Christine Davis
Executive Director
Carlsbad Village Association

As restrictions start to lift and the light at the end of the tunnel gets brighter, we cannot help but reflect on the State Street Farmers’ Market and the role it has played on the business recovery in Carlsbad Village. Celebrating its 27th summer in downtown Carlsbad, the State Street Farmers’ Market has become one of the premier markets in all of San Diego County. With its unique location nestled in the heart of the Village directly adjacent to fantastic shopping and dining, it feels more like an open-air European market than a typical Southern California farmers’ market.

With 52 vendors and growing, as space permits, the State Street Farmers’ Market welcomes approximately 2,000 people every Wednesday to the downtown area. Many shoppers are weekly regulars who would not miss the opportunity to stock up on the freshest local produce imaginable or buttery salmon. Some walk to the market from their homes downtown and some stop by on their way home from work. For those who have had a long day on the job, the hot food vendors who offer everything from Spanish paella to bao buns, to the occasional gourmet grilled cheese sandwich, the “to-go” options are a lifesaver.

After a seven-week shutdown in March and April of 2020, the market reopened amidst extremely strict safety guidelines on May 6. It has been a year since we reopened, and we have never waivered on making safety our number one priority. This has enabled shoppers from near and far the comfort they needed to return to downtown Carlsbad and enjoy all it has to offer. It is not uncommon to see shoppers with a bouquet of flowers in one arm and a shopping bag from one of the nearby stores in the other.

We invite you to celebrate nearly three decades of health eating and community in the Village by joining us at the State Street Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays during our newly expanded hours of 2:30pm to 7:00pm. Keep an eye on our website at carlsbad-village.com for Market Money and bounty bag giveaways all summer long.

What else is on the schedule for Carlsbad Village? It is not too late to participate in our Mother’s Day Instagram Giveaway. More than anyone, moms deserve a fun night out on the town! And what sounds better than wine tasting and a charceuterie plate for two at Witch Creek Winery, followed by a delicious dinner al fresco at Vigilucci’s Cucina Italiana, and a decadent double-decker dessert at Handel’s Ice Cream? This nighton-the-town for two is valued at $180. Visit us on Instagram @carlsbadvillage and play along.

And do not forget to make a day of it on Saturday, June 5 and stop by the Makers Market at
St. Michael’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church with its stunning ocean view campus. More than 40 artisans will have their handmade artistry on display for sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., including jewelry, clothing, leather handbags, pottery, candles, woodworking, glass wear, home décor, artisan sweets, and so much more. It is simply impossible not to fall in love with something at the Makers Market. This is an excellent way to support not only the local artists in Carlsbad and North County but the small businesses in the Village as well.

For more information on where to shop, dine and play in Carlsbad Village, please visit the Carlsbad Village Association website at carlsbad-village.com and don’t forget to sign up for our weekly eNewsletter to always stay informed!