In addition to a wide variety of California grown farm products and prepared foods, the Saturday Pico Farmers Market and Sunday Main Street Farmers Market provide curated entertainment and hands on educational activities for market customers to enjoy.  The intent is to provide locations within the Markets 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 Pico and Main Street Farmers Markets.  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:

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.