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About the Downtown SLO Farmers' Market

Enjoy five blocks of fresh produce, delicious food, and live entertainment on Higuera Street between Osos Street and Nipomo Street in Downtown San Luis Obispo.

We are a year-round Market and one of the largest in California! Our Market includes 20+ farm stands and operates as a certified farmers' market under the state of California's Department of Agriculture. All farmers grow what they sell!

In addition to fresh fruits and veggies, the Farmers' Market operates as a street fair with diverse hot and prepared food options. We have over 100 vendors and we welcome between 5,000–10,000 visitors every week from around the world!

The Farmers' Market on Higuera Street in 1991.

Our History

The Market unofficially began in the late '70s, when loud car cruising down Higuera Street became a popular evening activity. As this new trend drove away shoppers, downtown merchants had trouble keeping their doors open late.

To encourage locals to shop downtown in the evening, the Downtown Association (now "Downtown SLO") shut the street down on Thursdays and invited merchants to set up tables outside to sell their products.

Thursday Night Activities

Originally called “Thursday Night Activities,” the Downtown BIA began arranging for special activities and entertainment in the street in early 1983. Downtown restaurants moved their setups outside to serve street food and, of course, barbecue. Then, in the summer of 1983, local farmers were invited to participate and “sell what they grow”, leading to the activities being known as “Farmers’ Market.”

The Market quickly gained traction, received national and international press coverage, and earned the attention of city governments and main street programs across the country as an innovative way of using public space. The Market evolved into the nation’s longest-running year-round night market.

More than just fruits & veggies

What was once an incentive for locals to shop downtown quickly became a Central Coast must-see. The Market began incorporating information booths, entertainment, and more, turning Higuera Street into a street fair every Thursday Night. Today, thousands gather weekly to enjoy five blocks of over 100 vendors offering fresh produce, famous BBQ, delicious meals, crafts, baked goods, entertainment, and more.

The Downtown SLO Farmers' Market is one of several public programs and events operated by Downtown SLO, a 501c6 nonprofit. Learn more about our organization.

Recent Recognitions & Press

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

In Partnership With

Thank you to our 2024-2025 sponsors!

Media Partners

92.5 The Krush
Coast 104.5
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New Times SLO