To call this a farmer’s market is a bit of a misnomer. It’s more of an international food fair.

There are dozens of vendors selling prepared foods from around the globe—Japan, Philippines, Egypt, Argentina, Greece, Mexico, Peru, and more. Other vendors sell their crafts and art, and there are a small number of vendors selling actual fresh produce, breads, and things like hummus. (If you’re looking to stock up on fresh fruits and veggies, this isn’t the farmer’s market for you.)

There isn’t much seating to sit down and eat the food that you purchased, so you may have to go on a short search for random benches scattered throughout the mall, get creative in sitting down someplace, or just stand and eat your meal. The mall’s food court has a few outdoor tables, and that may be your best bet. There’s also a little fountain / splash pad if you want your kiddos to get wet.

If you arrive right at the scheduled 4 p.m. start time, you may find a number of vendors still setting up and not in full operation yet. It may be better to delay your arrival half an hour or so (the photos below were taken around 7 p.m., and the street was quite busy with guests).

Of course, after you enjoy your food at the market, you could take in a movie at the AMC theaters or enjoy the shops that the Otay Ranch Town Center mall has to offer.

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What You Need to Know

Location:	2015 Birch Road, Chula Vista, CA 91915
Transit:	MTS Rapid 225, 707, 709
Hours:	Tuesdays, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Phone:	(619) 656-1393
Website:	https://www.otayranchtowncenter.com/en/events/farmers-market/
Cost:	Free
Tips:	Located in the Otay Ranch Town Center shopping mall with plenty of free parking available. Many vendors are still setting up around the 4 p.m. start time, so it’s better to arrive just a little later.
Date Visited:	16 July 2024