In addition to a wide variety of California
grown farm products and prepared foods, the Sunday Main Street Farmers Market
provides curated entertainment and hands on educational activities for market
customers to enjoy. The intent is to
provide locations within the Market where educators and performers can engage customers
in a fashion consistent with and complimentary to the Farmers Market mission.
Market Mission: The Santa Monica Farmers Markets promote the prosperity and
preservation of California farmers and small food businesses while creating
thriving communities that are inclusive, connected and diverse.
These activities are authorized by the Farmers Market Rules sections 2.3.9, 2.3.10 and through direction from City Council on September 9, 2014 to develop a pilot program to test a variety of educational and entertainment activities at the Main Street Farmers Market. The overall goals of the pilot program are to test a diversity of educational activities and programming and entertainment vendors to the market and to provide a variety of interesting activities for customers on a rotational basis.
Some of the activities tested are listed below.
- Weekly musical performances
- Face painters
- Balloon twisters
- Story time
- Arts and crafts
- Robotics
- Magicians
- Cooking demonstrations
- Seedling planting
- Book signings
Aside from weekly musical
performances, all proposed activities should be hands-on and interactive. Proposals that closely tie in with an
agricultural, sustainability or healthy eating themes are highly encouraged. During the pilot period the City waive any participation fees, however most participants will be required to obtain a business license. Participating applicants may collect tips or charge a materials or activity fee.
All Entertainment and Educational Program applicants may apply on a rolling basis throughout the year and selected applicants are scheduled on a quarterly basis according to the schedule below. Once accepted applicants do not need to apply again for subsequent quarters. Acceptance of an application does not guarantee a specific number of participation dates, which are subject to quarterly scheduling and are dependent on the other programmed activities, seasons, holiday themes and space available. Applicants will be notified of acceptance or rejection within approximately three weeks of the submission deadlines:
Submission Deadlines
|
Scheduled to participate
|
April 15
|
Quarter 1: July – Sept
|
July 15
|
Quarter 2: Oct - Dec
|
October 15
|
Quarter 3: Jan - Mar
|
January 15
|
Quarter 1: Apr - Jun
|


Please note that
outreach/tabling/information booth space is only provided for City of
Santa Monica departments and programs. Organizations wanting to fund raise are not permitted.
Please CLICK HERE
to apply for the Entertainment and Educational Programs.