Short, Sweet, and Packed with Activities: Hello February

With only 28 days, February may be the shortest month on the calendar, but boy-oh-boy does it come packed with special shopping and dining opportunities at the Farmers Market! A few holiday celebrations, pop-ups, openings and exciting announcements: there’s a lot to enjoy.

Amor ♥, Angeleno Style

Rome has its famous romantic fountains, Paris has its dreamy candlelit cafés, and the island of Santorini has its iconic sunsets. Here in the melting pot of culture that is Los Angeles – and especially at the world famous Farmers Market – we celebrate love with a bit of ALL those global flavors. Valentine’s Day falls on Saturday, Feb. 14, and to get prepared, you’ll want to design a personal handmade greeting at the Valentine Cardmaking Workshop on Feb. 10 at Sticker Planet – sign up here. Then on the 14th, how about coming to stroll our aisles hand-in-hand with your special person? Take in tantalizing aromas such as sandalwood and honeysuckle at By Candlelight and Essence of Nature; admire some sparkling art pieces at Weiss Jewelry; become an art piece yourself with beguiling eye photos at Iris Galerie; try on some fun eyeglass frames together at polette; toss a few coins into our wishing well near the south entrance (money collected goes to the Children’s Orthopedic Hospital of Los Angeles), and then settle into a table for two at one of our many dining spots. That’s a romantic date worthy of a Hollywood movie script!

For a few more signature flourishes, French singer/accordionist Paul will serenade diners between 5:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. at Monsieur Marcel Bistro; Ettore Vino & Cucina will feature their cacio e pepe pasta finished with luxurious fresh black truffle (perhaps you’d like to pair it with their newly released Petit Verdot, which recently received 93 points from Wine Enthusiast); and The Gumbo Pot is serving heart-shaped beignets with strawberry sauce to punctuate your perfect Valentine’s Day.

(Happily single and/or just not into that romantic stuff? Then bring your bestie for lunch or drinks in honor of “Galentine’s Day,” the unofficial holiday celebrating female friendships on Feb. 13!)

Kick Up Your Heels for Mardi Gras

How does one join in the purple, green and gold-festooned Mardi Gras celebration here in Los Angeles, given our location more than just a few bayous and bourbons distant from New Orleans? Locals know: the best spot is at the Farmers Market. For those of you who may not be familiar, we’ve hosted an annual family-friendly Mardi Gras shindig here at Third & Fairfax for 36 years, and this year is no exception.

First up, some fun on Saturday, February 14 (yep, that’s the same day as Valentine’s Day… even more reasons to come party with your sweetheart!). We invite everyone to have fun with their furry friends at the annual “Mutti Gras” Pet Parade and Costume Contest from noon to 1 p.m. on our Plaza; the tiaras on terriers and skirts on Siamese are hilariously cute content for social media! Then the afternoon unfolds with free Southern-style entertainment for everyone:

•    Alumnus Brass Band strolls from noon to 2:30 p.m.
•    The Gumbo Pot hosts a popular pop-up tent serving beignets from noon to 4 p.m. on the Plaza
•    For kids and the young at heart, there’s face painting on the Plaza from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
•    Brass Brothers Show Band performs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the West Plaza
•    Torrence Brannon and His Everything with Soul Band rounds out the night with a show on the West Plaza from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

On Sunday the 15th, the good times continue to roll:

•    Bear Brass Band strolls the property and plays from noon to 3 p.m.
•    Kids can make a Mardi Gras heart wand with Art 2 Go from noon to 3 p.m. on the Plaza
•    The powdered sugar continues to be shaken at The Gumbo Pot’s beignet tent from noon to 4 p.m. on the Plaza
•    Kenny Sara and the Sounds of New Orleans take to the West Patio stage from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
•    Crawdaddio gets down with the Cajun sounds on the West Patio from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

On Fat Tuesday, February 17:

•    The Nervis Bros. perform their New Orleans-style funk/rock fusion from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the West Patio
By the way – beignets are not nearly the only specialty from The Gumbo Pot! Year-round and ESPECIALLY for Mardi Gras, owner Clinton Thompson dishes up quintessential Southern treats: jambalaya, red beans & rice, blackened seafood and chicken, po’ boy sandwiches, frog legs, gator gumbo and more. It’s one of the most popular spots to dine in LA for this occasion (and yes, they have king cake), so don’t miss out!

Welcome, Year of the Horse

The Lunar New Year celebrated by many Asian cultures falls this year on Tuesday, February 17. According to the Chinese Zodiac, the year of the Snake slithers away and the year of the Horse comes galloping in, bringing many celebratory foods and customs, often themed around the lucky number 8. Be sure and visit participating Farmers Market merchants for their “lucky 8” food, grocery and drink offers, valid February 17-24 (specials/offers subject to change, and prices do not include tax or tip). 

Participating merchants include Bar 326, Hoki Sushi, Du-par's Restaurant, SAVTA, Magee's Kitchen, Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market, Kiehl's, Local Ice and many more! Check our homepage soon for a full list of specials!

And just in time for Lunar New Year, Oh My Dumpling is now open, serving up modern takes on traditional Chinese-American favorites including chow mein, orange chicken, pork dumplings and egg rolls. Check out their “lucky 8” special: one order of egg rolls (three pieces) and a drink for $8.88.

Wishing you wealth and prosperity – “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (in Mandarin) or “Gong Hei Fat Choy” (in Cantonese)!

Goooooooooooal! 

It’s just been officially announced: the Farmers Market is one of the World Cup 26 Fan Zones here in Los Angeles! This June 18 through June 21, we’ll be bringing the energy of the World’s Game to our community with live match-viewing and fan experiences – right here at 3rd and Fairfax. Check back soon for more details.

Other Happenings

•    Wednesday, Feb. 4 is World Cancer Day – let’s all do our part to fight it! You can help support the lives of neighbors in need by donating blood. Join us Feb. 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for our first blood drive of 2026. The Cedars-Sinai bloodmobile bus will be parked next to the historic Gilmore gas station on our property. All donors receive a free all-day parking validation and special gift. (First-timers are even able to find out their own individual blood type at absolutely no charge.) Walk-ins are welcome or register online here. 
•    Taschen, the luxury art book publisher with a store next to the Market’s Clock Tower, is having a don’t-miss sale from Feb. 4 to 8, with titles up to 75% off. Fun fact: did you know the company’s slogan is “Books for Optimists Since 1980”?
•    Is that the smell of burgers grilling? The long-awaited opening of Gott’s Roadside is imminent! Check the Market’s social media pages for timing specifics.