Downtown Farmers’ Market Season Begins Tomorrow

The Downtown Farmer's Market kicks off tomorrow on San Pedro (between St. John and Santa Clara)! The Market will take place every Friday from 10am-2pm until November 20th (except for July 3rd). In addition to seasonal produce, gourmet foods, and arts/crafts, there are also a series of special events such as a cherry pit spitting contest (June 12th), a melon eating contest (July 31st), and a pumpkin giveaway (Oct 30th). Check out the press release below or the Farmer's Market site for more info.

SAN JOSE – The  Downtown San Jose Farmers’ Market, presented by Kaiser Permanente, opens for its 23rd season on May 1 along San Pedro Street between Santa Clara and St. John streets.

The market offers more than fresh-picked fruits and vegetables direct from California growers.  Opening day, for example, features live folk music and Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association (PCFMA) chef demonstrations and recipe tastes.

The Cookin’ at the Market feature will also take place June 5, Aug. 7, Aug. 14 and Aug. 21. During the season, the Downtown Farmers’ Market will also hold contests such as Cherry Pit-Spitting on June 12, Melon-eating on July 31 and Halloween costumes on Oct. 30.

On the second Friday of each month, San Jose Public Libraries will feature “Crafter-noons”  arts projects at the market.

Besides fresh fruits and veggies, the Downtown Farmers’ Market offers artisan booths for unique gifts, cut flowers, and gourmet foods, such as fresh and smoked fish, olives, breads and Kettle Korn.

Each week, the market may include up to 40 vendors.  On average, 2,500 residents, office workers and visitors head to the Farmers’ Market and San Pedro Square for lunch, activities, people-watching and shopping.  Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable and washed bags. Market partner Kaiser Permanente has teamed with the Downtown Association and PCFMA for six years to focus attendees on healthful and “green” living.  Kaiser Permanente will schedule its Blender Bike for Smoothies on occasion, allowing shoppers to hop on the stationary bike and whip up a smoothie made from fresh Farmers’ Market fruit.

Parking validations for Farmers’ Market shoppers are available for the Market-San Pedro Garage at the SJDA information table.  Visit sjdowntownparking.com.

Follow the Downtown Farmers’ Market on Twitter (@SJ_Downtown) and Facebook (sjdowntown and DowntownFarmers’Market).  Check sjdowntown.com/events/sjda-events/farmers-market-presented-by-kaiser-permanente/. Call (408) 279-1775 for information.


About the San Jose Downtown Association:  The San Jose Downtown Association is a non-profit group of business and property owners working to improve the vitality and livability of downtown San Jose.  Established in 1986, SJDA programs more than 100 days of events each year.