If you have never been to the Avila Beach Fish & Farmers Market, you are missing out on one of most amazing weekly events on the Central Coast. This market was born 8 years ago to help bring people back out to Avila after the oil spill devastated the town and local businesses. Luckily there are so many people that have a special relationship with Avila and put so much effort into this market that after only 8 years it has become one of the best Farmers Markets around! Everyone has something different that they love about the market but I wanted to share some of the things I love.

First off you can’t beat the location. It takes place on the promenade next to the majestic pacific ocean in Avila Beach, California. It’s an amazing little beach town that is tucked away in Port San Luis Harbor which creates a unique micro climate that gives us the best weather of any of the other local beach towns. At the center of the market you will find a perfect beach bar called Mr. Ricks. It is exactly what you expect from a bar that’s right on the ocean in California. It has a large patio with two large garage doors that lead into the bar with pool tables and other games. Thanks to Mr. Ricks there is always a great live band playing out front during the market and then another one playing inside after the market. They do a good job of booking some of the great local bands along with some that travel around the US. Oh and don’t forget to wear some dancing shoes because the center of the promenade is usually filled with people dancing.

Fanning out from there you will find many booths that have many things including food, fresh seafood, sweets, fresh local produce, gifts, arts and crafts, actives and more! Even though its a smaller marker compared to ones like the Thursday night market in San Luis Obispo, you will still find many things to stimulate all your senses. You better come hungry though because a lot of restaurants participate and have a large variety of fresh food. You will find; BBQ, hot dogs, hamburgers, American food, Mediterranean food, Indian food, Mexican food, plenty of fresh seafood made with local catches, sweets & treats and a much more!

This year they starting doing food demos during the band break with a new restaurant each time. They teach you how to use fresh ingredients to make some of the favorite dishes that restaurant serves each week. Another great addition this year is the free trolly. Not only can you skip any parking troubles but when you ride they give you a free market buck to spend. They add stuff throughout the year and vendors change stuff up depending on whats fresh so you never get two weeks that are exactly the same. Just make sure that the Avila Beach Fish & Farmers Market is on your list of must do events on Friday night and you won’t be disappointed!

Make sure to check out the Avila Beach Website for the full schedule each week and join the Avila Beach Fish & Farmers Market on Facebook to keep up with all the updates and announcements.

Once you fall in love make sure to head here and vote for it as your favorite. If you have a story or picture you would love to share, please post them here or email them to Jay@avilabeachpier.com