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The Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market was called off tonight after a reported gas leak near Mission Mall forced police to clear several blocks and close streets. The disruption affects evening traffic, nearby businesses and shoppers who had planned to attend — and officials say crews will be working through the night to repair the line.
The San Luis Obispo Police Department ordered an evacuation of Higuera Street between Chorro and Broad streets and of Garden Street between Marsh and Higuera, and officers are keeping the area closed while emergency repairs proceed.
The City of San Luis Obispo issued a traffic advisory asking drivers to use alternate routes and avoid the neighborhood “until further notice,” noting that road access will be restricted while crews operate on-site.
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Gas leak affects downtown SLO: tonight’s farmers market canceled, area closed
What’s happening now
City crews were alerted after the leak was discovered at about 10 a.m. Construction teams began emergency work shortly after and are currently drilling into Higuera Street to reach the damaged pipeline. According to market manager Zach Simopoulos, crews expect the repair operation to continue into the early hours — roughly until 3 a.m. — and will need uninterrupted access to the roadway for the duration.
Simopoulos confirmed the farmers’ market cancellation for tonight and said organizers are already planning for a normal schedule next week.
Immediate impacts for visitors and local businesses
- Evacuation zone: Higuera St. (Chorro to Broad) and Garden St. (Marsh to Higuera).
- Traffic: Street closures and detours in the downtown core; expect delays on surrounding roads.
- Market vendors: Some stalls shifted to nearby storefronts or are offering special discounts to compensate for the missed market evening.
Several merchants inside the evacuation perimeter — including Frog & Peach, Feral Kitchen and Lounge, The Library and The Carrisa — are affected by the closure. The Carrisa shared an update on social media confirming tonight’s Farmers’ Market cancellation and saying the business will reopen tomorrow.
Vendor responses
To salvage some sales and serve customers who were already planning to come downtown, a number of vendors adjusted their hours or prices. Examples reported by organizers include:
- Rib Line BBQ & Grill offering reduced-price tri‑tip sandwiches for evening customers.
- Capuno’s Luntong Bahay staying open later, until 7 p.m., to accommodate displaced patrons.
Not every vendor will operate off-site; customers should contact individual businesses for exact availability.
Why this matters today: the leak disrupted an established weekly gathering that supports dozens of small producers and draws residents downtown, while the ongoing roadwork will reshape traffic patterns for several hours. Residents should allow extra travel time, follow police directions, and avoid the evacuation area for safety.
Officials on scene continue to manage the response. For updates, monitor the San Luis Obispo Police Department and City of San Luis Obispo traffic advisories.
