There are so many free family fun events happening in Chula Vista; make sure you get out there and enjoy them. First up you have the Rewind Festival at the Cota Vera Community. This happens on Saturday night. They’ll have cover bands, vendor booths, a retro arcade, and more. Also on Saturday, you have the Bonitafest. There is a small twilight parade and then they have some entertainment in front of the Bonita Library. Then the big one is Sunday: the El Grito, starting at 4 pm. Be sure to get there early because they have other things going on before the big event. I’ll be out in Chula Vista, so if you see me, be sure to say hi.
The Otay Ranch Town Center Farmers Market in Chula Vista has become the perfect Tuesday evening destination for food lovers, families, and anyone seeking a vibrant community experience. Since 2007, this weekly event has transformed from a simple produce market into one of South Bay’s most beloved gatherings, and once you visit, you’ll understand why locals like me keep coming back week after week.
Why The Otay Ranch Town Center Farmers Market Stands Out
Every Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, Main Street at Otay Ranch Town Center comes alive with the sights, sounds, and incredible smells of one of the area’s most diverse food experiences. This isn’t your typical farmers market – it’s more like an international food festival that happens every single week.
The market location couldn’t be more convenient. You’ll find it at 2015 Birch Road in eastern Chula Vista, right inside the popular outdoor shopping center. This means easy parking, a comfortable walking environment, and the chance to combine your market visit with other errands or entertainment.
I especially love visiting in the summer, when the beautiful Southern California weather creates the ideal outdoor dining atmosphere. The warm evenings and gentle breezes make strolling through the market feel like a mini San Diego County Fair. I also love the winter months when the market runs into the evening hours. The chilly weather and lights give it a holiday market feel. No matter when you go, the market is a great time to visit.
I attended the grand opening of the Otay Ranch Town Center Farmers Market in 2008. Pictured at center is Cheryl Cox, former mayor of Chula Vista. The market’s opening was an important milestone for the community. Chula Vista Living file photo, 2008.
A World of Flavors Awaits
While you can still find fresh fruits and vegetables from local growers, the real magic happens with the amazing variety of prepared foods. On any given Tuesday, more than 30 food vendors set up shop, offering cuisines from around the globe.
Imagine walking through and choosing between Filipino street food, authentic Japanese dishes, Venezuelan specialties, Jamaican favorites, or traditional Mexican cuisine. You might also discover Mediterranean plates, Korean delights, Brazilian treats, Peruvian classics, and Salvadoran comfort food. All of this diversity exists within a short, easy stroll along the market’s central walkway.
The beauty of this setup is that everyone in your group can find exactly what they’re craving. Kids might grab pizza or fries while parents explore more adventurous international dishes. Friends can each choose their favorite meal from different vendors, then gather together to share and enjoy. It’s like having dozens of restaurants in one outdoor space.
With so many options, it might seem overwhelming at first, but you’ll quickly find your favorites. After trying nearly every vendor over the past few years, I keep coming back to Tiger Sticks. Their chicken skewer with white rice and veggies has become my regular dinner choice at the market. The flavors are consistently delicious, and it’s the satisfying meal I look forward to while people-watching and soaking in the market atmosphere.
Once You’ve Chosen Your Main Course, the Culinary Adventure Continues
The food options extend well beyond main courses, and sweet teeth will love exploring the dessert selections. From freshly made donuts to artisan ice cream and mini pops, there’s something to satisfy every craving. You’ll find specialty coffee to sip while you browse, refreshing aguas frescas on warm evenings, and treats like churros that make the experience feel even more festive.
I never leave the market without stopping at Bom Bom Donut for a sweet treat. Their donuts are absolutely worth saving room for, and they’ve become my favorite way to end a Tuesday evening at the market. Trust me, you’ll want to add this stop to your market routine too.
Artisan bakeries showcase sourdough bread and pastries made with care and quality ingredients. Some vendors offer unique grocery items you won’t find at regular supermarkets, including small-batch kombucha, specialty cheeses, and other carefully crafted products. Whether you’re planning to eat on-site or take something special home, the options keep expanding.
One of my favorite things to order at the Otay Ranch Town Center Farmers Market is Tiger Sticks. With so many other great food options to choose from, this farmers market is definitely worth a visit.
More Than Just Food
The Otay Ranch Town Center Farmers Market offers plenty beyond delicious eats. Local artisans and small business owners display handmade jewelry, accessories, crafts, candles, and toys. This gives the market a street fair atmosphere and makes it an excellent place to find unique gifts or special items for your home.
The environment feels relaxed and welcoming. Many evenings feature live music or performers, creating a pleasant backdrop as you explore. The warm glow from vendor tents combined with the open-air mall setting creates an atmosphere that works wonderfully for date nights, family outings, or catching up with neighbors and friends.
A Market for Every Season
What I find particularly magical is how the Chula Vista farmers market transforms with the seasons. During the holiday months, the market takes on an entirely different character. Chilly evenings, combined with twinkling holiday lights, create a festive atmosphere that feels truly special. There’s something wonderful about bundling up slightly, grabbing your favorite hot food, and enjoying the market under the glow of seasonal decorations.
The market’s location inside the shopping center also makes it ideal for special events. When the mall hosts community celebrations or holiday activities, the farmers market becomes the ideal spot to grab dinner before or after exploring the center’s events. It’s convenient, delicious, and adds to the overall fun of an evening out.
One of my favorite things about this farmers market is how it transforms into a night market when the days get shorter. Be sure to visit during the holidays, too, when the market joins the annual Christmas tree-lighting celebration.
What People Are Saying
Regular visitors consistently praise this Tuesday night market for its variety, friendly vibe, and strong sense of community. Many locals have made it a weekly tradition, with some saying they come “every Tuesday” to enjoy the constantly changing food options and discover new vendors.
First-time visitors often express pleasant surprise at the sheer number of international cuisines available in one compact location. The market has grown significantly over the years, and some people describe feeling “overwhelmed in a good way” by the number of choices.
Families particularly appreciate that the market feels safe, walkable, and accommodating for all ages. Parents love that they can take a break from cooking while still enjoying a quality dinner experience with a neighborhood feel.
Tips for Your First Visit
To make the most of your market experience, consider these helpful tips from regular attendees. The market has grown quite popular, so arriving closer to the 4:00 pm opening time means shorter lines and easier parking. The crowd tends to build as the evening progresses.
Keep in mind that prices can be higher than at your typical grocery store, but most visitors see it as a worthwhile treat and special outing rather than routine shopping. Also note that while some produce vendors do participate, this market leans heavily toward prepared foods and artisan goods rather than traditional farm-fresh vegetables. I always encourage people, when they visit, to try something new they would never try before. there are so many great options, and getting out there and trying something you might not have is always a win-win there are so many great options, and getting out there and trying something you might not have is always a win-win
Most vendors accept both cash and card, but bringing some cash can sometimes speed up your transactions. You’ll find plenty of seating throughout the outdoor mall to enjoy your food, and the stroller-friendly layout makes it easy to navigate with children.
Don’t worry if you get overwhelmed on your first visit. There’s always next week to try it out. There’s always the next week to try it out. They also host special events during the summertime when the farmers market happens. It gives you the chance to come on out here, do a little shopping, try something out to eat, and take part in the special events they also host during the summertime when the farmers market happens. It gives you the chance to come on out here, do a little shopping, try something out to eat, and then take part in the special events
Your Tuesday Night Awaits
The Otay Ranch Town Center Farmers Market has earned its reputation as a community favorite by bringing together great food, local culture, and community spirit. Whether you’re seeking fresh ingredients, craving international cuisine, or simply wanting to enjoy a pleasant evening out, this Tuesday tradition delivers.
If you haven’t experienced it yet, mark your calendar for next Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Bring your appetite, your sense of adventure, and maybe some friends or family to share the experience. Make it a complete evening: start with Tiger Sticks’ chicken skewers, explore a few other vendors that catch your eye, and finish with a Bom Bom Donut. Your taste buds will thank you, and I guarantee you’ll be planning your return visit before you even leave. This South Bay gem might just become your new favorite weekly routine.
Chula Vista Living has been closely following the progress at Hilltop Park and Eucalyptus Park Renovations for months, including a couple of video updates we’ve shared with residents along the way, and we’ll keep bringing you the latest as both projects near the finish line. So when the City sat down with Frank Carson, Director of Parks and Recreation, and Luis Schaar, Director of Engineering and City Engineer, for the first episode of Chula Vista City Cast, we knew it was worth digging into for our readers.
One of the things we love most about Chula Vista is how many beautiful parks the city gives residents to get outside, stay active, and spend time with family. Eucalyptus Park in particular has always been a favorite of mine, and I can’t wait to see the finished redesign and everything they’ve added.
Parks and Rec: More Than Green Space
The Parks and Recreation Department oversees 70 parks, nine community centers, and two aquatic facilities spread across Chula Vista’s 52 square miles, all maintained and programmed by roughly 230 hourly staff plus a full-time crew of parks personnel and park rangers.
Carson describes strong parks as part of the city’s broader public safety strategy. Active park space is linked to as much as a 17 percent drop in crime, and city-run swim lessons directly address drowning, the leading cause of death for children ages one to four and the second-leading cause of preventable death for kids under 14.
Beyond swim lessons, the department runs day camps, sports-specific camps, dance and teen programs, and senior activities, including a new “It’s Her Sports” camp funded by a National Recreation and Park Association grant to get girls active in athletics. Pickleball has also emerged as one of the fastest-growing demands citywide, with new courts and leagues being added to keep pace.
Residents can find the full lineup of programs, including the roughly 84-page summer recreation guide, at chulavistaca.gov/rec.
Fresh sod now covers much of Hilltop Park’s west side, though the area is still fenced off while it establishes. These photos were taken September 3, 2026.
Hilltop Park: Restoring a Dual-Purpose Space
Hilltop Park has served a dual role since the 1970s: it’s both a public park and part of the city’s flood control system, allowing Telegraph Canyon Creek to flow safely toward the bay during heavy rain events.
The current renovation, which began in February 2025, focuses on armoring the channel’s slopes with turf-reinforcing mats beneath new sod, a system designed to hold vegetation in place during storm flows and help the park recover faster after heavy rain. The project also addresses the removal of diseased trees, which are being replanted, and the placement of riprap, or large rocks, at a channel turn where water flow needs to be slowed.
The east side of Hilltop Park tells a different story, with piles of dirt and rock still to be cleared, matching what city officials said in a recent interview about this stretch taking longer to finish. This photo was taken September 3, 2026.
The project’s timeline was significantly affected by an unusually active rainy season. Storm impacts in September, October, and November 2025 were followed by a major rain event on December 31 that buckled existing concrete and damaged the channel’s sidewalls, prompting the city to declare an emergency and pause construction until the dry season returned in May. That stretch of storms added roughly six months to the project and triggered additional coordination with the Regional Water Quality Control Board on a formal restoration plan.
With that plan nearing final approval, the city expects Hilltop Park to be fully functional before October 2025, with only newly planted grass areas remaining off-limits while they establish.
Eucalyptus Park Renovations: A Century-Old Park Gets a Major Upgrade
At 20 acres, Eucalyptus Park is Chula Vista’s oldest park, having opened in 1927 and approaching its 100th anniversary in 2027. The current renovation represents a $17 million investment, funded through a statewide parks grant, Measure P sales tax revenue, ARPA funding, and park benefit fees.
Eucalyptus Park’s aging playground is getting a much-needed refresh as part of the park’s ongoing renovation. I live close to this park, so I can’t wait to see it reopen in December.
Construction on the Eucalyptus Park Renovations began in March 2025 and will bring pickleball courts, a skate park, a bike park, an interactive splash pad, a new playground and surfacing, improved ADA access, and dedicated dog park areas to the west side of the city. The splash pad will mark the first zero-depth water feature in Western Chula Vista, running from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
The project remains on schedule for completion in December 2025.
Follow the Progress
Both Hilltop Park and Eucalyptus Park are shaping up to be major wins for Chula Vista, and Chula Vista Living will be tracking their progress every step of the way. I’ll be heading out to both sites soon to shoot video updates so you can see the renovations firsthand, from the channel work at Hilltop to the new splash pad and skate park taking shape at Eucalyptus. Once both parks are ready to reopen, we’ll have the details on the community celebration events too. Keep following Chula Vista Living on our website and across all our social media channels so you don’t miss any of it.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We only feature products we’d genuinely put in our own yard.
Halloween is one of those holidays where a little extra effort on the front lawn goes a long way. A few glowing ghosts, some string lights, and suddenly your porch is the one every trick-or-treater remembers. We spent some time digging through Amazon’s outdoor Halloween decorations and picked out four that stood out for looks, ease of setup, and how they held up once they were actually outside. If you’re looking to decorate your Chula for Halloween, check out the items below.
Here’s what made the list.
1. CheerBloom 2 Pack 5 Ft Large Light Up Ghost Decor
CheerBloom 2 Pack 5 Ft Large Light Up Ghost Decor
If you want ghosts that actually look good up close, not just as silhouettes, this pair is worth a look. Each ghost combines a white inner cloth with an outer layer of gauze, giving them a fuller, more textured shape rather than looking like a flat sheet on a frame. They stand a full 5 feet tall, and CheerBloom includes water bags and ground stakes to keep them steady outdoors, whether you’re setting them up on a hard porch surface or out on the lawn. Power comes from either 3 AA batteries or a USB connection, and a remote lets you flip between 8 lighting modes and set a timer so they turn on right around dusk.
Price: $31.99
One reviewer set them up with their five-year-old and said the assembly was easy and the gauze layer really made the ghosts look the part, even at their full five-foot height outside.
For a more classic “flying ghost” look, JOYIN’s hanging pair is a solid pick. These are designed to hang from trees, porch overhangs, or doorways, and the bendable arms let you pose them so they look like they’re mid-flight rather than just dangling straight down. Each one lights up with a warm white LED glow that reads as spooky without being harsh, and they run on 3 AA batteries, so there’s no cord to run.
Price: $27.99
A reviewer who hung theirs on a porch overhang loved the look and warm glow, though they noted a remote would have helped since the spot was a bit of a reach.
3. Swinging Ghost Decoration, 5.3 Ft with Maple Leaf Accents
This one leans into the fall season as much as Halloween itself. At 5.3 feet tall, it’s sized well for hanging from a larger tree, and the maple leaf accents woven in give it an autumn feel that works even before the scarier decorations come out. Once the sun goes down, the warm-colored lights built into the design give it a soft glow rather than a jarring one, so it fits a display that’s more charming than terrifying.
Price: $26.99
One shopper compared several hanging ghost options before choosing this one and was glad they did, saying the size was perfect for their front yard oak tree and the glow at dusk was exactly what they wanted.
If you want to cover more ground with one purchase, this set gives you three pre-assembled ghosts (one 5-footer and two 4-footers) along with a remote, DIY eye stickers, and a manual. The double-layer fabric construction gives them that classic floating-spirit look, and the remote controls 8 lighting modes with adjustable brightness and an auto timer. The battery case is waterproof, so a surprise rain shower won’t take your display down for the night.
Price: $27.99
A reviewer who hung these from trees said they came out longer and wider than expected, which they liked, and that the set held up well in early wind.
Whether you’re going for a full yard transformation or just want a couple of ghosts greeting trick-or-treaters at the door, all four of these pieces are easy to set up and built to handle a few weeks outside. Head over to Amazon to check current availability and get your order in before Halloween decorations start selling out for the season.
And if you’re planning to go all out this Halloween and really decorate your home, let me know. I’d love to add it to our Halloween decorations map so residents can stop by and check it out in person.
