UN Plaza Farmers' Market Invites You to Birthday Party

Heart of the City Farmers' Market

Where: United Nations Plaza, Market at Seventh St.

When: Weds., Sept. 14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cost: Free

The Rundown: Established in 1981 as an oasis of food in what was (and still is) an S.F. food desert, the UN Plaza Farmers' Market is celebrating its 30th Anniversary with a scavenger hunt, trivia games, art show, live music -- and of course, food.

The market has come a long way in its mission to provide access to fresh, local produce and products to the "heart of the City," and the non-profit farmers' market will include touches of the past, with farm biographies on the tents of vendors, a history exhibit, and a few words from the founding farmers at 1 p.m.

There's plenty for kids (or young at heart) -- face painting, hula-hooping, and the ever-weird balloon animals. So buy some pie, do a loop in a hula hoop, and bring your best reusable bag out to celebrate.