this one is full of fun local goods. It gets a bit crowded, but it's a popular event. I can't really get too upset about that. I haven't been yet this year, but they have free bike parking which is pretty cool. Lots of local food and craft vendors. A great place to check out on a beautiful summer evening.

I was so disappointed. If you are looking for bouncy houses or very expensive fruits and veggies, go there. It looks like most of the people selling produce stay away from there. The few that were there were in front of the library. So sad. I would like to know why the market planners CRAM the booths so close that you give up trying to be able to walk down 4th Street to see them. They need to move it to the Montgomery Village area.

Rebranded from Santa Rosa Downtown Market to Wednesday Night Market, this weekly event through the summer has something for everyone. Located on Fourth Street from Courthouse Square to E Street, you'll find vendors for dinner, fresh local produce, and snacks. There is a wine garden for the drinking folks, tons of bouncy rides and other activities for kids, artwork from local craftspeople, and music at three different locations. It's a little weird to see several random organizations, nonprofit and commercial, that have nothing to do with food, art, music, entertainment, etc. They don't call this a farmers market, but they I don't think they attract people here. It does keep the market diverse though, and I'm sure the market wants to accept any legitimate vendor willing to pay for a spot. I enjoy going just to take a stroll and look at everything. I sometimes buy dinner there, even though the food is usually a little more expensive than I'd get the same food elsewhere. I also like the music, the best being Wonderbread 5. I also don't hate seeing hundreds of young ladies sporting tanktops and short shorts.

I go every week. The only gripe I have is the small farmer's market section of the fair (even though they are some of the best farmers). Lots of good food, and always something interesting to see. Always something to keep the kiddies interested (and it changes). There is a bike valet for locals. Good to go just for the walk, it's about 3.5 blocks long this year.

Amazing fresh food choices, live music and my favorite, Ken, the world class magician. This night market almost feels like a fair with excited groups of giggling teenagers pushing each other past thai food, crepes and a "snake rescue group". Wish this would go on all year... heck, let's tear down the boring downtown mall and have a market every night!

The good: I love the Santa Rosa Wednesday night market. Great vendors, terrific food, music and one of the many aspects that makes Santa Rosa such a wonderful place to live. You'll always bump into friends and neighbors at the downtown market. It's great for families as well. The bad: My only complaint would be that our local leaders should decide not to have the downtown market during the two weeks of our annual Santa Rosa - Sonoma County Fair. It is essentially the same target market and the city of Santa Rosa is showing disrespect to our local fair (our showcase of Sonoma County). This is a waste of public money by continuing to have the market those two Wednesdays. Very stupid! They need to support their / our fair during it's short summer run.

Stumbled upon this market s few years ago when visiting. Made sure to come back when we were back in town. Great fun for everyone. Tons of food options, amazing produce, and the band was great.

i like the market. 1. there is some phenomenal people watching here. 2. the are some really cool booths with some good info 3. great local products and produce 4. a sense of community 5. good food I don't like: the bars are packed, and all the outdoor seating is taken, which makes people watching difficult... some of the people are ridiculously wretched, that even looking at them and lauging doesn't make it ok.

My favorite time of year to live in and thrive in Sonoma County has returned. I look forward to buying fresh and local products from these awesome venders weekly. Bring plenty of cash to avoid the lines and fees of the many nearby ATMs; only a few venders accept cards.

Who doesn't love the Downtown Market? I've been waiting with baited breath for the market to start up again. The first one of the year finally occurred this week and it did not disappoint! This year actually seemed better than ever (well, at least since it was moved to Wednesdays). The produce selection was larger and there were more food vendors than last year. And by and large, it's good food. They also moved it one block east -- allowing Mendocino Ave. to stay open -- which makes good traffic-sense, I suppose. I had a really tasty samosa and an iced chai from the Indian booth, a spicy carne asada taco and a refreshing pineapple juice from a the Mexican booth, and a fresh-squeezed lemonade from some other new place. I also scored a lemon cucumber plant for my garden a giant organic red onion that is good enough to eat like an apple. The best part might just be wandering about taking in the community. I did lots of gawking at strangers and had plenty of stop-and-chats* with friends. And this was all within the first hour or two! After walking the streets stuffing my face, it only seems logical to head into the Russian River Brewing Co. for a few pints! See you there next week! *Thank you Larry David

I enjoyed perusing through the Wednesday nite mkt (1st time, visitor). While many of the locals echoed that the quality of it has gone down, i've gone for the 1st time so i don't have a benchmark to compare it with. When i heard "night market" i was thinking of what they have in Vancouver--mostly selling things. But i was pleasantly pleased to find one section of farmer's mkt (although a bit higher priced than what we're used to in the sf bay) and i enjoyed the many food vendors. It's very community-oriented and i think it's great to get the family out. i also enjoyed many of the folks who make their own jewelry. I would return if i'm in the area.

I love going to the Wednesday night market. The music is always great and fun to dance to or just to sit back , relax and listen to. I love the jumbo Turkey legs ( $12). The kettle corn is also delicious. The cotton candy is great too because it brings back a lot of fun memories of going to the fair with my parents when I was younger. The two young ladies that sell the cotton candy are very nice. It cost $5 for a jumbo bag and there are a lot of colors in a bag. The green color actually taste like green apples. Next to That stand is another fun item.. Snow cones for $5. You get a plastic cup and then you get to pick Whatever flavor you want and then squirt the flavors in by yourself. Across from them is this cupcake stand and I swear those cupcakes taste better than sift cupcakes. I bought a bunch and those brownies are acing. Cost me $2 per cupcake and $1.50 for each brownie and a dollar for the cookies. Best broken if , cupcakes and cookie I ever had ! The Indian food was also delicious. For $9 you get rice and this yellow, reddish chicken Curry dish. And the best part is she accepts credit cards there. Arts spaghetti is also ok but the last time I went the young kids behind the counter were a little too busy talking to each other and took awhile acknowledging us. A little way down near those jumpies is This stand that a family brings their authentic Asian vegetables to sell. I love those purple egg plants and bitter melons. The water spinach and Thai chili is awesome. I always end up buying a bunch of their veggies because everything is very fresh and cheap... A dollar a bunch. Egg plant was $2 a pound. Butter melon $2 a pound. Thai Chili was $3 a pound . Beets a dollar a bunch. Fresh basil $1.00 a bunch. I love everything they have there and the family is so nice. Oh near Those jumpies is a lady that sells Mexican food but it's not the food that I love but it's her cucumber drink ... It's delicious and only cost. $2. The market is so fun...

The market is amazing. Lots of different vendors both food and merchandise wise. Wish that there is more of a police presence because of the underlying problems that may arise, but overall a great market.

I love the Market. I was a vendor there for 7 years. It is hard for Santa Rosa to get good vendors. What shys away a vendor is the type of people that the market attracts. What made me stop was all the gang kids and disrespectful teens/20 somethings. Sure I made money, but make more money doing other markets without the teen/20 somethings. It would be nice if the market was on the weekend. As far as stopping the market during the Sonoma County Fair, I am mixed on that. You get the same amount of people down at the market but in my view, that's when the real weirdos come out. The best time to visit the market for older people and families is between 5pm and 6:30pm. Anything after 6:30 you'll get more of the "kids" just wanting to walk around a socialize. But there is something for everyone. So for what ever fits your groove, there is a time for you at the market.

In past years I really enjoyed the variety of music on the three stages. Very disappointed that we're limited to one band on the one stage each week these days. There's also no shade anywhere near the stage! Design flaw of the new square. It's hot out there!