Downtown SLO Thursday Night Farmers' Market

In the late 1970s, Downtown businesses began staying open past 5 p.m. on Thursday evenings to allow people the opportunity to shop after work. Taking advantage of the late-night scene, teens cruised Higuera Street and began deterring patrons from visiting the core of Downtown. In efforts to lure people back to the stores after hours, the Downtown Association barricaded six blocks of Higuera and began arranging for special activities and entertainment. Restaurants began offering food and barbecue ribs, and in the summer of 1983, farmers were invited to sell their produce, marking the official beginning of the Downtown SLO Farmers' Market. Almost 40 years later, we are proud to offer high-quality produce, prepared foods, entertainment, and activities for the community and be known as the premiere event throughout the city on Thursday nights.