Starry Deals and Lunar Feels at Chico’s Lunar Market

What is the Lunar Market?

The Lunar Market describes themselves as “A year-round indie market under the full moon.” Based in Chico Ca on 254 E 1st St, and hosted by By Luciamercado. patrons can come to get food, and a whole variety of assorted goods including cookies, homemade nails, and other artworks. With both a building you can walk into that is full of vendors selling their wares, or the outside storefront and lot that has playing musicians, a food truck, and even more booths to visit, you’ll never be bored here!

I would like to highlight a few of these booths and the wonderful people running them, so read ahead to see what you can look forward to frequenting when they set up shop next on may 10.

Artistry of Athena

A wonderful booth I visited that day was Artistry of Athena. Ran by a couple who creates art together, Athena Cousins created her own paintings and displayed them at their table to sell, while her boyfriend Jacob Davis played his guitar as he is a part of the band Earth Epitaph, so give him a listen sometime.

The March 15 Lunar Market was Athena’s first time tabling an event ever, and though she did admit she was nervous, she handled her stand professionally and with a very friendly disposition. She even recounted that she made her first sale that night. It was a Mandala print she sold for around 11$, and her prices generally range from 5$-26$ making her artwork affordable and locally painted.

When talking about her two dogs she brought to the event, she told me “…My little puppy boys were just the best little mascots” So if you are interested in supporting a local couple selling paintings and making music, be sure to follow Artistry of Athena to see the next time they table!

Adrianna’s Bakery

The next booth I would like to highlight is an online baked goods company and stand called Adrianna’s Bakery. Adrianna has been attending the Lunar Market since 2022 and other events like it. On March 15 she was selling a delicious assortment of sweet treats and cookies, but she offers beautifully decorated cakes as well that you can order on her website Adriana’s Bakery here.

After losing her job during the pandemic, Adrianna explained she decided to start her own business. Needing a proactive outlet, she recouned “I figured why not do something I love, and make money while doing it?” When asked about her favorite thing about selling baked goods at her booth she responded that it is always such a great feeling seeing returning customers because of how much they enjoyed her goods.

As a 2019 Chico State alumni, she had to say on the topic of students wanting to branch out and start their booth that though it can be hard to find time to vend at events like the Lunar Market, it “really would be a decision that would go without regret.” She also let me know that it is so much fun to do, and the people are always so nice and supportive. So if you’re thinking about vending in Chico, she says to try it at least once.

The next place Adrianna’s Bakery will be hosting will be the Makers Muse Street Fair Event, taking place on Saturday, March 22 on 6th and 7th St. on Orange in Chico. She will be there from 12 pm to 6 pm, and if you can’t make that one, she will also set up shop at the Chico Chaihouse on March 28 from 8 am to 12 pm as well. She told me to expect “traditional, vegan, and gluten-friendly deserts available at both events!” So stop by then and snag some sweets like seen below or again, order here online for delivery or pickup!

Lisarose Balualua’s Art

Last but certainly not least is a current Butte College student Lisarose Balualua, who set up a table to sell her handmade bracelets and artwork she created. Having hosted at the Lunar Market around 3 or 4 times already, Lisa told me that she loves the vibe of the market and that it offers you a different and more unique experience than Chico’s other events like the Thursday night market. Branding itself as a more alt vibe, she recounted that you can see people in goth and fairly like attire regularly, or how she put it “They’re not dressed like theyre trying to go to the grocery store”

Lisa told me that her favorite part about the Lunar Market was the community and building connections that are found there. She told me that hosting a booth as a Butte College student is totally doable, and to not worry about not feeling like you have everything you need to set something up, but to just go out and do it. “1% is better than no effort at all” she told me, so if you are thinking of selling something you have created, contact the event planner Luciamercado, and set up a booth for May 10 today!