Farmers markets abound in Southern California with more than 100 in L.A. County alone, according to the Los Angeles Food Policy Council. But Westfield Topanga thought the region could use one more, with a special twist: Make it a nighttime affair. Dubbed the “Night Market,” the event takes place every Friday starting at 5 p.m. in Westfield Topanga’s parking lot at the corner of Victory and Topanga in Woodland Hills. More than 3,000 guests visited the 55 vendors who set up for the kickoff event Sept. 29, which took place to the tunes of a live performance by DJ Soluz. “Westfield launched the Night Market to offer a fun and festive weekly community event that provides more unique experiences than what you may see at a conventional farmers market,” company spokeswoman Christina Mendez explained. “Our shoppers provided feedback that they would love to see more entertainment options, and the Night Market certainly delivers.” The Westfield Topanga farmers market is one of two held at the company’s retail locations nationwide, the other being a weekly daytime event at the World Trade Center mall in New York. Prior to launching the Night Market, Westfield tested out a weekly daytime farmers market in Woodland Hills, but discontinued it after learning that attendees wanted longer hours and more entertainment, Mendez said. An evening event would circumvent the problem of sweltering heat during the summer while also offering a way for the local community to kick off its weekend, she said. “The Topanga management team, along with the California Certified Farmers Market team, agreed to pivot and transform the daytime market to a Night Market,” Mendez explained. The first Friday of every month features additional activities for children, such as face-painting and arts and crafts. Special events at the inaugural first Friday, held Oct. 6, featured a Williams-Sonoma cookie-decorating booth and a kid-friendly concert by School of Rock, as well as the weekly camel rides, petting zoo and rock climbing attractions. “Vendors and experiences will change and rotate, ” Mendez explained. Local merchants in attendance include Goodness Bakery, a Northridge establishment specializing in gluten-free and vegan sweets; Topanga-based Muddle and Wilde, which offers a line of organic fruit-infused drink mixers; and artisanal olive oil company Olive Alchemy, headquartered in Calabasas. Nothing Bundt Cakes, a cake-centric franchise with locations in West Hills, Sherman Oaks and Thousand Oaks, was popular with the sampling crowd. Food trucks and vendors offering samples of wine, nuts and fresh produce showed off their wares as well. Westfield is still taking applications for additional vendors, Mendez noted. Businesses can inquire through Calabasas-based California Certified Farmers Market/Raw Inspiration, she said. – Helen Floersh
