Everything You Want to Know About Farmers' Markets in SLO

If there’s one thing Californians love, it’s our local farmers' markets, and we have two Central Coast favorites right here in our own backyard. Agriculture is serious business here. Endless fields of crops spoil us with access to the best of the best.  

With fresh produce abounding, get ready to join in the fun at these two unique and beloved farmers' markets. 

While San Luis Obispo is widely known as the home of the highly regarded Cal Poly, it is also synonymous with its Downtown SLO Farmers Market. 

Downtown SLO Farmers' Markets

From March-October, the town comes to life Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. when farmers, local restaurants, vendors, and performers set up shop on the streets of this charming college town. Spanning five blocks, the market plays host to an array of fresh produce (with farmers often offering samples of their homegrown fruits and veggies), delicious food, crafts, baked goods, and live entertainment. 

Where else can you find a classical violinist on one street, a band on the next, and a magician on another? 

The market can be found downtown on Higuera Street between Nipomo Street and Osos Street. Arrive early to find parking as it can prove to be more challenging than trying to decide which goodies to bring home. 

The market’s street boundaries close to car traffic at 5 p.m., so parking outside the closed-off areas is advised to avoid being ticketed or towed. 

There are several parking structures nearby as well as the Bike Plaza located at the corner of Monterey Street and Morro Street. 

For questions or more information, please call (805) 541-0286 or visit ReachUs@DowntownSLO.com.

Avila Beach Farmers Market

Another farmers market gem brings us to the promenade on Avila Beach, a stunning, cosmopolitan, yet laid-back beach paradise resembling the coasts of Portofino and Monaco. 

What’s that? A beachfront farmers market? You may have to pinch yourself! One of the most beautiful spots on the Central Coast plays host to a favorite event among locals—the Avila Beach Farmers Market—held Fridays between May 5 – August 25 from 4-8 p.m. 

Imagine relaxing on the beach, digging your toes into the soft, white sand while watching the waves and breathing in the fresh ocean air, listening to fantastic live music, and dining on delicious concoctions from local restaurants or hand-crafted artisan foods, all with the freshest produce at hand just waiting for you. 

Parking is available on the surrounding streets, a nearby paid parking lot, or visitors can catch the free trolley into town (if you choose the latter, you’ll receive a free market buck to spend!). 

Trolley schedules and details can be found at www.slorta.org/schedules-fares/avila-trolley/, and more information on this one-of-a-kind farmers market can be viewed at https://visitavilabeach.com/avila-beach-farmers-market/. 

Renowned Central Coast treasures: Downtown SLO Farmers Market, and Avila Beach Farmers Market, are overflowing with an abundance of great food, fun activities, and fabulous entertainment for everyone to enjoy. The only thing missing is you! 

Just a quick side note: here in California, while we love our furry babies, pets are not permitted in either market. That said, the Downtown SLO Farmers Market does allow service animals trained to aid those with disabilities, but emotional support and therapy animals are not considered ADA Service animals and are therefore not permitted to enter this event.

For more information, please contact the markets directly.