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Who said Small Business Saturday has to be limited to once a year? We certainly don’t think so. From sidewalk pop-up shops to outdoor markets, the Valley’s got you covered if you’re looking to support your neighbors instead of, I don’t know, going to the mall. And, to be sure, you can have a lot of fun shopping small.

That’s because, from Topanga to Burbank, your neighbors are beaming with creativity. The Valley’s neighborhoods are each unique, so no two markets are ever the same. Read: With this list, you can have a new shopping experience every weekend of the year. 

Plus, some of these pop-ups and markets are highly creative, meaning you can expect visual art, dancing, and musical talent. Dates and locations vary, so make sure to check the event’s Instagram page for the most accurate updates.

Now, without further ado, keep reading to find 10 pop-up shops and outdoor markets to add to your San Fernando Valley social calendar.

10 pop-up shops and outdoor markets in the San Fernando Valley

1. Topanga Vintage Market

Where: Victory Blvd. and Mason Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91306
When: Fourth Sunday of every month, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

One of the oldest markets in the Valley, the Topanga Vintage Market celebrated its 10th anniversary this year (!!!). Head over bright and early for the most eclectic home and wardrobe finds. It costs $5 to enter, but you’re basically paying for a real-life treasure-hunting experience. And let’s be real, you’ll take every opportunity to say, “I thrifted it,” whenever someone asks you where you got that jacket (or couch, or lamp, or pillow).

https://www.instagram.com/p/CU3FyDrhC91/

2. Cafe Aficionado’s Pop-Ups

Where: 8904 Reseda Blvd., Northridge, CA 91324
When: Various weekends and times

This family-owned cafe is the definition of “community oriented.” Recognizing the struggles that their fellow small businesses faced during the pandemic, the owners of Cafe Aficionado formed Summer Night Series, which is 5-8:30 p.m. on Fridays, as well as Weekend Pop-Ups (on Saturday and Sunday mornings), providing affordable vendor spaces and much-needed community support. At the pop-up, you can find a variety of goodies, including plants, candles, apparel, baked goods, and more.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CTKl67Hlg_o/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

3. El Valle Pop-Ups

Where: 6300 Balboa Blvd., Encino, CA 91406
When: Dates vary, noon-4 p.m.

You might not be going to Lake Balboa to get shopping done, but keep an eye out for El Valle Pop-Ups near the Balboa Boulevard entrance for hand-crafted goods, houseplants, and more. You can also grab a treat from one of several food vendors before you pedal out to the lake on one of the park’s signature swan boats.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXu3kjWLqXW/

4. San Fernando Outdoor Market

Where: 911 San Fernando Road, San Fernando, CA 91340
When: Fourth Saturday of the month, 5-9 p.m.

If you’re looking to escape the Valley heat but still want to show small businesses love, head over to the San Fernando Outdoor Market. Taking over the block between Brand Boulevard and Maclay Avenue, the Valley’s namesake city comes alive on the fourth Saturday of every month, with over 80 vendors and storefronts combined and a classic car showcase as well as live performances and a makeshift dance floor.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/CR2XbNVrfjR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

5. Block Party Flea Market

Where: Saticoy Street and Louise Avenue
When: Dates vary, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Another place you can find an amazing community experience for free? The plaza that’s home to Valley staples like Needle Pushers, Galaxy of Comics, and Rose Garden Barbershop. Each event intentionally offers something a little different, but you can expect a few things every time, says the event’s Instagram bio: to “Shop local artists. Catch a groove. Make connections.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CdtgYtxvLOu/

6. Teapop Art Market

Where: 5050 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood, CA 91601
When: First weekend of every month; October-June, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; July-September, 3-8 p.m. 

This tea and coffee shop (truly a neighborhood favorite) does it all: trivia, paint nights, and a monthly art market.  While Teapop already features a rotation of budding artists’ pieces each month, they’re providing even more opportunities for other artists and artisans to showcase their work on a monthly basis.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca0t4p8pogb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

7. Makers Market Chatsworth

Where: Locations vary
When: Dates vary

As its name gives away, this market is in the west Valley neighborhood of Chatsworth. There are always different vendors there, so you’ll find pretty much anything you can think of—and probably some stuff you wouldn’t even have dreamed. Make sure to check their Instagram to know when and where the market’s happening.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVncONcpkiw/

8. Wallflower Market LA

Where: Locations vary
When: Dates vary

Local shopping for charity? Say less. Taking advantage of The 513’s al-fresco dining space in the heart of the NoHo Arts District, this woman-founded pop-up shop offers themed photoshoots for your furry friend, plant vendors, jewelry vendors, and more. Even better, a percentage of all vendor sales goes to a different progressive cause each month. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CbiXuAdP3V6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

9. 818 Pop-Up Shop

Where: Locations vary
When: Dates vary

A Latina-owned and operated business, 818 Pop-Up Shop is the self-proclaimed original pop-up in the San Fernando Valley. Its mission is simple: support local small businesses! Through Great Gatsby-themed New Year’s parties and Halloween spook-taculars, Genevieve Marie — the market’s founder — keeps the joy in her community.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CdnyZ82LdlX/

10. Main Street Canoga Park Farmers Market

Where: 7247 Owensmouth Ave., Canoga Park, CA 91303
When: Every Saturday, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

You might be thinking that because its name features the terms “farmers” and “market” you can only get produce at this event. But you’d be mistaken! You can also get fresh flowers, like those photographed below, tamales, and even crafted items. Even if you’re East Valley-based, the Main Street Canoga Park Farmers Market is well worth the trek.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoD7guGFBGs/

As I hop into my white 2013 Prius and blast some reggaetón, I’m excited about my (metaphorical) 20-minute drive to a mercado in México. In reality, I’m getting on the 118 west to race from Granada Hills to Canoga Park. I take the 27/Topanga Canyon exit and cruise south to get to my destination: Vallarta store No. 12.

This Vallarta might be on Topanga Canyon, but don’t get it twisted. Its home is not West Hills or Chatsworth — she’s in Canoga Park, right across the street from Lanark Park. Vallarta knows their audience after all.

Vallarta Supermarkets have more than 50 stores in Southern California, including several in the San Fernando Valley, but this particular store has only been around for a few years. In fact, that location used to be a Vons. Now it’s something better. Take a look for yourself.

(Photo by Natalie Arroyo Camacho)

Nestled in one of many San Fernando Valley plazas, this Vallarta makes shoppers (like me) nostalgic for Mexican mercados. It’s not hard to see why, as the market is painted in vibrant colors and comes complete with a tortillería…

(Photo by Natalie Arroyo Camacho)

A pescadería…

(Photo by Natalie Arroyo Camacho)

A carnes frescas section…

(Photo by Natalie Arroyo Camacho)

And even aguas frescas!

(Photo by Natalie Arroyo Camacho)

Since it is a Mexican supermarket, it comes packed with Mexican favorites — like Topo Chico (which makes a hard seltzer now!), cantaritos, piñatas, lotería (which hilariously is right next to the chelas), and fruit jellies.

As you’re pushing your cart through the store, you’ll also find all the Saturday morning cleaning staples, like Suavitel, Fabuloso, and jabón Roma. (Ariel is the inferior powder soap. Sorry, not sorry.)

And, of course, no Mexican market is complete without a random tower of pelotas. The Canoga Park Vallarta is no exception: They’ve placed their pelota tower between aisle six and seven.

(Photo by Natalie Arroyo Camacho)

If all of that is still not enough to mobilize you, consider that this store also has a cremería, masa and tamales, and a whole lot of beer.

Vallarta representatives did not answer our multiple requests for comment.