Hillcrest Farmers Market

The Hillcrest Farmers Market is back on University Avenue this Sunday, November 15, from 9 AM to 2 PM. It's San Diego's original and largest farmers market, and it's currently set up on University Avenue between Herbert Street and Park Boulevard in Hillcrest. The market has been around since April 13, 1997, when it opened with just 27 vendors; today it draws more than 10,000 visitors a week. It's run by founding executive director Warren Simon, who bills it as "The Best" farmers market in San Diego County.

What makes it work is that the vendors change every week, so it's rarely the same market twice. More than 175 local producers bring organically or pesticide-free produce, and they're joined by gifts, arts and crafts, flowers, and clothing. There's also a wide range of prepared and hot foods with an emphasis on international cuisine, and local musicians provide live music throughout the morning. If you're a regular, they have a frequent-shopper punch-card program and Market Bucks gift certificates, both named in honor of two of Hillcrest's pioneering activists, State Senator Christine Kehoe and Warren Simon.

On the practical side, the market supports the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program, though it doesn't accept EBT. Since early 2025, the market has been operating on University Avenue while the Normal Street Promenade is under construction as its permanent home. It runs from 9 AM to 2 PM on Sunday, November 15, along University Avenue from Herbert Street to Park Boulevard.