FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Carlos Velazquez, Public Information Manager, Office of Economic Development & Cultural Affairs
408-535-8168;
carlos.velazquez@sanjoseca.gov
City of San José Welcomes Return of Downtown Farmers’ Market on April 23
SAN JOSE, Calif. (April 10, 2025) – The City of San José, in collaboration with the Regional Farmers’ Market Association, announces the launch of a new Downtown Farmers’ Market, opening April 23, 2025, at Hammer Theatre Plaza (101 Paseo de San Antonio) between Second and Third Streets.
The Downtown Farmers’ Market will take place every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will feature vendors selling fruits and vegetables, prepared and hot food. The market will be operated by the Regional Farmers’ Market Association, which produces other certified farmers’ markets in Cupertino, San Francisco, Emeryville, and El Cerrito.
“This new farmers’ market provides residents, students and local workers with an opportunity to engage in the growing activity in Downtown,” said City Manager Jennifer Maguire. “This kind of vibrancy will help attract more people to the area, increase employment opportunities, and boost future investments in housing. I welcome the Regional Farmers Market Association to San José and congratulate them on enhancing the Downtown experience for all.”
“Great cities have great experiences, and the Downtown Farmers’ Market is a fresh new experience for students, residents and visitors to get out and enjoy everything Downtown San José has to offer,” said Mayor Matt Mahan. “Thank you to the Regional Farmers Market Association for helping us grow the Paseo de San Antonio into a thriving, bustling corridor filled with people, businesses and culture.”
Downtown’s former farmers' market was first organized in 1993 by the San Jose Downtown Association and was held in various locations including South First Street and San Pedro Street. The last farmers’ market season in Downtown was in 2022. Organizers have been watching Downtown’s trendlines and believe the time is right to bring one back as foot traffic has markedly improved, particularly on the Paseo de San Antonio.
“The research we conducted pointed to the Hammer Theatre Plaza and Wednesdays as the best location and time for success,” said Paolo Obillo of the Regional Farmers Market Association. "While the market will begin with essential vendors - fruits, vegetables, baked goods and select hot food - the goal is to attract local food producers to give it a unique, hometown flavor and make it a Bay Area destination."
For more information about the Downtown Farmers’ Market, visit the San Jose Downtown Association events calendar at
sjdowntown.com or follow the Downtown Farmers’ Market on Instagram at
@downtown_farmers_market. Visitors can enjoy 90 minutes of complimentary parking for the Farmers’ Market at the
ParkSJ Second & San Carlos Street Garage (located at 280 S. Second Street).
About the City of San José
With almost 1 million residents, San José is one of the most diverse large cities in the United States and is Northern California’s largest city and the 13th largest city in the nation. San José’s transformation into a global innovation center has resulted in one of the largest concentrations of technology companies and expertise in the world.
About the San José Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs
The San José Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs (OEDCA) is committed to a vital, competitive San José economy that increases prosperity for people and companies. OEDCA guides the city's economic strategy, provides assistance for business success, connects employers with trained workers, and provides art and cultural resources to our community. For more information, go to www.sjeconomy.com.
About the Regional Farmers Market Association
The mission of the Regional Farmers Market Association is to create a sustainable platform for small farmers, independent food producers, and artisans to sell their products directly to the consumer. Certified farmers' markets are an essential part of this mission, as they allow farmers to showcase their crops and products to local residents that might not normally have access to them. Regional Farmers Market Association works closely with their farmers and producers to ensure that everything sold at their markets are of the highest quality and is priced fairly. For more information, visit regfarmar.com.
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