Downtown
Experience Downtown San Luis Obispo
Wander our tree-lined streets, enjoy farm-to-table cuisine, and sip local wines and craft cocktails. Explore our boutiques, shop local, and be inspired by the arts, culture, and history, and enjoy our famous Thursday Night Farmers' Market. We're happy you're here.
Downtown SLO Farmers' Market
Every Thursday (except Thanksgiving) at 6 PM on Higuera Street
Downtown San Luis Obispo, CA.
Enjoy five blocks of over 100 vendors offering fresh produce, famous BBQ, delicious meals, crafts, baked goods, entertainment, and MORE!
Please keep pets at home.
Pets are not allowed at the market. Service animals trained to aid in a disability are exempt.
California Health & Safety Code 114259.5
City of San Luis Obispo Code 6.20.050 C
Visit the Market
Every Thursday at 6 PM on Higuera Street in Downtown San Luis Obispo, CA
(Except for federal holidays or if it's raining. If inclement weather prohibits us from operating, we will update our website by 10 AM PST on market day.)
Winter Hours (Nov–Feb): 6 – 8:30 PM
Summer Hours (March–Oct): 6 – 9 PM
Vendors & Entertainment
The Farmers' Market welcomes over 100 vendors & entertainers every week! Our vendors offer fresh produce, hot meals, incredible BBQ, handmade crafts, baked goods, live music, and MORE!
Need information on parking? Click Here
Want to join the Market as a vendor, entertainer, or special event? Learn more.
The Market is open this Thursday!
*We are closed on federal holidays or if it gets rained out.
Vendors scheduled for Thursday, November 16, 2023:
Celebrating 40 Years of the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market
In 2023, the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market celebrates 40 years of operation! See snapshots and select news items from the storied history of the Market over the past four decades and discover the origins, growth, and impact of this iconic Market on the local economy and region.
How It All Began
Telegram - Tribune, July 1980 (via Mustang News)Downtown Cruisin’
In the late 70s and 80s, teens began loudly cruising “the main drag” of downtown San Luis Obispo, Higuera Street, deterring shoppers and causing merchants to have trouble keeping their doors open late. Downtown shop owners called on the Downtown Business Improvement Association (BIA) — now known as Downtown SLO — to produce a way to stop the rowdy Thursday night cruisers. This led to the BIA barricading four blocks of Higuera Street; the trick was getting shoppers back downtown on Thursday Nights!
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.”
Celebrate the Holidays in Downtown San Luis Obispo
Prepare for a season of unforgettable festive fun in charming downtown San Luis Obispo. In 2023, expect to see a continuation of treasured community traditions, as well as brand-new activations and dazzling lights.
47th Annual Downtown SLO Holiday Parade
Presented by Ah Louis Store and Friday Night Lights Youth Flag Football; In partnership with the City of San Luis Obispo
Friday, December 1, 2023 ❆ 7 PM
2023 Theme: Out of this World! Prepare to be dazzled by a night of spacey, unforgettable festive fun in downtown San Luis Obispo.
Nearly 90 decorated floats, marching bands, vehicles, dancers, and more will march in the biggest holiday parade on the Central Coast.
Applications for the parade have closed.
Lights, sights, & family fun in Mission Plaza
Presented by CoVelop; In partnership with the City of San Luis Obispo
Mission Plaza is the centerpiece of downtown San Luis Obispo — it all happens here! This holiday season, visit Santa at Santa's House, ride the Classic Carousel, take family photos in front of the 20-foot tree, walk through animated lighted displays, experience a music-synced light show, and more!
Santa's House
Sponsored by Dignity Health
Open Thursday, November 24, 2023 – Sunday, December 24, 2023
Bring the kiddos to meet Santa in Mission Plaza! Visitors can recite their holiday wish list and pose for photos with Santa on his front lawn.
11/24: 12 PM – 7 PM
11/25–12/17: Wed–Sun, 11 AM – 7 PM
12/18–12/23: Every day, 11 AM – 7 PM
12/24: 11 AM – 2 PM
