Los Angeles landmark, The Original Farmers Market at Third & Fairfax is celebrating the start of summer with its free Friday Night Music Series. With a diverse line-up of performers, the series takes Farmers Market guests on a virtual tour of the globe, with music styles ranging from salsa and Cajun to rockabilly and Motown.

As the summer music swings into gear, music lovers will especially love the Market’s abundant open-air dining spaces. Also good to know is that the original Market section at Farmers Market is one of the few outdoor locations in Southern California where guests can wander freely with a glass of beer or wine in their hand.

Since Farmers Market has more than 50 eateries, we know that just deciding where to eat at can be a challenge. For your convenience, we’ve created a list of dining recommendations that pair well with our summer music line-up.

2017 Summer Music & Dining Recommendations:

May 26: Ride the Tide

Kick off the summer with the ultimate California-style surf band. You’ll soon find yourself rocking out to your favorite hits from musicians like the Beach Boys, Jan & Dean, Jimmy Buffet and Bob Marley. No surfboards are allowed in the Market, but dancing is highly recommended.

Dining recommendation: Celebrate this all-American sound with an all-American classic, the Philly Cheesesteak sandwich at Papa Jake’s Sub Shop. Once a favorite Beverly Hills haunt, Papa Jake’s re-opened at Farmers Market last year. Not into cheesesteak? Grab the sausage sandwich, made with sausage meat sourced from right next door at Marconda’s Meats & Puritan Poultry. 

June 2: Otis Hayes Motown Review

Multi-talented Otis Hayes is both a vocalist and a drummer, but he’s at his best when he gets jamming on the vibraphone, performing original tunes and Motown favorites.

Dining recommendation: The classic sounds of Otis Hayes III deserves a classic meal. Wander across the Market to enjoy a corned beef sandwich at Magee’s Kitchen, which celebrates its 100^th anniversary this year. And yes, the corned beef recipe is the same one Blanche Magee served when she began her sandwich empire.

June 9: Upstream

Ready to party? Upstream plays a selection of exciting music from the islands, including reggae, calypso, soca and steel drum music that is sure to have you jumping up and dancing the West Indian boogie.

Dining recommendations: Caribbean fare hasn’t made its way to Farmers Market yet, but people in search of some island spice can head to Singapore’s Banana Leaf for the best curry on the West Coast. Don’t forget to order the roti (pan fried-dough) because you’ll need it to help scoop up every last morsel on your plate.

June 16: The International Swingers

Eagle-eye guests might recognize the lead singer of The International Swingers as our own Gary Twinn, proprietor of Bar 326 and E.B.’s Beer & Wine. Gary and the rest of the band will rock your weekend with a blend of punk rock and 80s favorites.

Dining recommendation: Since one of Gary’s favorite albums is “London Calling” by The Clash, it might be time to dive into a plate of Fish & Chips at Tusquellas Fish & Oyster Bar. Carry the British theme on through to dessert and pick up some homemade chocolate at Littlejohn’s English Toffee House.

June 23: Viva! Featuring Artie Webb & Dan Weinstein

Tonight, Dan Weinstein, a prolific violinist and trombonist, teams up with Artie Webb on the flute, for a lively evening of Latin jazz. Music lovers may even recognize Weinstein from his live performances with Ray Charles and the Jackson Five.

Dining recommendation: Take the Latin theme to the next step with a stop at one of LA’s best-known Brazilian barbecue restaurants, Pampas Grill. You can custom order exactly which freshly grilled meat and salad bar items you want. The restaurant is so popular, there’s sometimes a line, but the grilled meats, black beans and cheese bread here are totally worth the wait. 

June 30: Floyd & the Flyboys

A seven-piece band with a big sound, Floyd & the Flyboys play tunes reminiscent of the sounds of BB King, Steely Dan, Huey Lewis and the Neville Bros with a set list that includes classic cover songs as well as lively originals.

Dining recommendation: Before rocking out to this all-American band, enjoy a little Americana on your dinner plate. The beloved cheeseburger at Charlie’s Coffee Shop is so famous, it’s been featured in the Los Angeles Times and on the Travel Channel.

July 7: James Intveld

Los Angeles native James Intveld grew up listening to his parent’s recordings of Hank Williams, Sr., Dean Martin, Lefty Frizzell and Elvis. Now, he’s helping Farmers Market celebrate summer with a lively blend of country and western meets rockabilly.

Dining recommendation: Get in the Western spirit with the tasty Texas-style barbecue at Bryan’s Pit Barbecue. Fill up on ribs, beef, pork or chicken, but be sure to save some room so you can dance the night away.

July 14: Jennifer Keith Quintet

Jennifer Keith, often described as “a pinup doll with a voice reminiscent of Keely Smith, Doris Day and Julie London,” is also a member of Hollywood royalty. Great, great grandfather B.F. Keith was the “K” in RKO pictures. This summer, Jennifer and her band are bringing their “lounge meets pinup girl” act to Farmers Market for a Las Vegas-style review, but without the hefty price tag.

Dining recommendations: Before you dine, you might want to get in the spirit of things by heading over to our newest merchant, Oh Waouh Salon and ask them to create a version of Jenny’s stylish pinup ‘do. Then soak up more Hollywood history by getting a slice or a whole pie at Patsy D’Amore’s Pizza, where pictures of founder Patsy D’Amore palling around with friend Frank Sinatra can be found decorating the stall. 

July 21: Elliott Caine

Saxophonist Elliott Cane has built quite a reputation in LA’s music scene. He’s even received commendations in the “Field of Music” from the city and county of Los Angeles. Now this much-honored musician is bringing his style of bebop and boogaloo meets Latin Jazz for a lively Friday night at Farmers Market.

Dining recommendation: To keep up with Caine’s red-hot performance, you’re going to need an extra shot of energy. Boost your iron intake with a tasty spinach salad at The Salad Bar. Then head to our produce vendor, Greenhouse, and pick up a smoothie made with 100% organic produce or a drink to go made with Conscious Kombucha.

July 28: La Charanga Cubana

Cuban-born Edgar Hernandez heads up the Grammy-nominated La Charanga Cubana which is sure to please with its lively blend of Cuban Charnga rhythms blended with a sprinkle of West Coast Salsa.

Dining recommendation: If you’re looking for an extra-caliente meal to go with La Charanga Cubana’s salsa sounds, head over to Loteria Grill! for some homemade tacos served with freshly made salsa. Or, crank things into high gear and order the Carnitas en Salsa Morita.

August 4: Bad Haggis

Get ready to see the bagtar (bagpipe and guitar) in action, when Bad Haggis takes the stage this summer. The band fuses Celtic rock with other world beats to create a completely unique sound.

Dining recommendation: There’s no haggis, bad or otherwise, anywhere at Farmers Market. But if you’re looking for a taste of Scotland, you won’t find better smoked salmon anywhere in Los Angeles than the generously sized serving at Phil’s Deli & Grill. Then enjoy a Guinness at E.B.’s Beer & Wine to wash down the meal.

August 11: Bill Watrous Quartet & Rob Stoneback

Navy veteran and USC Thornton School of Music professor Bill Watrous has played with such jazz luminaries as Woody Herman and Quincy Jones, and was also in the house band for the Merv Griffin Show. Tonight, he joins Big Band leader Rob Stoneback for an evening of classic swing and jazz favorites.

Dining recommendations: Only one thing’s certain when these musical powerhouses team up, the evening is going to be an eclectic mix of fun music. If you want you’re dining options to match, head over to one of our newest eateries, Nonna’s Empanadas, where you can order a dozen different empanadas to go. Try the classic flavors like ground beef or chicken and mushroom, or indulge in more unique blends like macaroni and cheese or kale and eggplant. Save room for dessert, the Nutella empanada has already become a Market favorite.

August 18: Sharon Marie Cline & The Bad Boyz of Jazz

Internationally acclaimed vocalist Sharon Marie Cline, who’s performed with such greats as Nancy Wilson, Tony Bennett and Chris Botti, can often be found performing throughout LA's jazz club scene. At Farmers Market, she and her band, The Bad Boyz of Jazz, perform romantic swingin’ melodies and a distinctive take on show tunes and classic jazz favorites.

Dining recommendation: Something about listening to Sharon Marie makes us feel like we’re sitting outdoors in a Parisian café listening to a lively jazz performance. Enhance the experience before the show with French wine, freshly baked baguettes and a cheesey fondue from Mr. Marcel Pain Vin Et Fromage Bistro.

August 25: Inca

Founded in Los Angeles in 1981, Inca was created to help research and preserve Peru's folkloric music, songs and dance. The band has performed throughout the Western United States, including at the Hollywood Bowl, El Paso's El Chamizal Ampitheater and even Zion National Park. Tonight, Inca performs lively tunes from Peru’s Andean region as well as Hispanic-influenced polkas and Afro-Peruvian rhythms.

Dining recommendations: If you’re a fan of Peruvian food, you likely know the nation is home to a truly impressive variety of potatoes. While there’s no Peruvian food at the Market, potatoes we have in spades. Try heading over to Fritzi Coop, an eatery by acclaimed chef Neal Fraser. You can order your chicken “naked” or “classic” with a variety of potato sides, including tator tots, curly fries or mashed potatoes. Don’t miss topping them all off with Fraser’s famed gravy.

September 1: Susie Hansen Latin Band

Summer may nearly be over, but we’re still cranking up the heat with the acclaimed Susie Hansen Latin Band. Susie’s raucous performance on the electric violin has been described as playing “as if her bow was afire.” Her band dishes some powerhouse Latin jazz and salsa tunes that will be sure to keep you dancing in the aisles.

Dining recommendation: With a performer of Susie’s caliber, our West Patio is sure to get crowded this Friday night so plan to arrive early and save yourself a seat. The Gumbo Pot is conveniently located just adjacent to the West Patio performance stage and it’s the perfect place to order a bowl of piping hot gumbo and a side of boiled crawfish to go with the fiery tunes you’re about to hear. Don’t forget to order the beignets and chicory coffee for dessert.

There is no admission charge for the Friday Night Music series at the Farmers Market. Shows begin at 7 p.m. every Friday, through Sept. 1, 2017. The Market’s grocers, restaurants, shops and bars are open for business throughout the concerts. Parking is free for 90 minutes with a Market validation, available with a purchase from any merchant.