About the Famous Downtown SLO Farmers' Market

The mission of The Downtown SLO Farmers' Market is to provide a vibrant and safe weekly gathering that builds community and supports local businesses downtown.

For information and frequently asked questions, click here!

The Farmers' Market on Higuera Street in 1991.

When did the Market start?

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 known as “Downtown SLO”) shut the street down on Thursdays and invited merchants to set up tables outside to sell their products.

In 1983, we invited farmers to participate and officially became the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market.

Our goals:

Create a positive experience in downtown San Luis Obispo
Expose community members to retail stores and services offered downtown
Generate foot traffic on Thursday nights
Provide a forum for community activities
Maintain downtown as the center of retail, social and civic activities
Enhance the community as a whole

The Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market is one of several public programs & events operated by Downtown SLO, a 501c6 nonprofit. Learn more here!

In Partnership With

Champion Sponsor