You’d be proper to really feel dissatisfied when you arrived at a farmers market solely to search out principally ready meals or a craft bazaar. Some customers may additionally marvel if the produce they’re shopping for was really grown by the individuals behind the tables. Whereas the reselling of produce at a farmers market is probably going unusual, the follow shouldn’t be extraordinary.
Taylor Choy, deputy director and chief working officer of Inexperienced Metropolis Market, says customers ought to ask when unsure in regards to the origin of something they see at a market. “In case you see stickers on produce, that may very well be an indication that it’s being resold,” she says. The 15 farmers markets featured listed here are simply that: markets the place native farmers promote on to the general public. (For extra, take a look at our 2025 guides to farmers markets in Chicago and the neighboring suburbs.)
Metropolis North
Glenwood Sunday Market
6960 N. Glenwood Ave.
Sundays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., June 1–Oct. 26 (no market June 29 and Aug. 17)
Accepts Hyperlink/SNAP; canine are welcome
For a Parisian market expertise, hop on the Pink Line as much as the Morse station. This long-running neighborhood staple retains issues easy — flowers, meals and unmatched group vibes. “I do know that’s very cliche, however everyone is aware of your identify,” says Sandi Worth, govt director of Rogers Park Enterprise Alliance. The produce is wonderful, as are the cheeses and domestically raised meats, however search for the sweet and home made canning stalls. Cease by one of many bars shut by to sit down exterior and luxuriate in a drink after.
Inexperienced Metropolis Market
1817 N. Clark St.
Saturdays, 7 a.m.–1 p.m., April 5–Nov. 22 (opens 8 a.m. in Nov.)
Wednesdays, 7 a.m.–1 p.m., Could 7–Oct. 29
Accepts Hyperlink/SNAP; canine are welcome
In its 26 years, Inexperienced Metropolis Market has developed a vetting course of for its distributors that must be probably the most rigorous anyplace. Each farmer should clear a third-party certification that verifies sustainable rising practices, and the staffers really go to many farms to see for themselves. This 12 months, the market has secured grant funding to triple match Hyperlink/SNAP advantages (you get $75 to spend for $25 in profit {dollars}). Inexperienced Metropolis Market may also be discovered within the West Loop (at 900 W. Monroe St., north of Mary Bartelme Park) on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Could 3 via Nov. 22.
Horner Park Farmers Market
2741 W. Montrose Ave.
Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., June 7–Oct. 11
Accepts Hyperlink/SNAP; canine are welcome
In case your good Saturday is tenting out with a picnic at a park, head over to this riverside market, proper by the sector home. Free yoga, acoustic music, artwork initiatives for youths and house for mingling together with your neighbors are a part of what retains Horner Park’s market intimate. That’s on function, says founder Gretchen Helmreich: “This isn’t a money-making endeavor. We constructed it for the group and for the distributors to do effectively.” Save the date for Child’s Day on Sept. 16.
Wicker Park Farmers Market
1425 N. Damen Ave.
Sundays, 8 a.m.–2 p.m., Could 4–Oct. 26
Accepts Hyperlink/SNAP; canine are welcome
No person does hip like Wicker Park, and all the things about its market (celebrating 25 years this summer season) is cool. Not solely does it brim with domestically made cheeses, baked items, produce, meats and eggs, however environmental stewardship is a tenet — don’t count on to see any plastic from the distributors, for instance. Reside music, dance workshops and partnerships with native nonprofits are a part of what make this market a multigenerational affair and a must-visit all through the season.
Our checklist of 100-plus markets throughout the metro Chicago space — freshly up to date with dates, programming and ready meals choices.
Metropolis Downtown
Daley Plaza Farmers Market
50 W. Washington St.
Thursdays, 7 a.m.–2 p.m., Could 22–Oct. 23 (no market June 19)
Accepts Hyperlink/SNAP; canine are welcome
For therefore many workplace employees, the official begin of spring is the annual look of the farmers market at Daley Plaza, this 12 months on Could 22. The town of Chicago runs two: Daley Plaza and the Division Road Farmers Market (30 W. Division St.; 7 a.m. to midday on Saturdays). Each characterize town’s effort to offer Chicagoans with extra entry to contemporary meals. Sandra Carrera, town’s program supervisor for farmers markets, says 85% of distributors at Daley Plaza are farmers who promote what they’ve grown. The town additionally companions with group organizations to fund and help markets in Bronzeville, Pullman and Little Village and at Austin City Corridor Park.
SOAR Farmers Market
220 E. Chicago Ave.
Tuesdays, 7 a.m.–2 p.m., June 3–Oct. 28
Canine are welcome
An ideal piece of produce is a murals in itself, however be at liberty to verify it at SOAR’s market, held on the plaza simply exterior the Museum of Up to date Artwork. It’s not only for Streeterville residents and artwork lovers — neighborhood cooks frequent the stalls to provide eating places round River North and the Loop. Verify again in September, when SOAR hosts a gala for its fiftieth anniversary as a group group. Don’t miss the flower farmers all season too.
Metropolis West
Garfield Park Neighborhood Market
135 W. Kedzie Ave.
Second and fourth Saturdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., June 14–Oct. 25
Accepts Hyperlink/SNAP
In search of that West Aspect entrepreneurial power that may’t be beat? It’s on full show at The Hatchery Chicago, a nonprofit meals and beverage incubator that runs the market, the place locals are rising each produce and small companies. Proper exterior the constructing, yow will discover uncooked supplies to make your personal meals, due to the Garfield Park Backyard Community and the conservatory close by. Artisan items — home made relishes, barbecue sauces, infused syrups, natural salts, tub merchandise and conventional African snacks — are additionally price a browse.
Metropolis South
61st Road Farmers Market
6100 S. Blackstone Ave.
Saturdays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Could 17–Oct. 25
Accepts Hyperlink/SNAP; canine are welcome
“Folks are inclined to linger at this market,” says supervisor Emily Cross, which is not any shock, given its expansive choices. Farmers who’ve caught with the marketplace for practically 20 years mingle with distributors promoting handheld savory pies, gluten-free and vegan items, and ready meals from Woodlawn-area cooks — all of which you’ll get pleasure from on the historic Halfway Plaisance close by. Programming contains kid-friendly academic actions for all designed to attach guests to the sources of their meals.
Hyde Park Farmers Market
1516 E. 54th St.
Sundays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., June 1–Sept. 28
Accepts Hyperlink/SNAP; canine are welcome
They could be new youngsters on the block, however the Hyde Park market, established in 2017, is a neighborhood treasure that’s already blooming. Put together for surprises each time you go to, whether or not you run right into a magician strolling between the stands otherwise you uncover new-to-you native companies, like standout MyImoss Teas & Extra, which transforms sea moss (a sort of purple algae) into nutrient-rich merchandise for individuals and pets. Don’t miss the lavender espresso and deep-fried mandazi pastries from Kikwetu Kenya Espresso Firm.
Suburbs North
Arlington Heights Farmers Market
110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights
Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12 p.m., Could 10-Oct. 11
Canine are welcome
Take pleasure in a farmers market run by a historic society, situated throughout the road from the museum campus, which incorporates an outdated soda pop manufacturing unit. You’re simply as prone to run into Abe Lincoln and Mary Todd (OK, reenactors) as you’re child musicians from Faculty of Rock. Arlington Heights presents a family-friendly Saturday morning vacation spot with crafts, dwell music and matchless group vibes. Even the classic tastes contemporary: Attempt the sodas constructed from precise recipes from the 1800s.
Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market
1800 Maple Ave., Evanston
Saturdays, 7:30 a.m.–1 p.m. (seniors and adults with disabilities might enter at 7 a.m.), Could 3–Nov. 1
Accepts Hyperlink/SNAP
A market celebrating its fiftieth anniversary is doing one thing proper. You don’t have to attend for July 12 for the massive social gathering, though that celebration shall be huge. Downtown Evanston’s market is chock-full of beloved distributors, from Fred’s Breads, run by an area French pastry chef, to Peasant Revolt Farm, which sells microgreens and different natural produce. One vendor even presents contemporary Alaskan wild-caught sockeye salmon, sourced instantly from his brother. Watch the dwell music schedule too, as skilled and touring artists frequently play the market.
Northbrook Farmers Market
Meadow Procuring Plaza, Cherry Lane and Meadow Highway, Northbrook
Wednesdays, 7 a.m.–1 p.m., June 18–Oct. 8
Accepts Hyperlink/SNAP; canine are welcome
A Wednesday farmers market has a secret: Since farmers typically harvest on Mondays and Tuesdays, says market supervisor Dale Duda, these markets get the decide of the decide. Moreover, all produce has traveled not more than 150 miles to the market, guaranteeing the freshest doable choices. Northbrook additionally prides itself on its all-volunteer set-up (search for anybody sporting a purple-red Onion Head T-shirt) and its emphasis on group service, whether or not for meals pantries, pet rescues, composting or simply plain friendliness.
Our up-to-date checklist of 56 markets throughout suburban Chicago.
Suburbs West
Batavia Farmers’ Market
29 N. River St., Batavia
Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12 p.m., Could 17–Oct. 25; Wednesdays, 5 p.m.–8 p.m., June 4–Aug. 27
Canine are welcome
Brick-lined streets, boardwalk outlets, a riverwalk close by — you have to be in Batavia, the place 60 distributors can refill the Saturday market. Nothing offered there travels greater than two hours, says market spokesperson Beth Walker, and a few growers are simply quarter-hour away. On the third Saturday of every month, the market doubles in dimension as 50 native artisans additionally arrange store. If the weekend doesn’t work out, a smaller model pops up on Wednesday nights with about 20 sellers.
Lemont Farmers Market
322 Major St., Lemont
Tuesday, 4 p.m.–7 p.m., June 24–Sept. 30
It’s not the largest, it’s not the flashiest, however it’s the realest. Founder and landscaper Amanda Thomsen noticed the village dragging its ft on a park subsequent to her plant and backyard retailer. Now, she’s about to start her third 12 months working a hyperlocal market there, the place most produce is grown an hour or much less away. Pollyanna Brewing Firm provides a robust beer-and-cocktail presence, and the number of month-to-month dwell music will knock your socks off.
Suburbs South
Tinley Park Farmers Market
17375 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park
Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m., June 7–Oct. 11 (no market July 19)
Canine are welcome
Tinley Park is a magnet for musicians, and its market is not any exception. Come hold and store to the dwell stylings of Irish folks, Oktoberfest polka, jazz soloists and even Blues Corridor of Fame luminary Smiley Tillmon. Native nonprofits associate up on the market to carry libraries, hearth vehicles, crafts and rising vegetation for youths of all ages. Maintain an eye fixed out for recipe swaps from native eating places and cooking demos from distributors like WonderPork Farm.
