The best farmers markets in Chicago to explore

Clark St and Lincoln Ave, Saturdays 7am–1pm, Wednesdays 7am-1am, April 6–November 23

One of the largest farmers markets in Chicago comes to Lincoln Park every week, setting up between Clark Street and Stockton Drive on the south end of the park. The Saturday market boasts the largest lineup of vendors (and the biggest crowds), but you'll find chef demos and delicious bites at every market. A smaller second West Loop outpost can be found at Mary Bartelme Park on Saturdays from May through November.

Logan Blvd and Milwaukee Ave, Sundays 9am–3pm, May 12–October 27

A section of Logan Square's historic boulevard hosts this popular neighborhood market, which welcomes vendors from as far as Michigan and Wisconsin. Each week, you'll find live music, fun family activities, fresh fruits and veggies, pastries and some tasty dishes being cooked on-site. Arrive early, because this market gets picked over pretty quickly.

Berwyn Ave and Ashland Ave, Wednesdays 3–7pm, May 15–October 23

More than 30 vendors set up at this popular North Side neighborhood market, and while you will certainly find quality fresh farmstand staples here, it's a must-visit for farmers market fans looking for something more unique. Pick up some bagels from Zeitlin's or natural honey from Three Bees, take-home arancini from Sfera or even seasonally flavored baklava from Sheekar Delights. And don't forget the bread from Andersonville staple Lost Larson.

Damen Ave and Wicker Park Ave, Sundays 8am–2pm, May 5–October 27

If dozens of vendors aren't enough of a draw for you to come to this lively Wicker Park Sunday market, maybe the weekly complimentary market programming—which includes free yoga, meditation and storytime for kids—will be. The market is also committed to sustainability, with plastic-free vendors and composting.

Austin Town Hall Park, 5610 W Lake St, Thursdays 1pm-6pm, June 6-October 31

One of the West Side’s best farmers markets is back this summer to bring gorgeous produce, meats, prepared foods and more. Over the years, the market has become a beautiful showcase of local makers sharing fresh fruit juices, vegan treats, candles, skincare products and more, as well as community-oriented pop-ups like Forty Acres Fresh Market. Follow them on Instagram to stay tuned and see who will be part of this year’s market.

Plaza Manuel Pérez, 4345 W 26th St, Saturdays 11am-3pm, June 1-October 5 

As the name implies, this La Villita market is full of color, from the inviting papel picado adorning the plaza to the mouth-watering fruits and vegetables from Cedillo’s Fresh Produce. In addition to goods like the aforementioned produce and honey, don’t miss the opportunity to take home a jar of fresh salsa or chili crisp from Chill & Go. Keep in touch with the market on Instagram for special events throughout the summer—in previous years, the market has welcomed live music and even a mechanical bull.

Southport Brown Line Station Auxiliary Exit, Tuesdays 3pm–7pm, June 7–October 11

Born out of an effort to activate public space under the Brown Line, this highly curated market in West Lakeview hosts nearly two dozen vendors sharing locally-grown fruits, herbs,  vegetables and flowers, jams and honeys, olive oils, homemade candles and skincare products, and much more. Grab a freshly-made tamales or savory knish from local restaurants to munch on while you leisurely browse.

Davis Square Park, 45th St and Marshfield Ave, 11am-3pm, April 20, May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21, October 19, November 2, December 14

Western Ave and Leland Ave, Tuesdays 7am–noon (May-November) and Thursdays 3pm–7pm (May-October)

Conveniently located in a parking lot by the Western Brown Line station, you've got two chances each week to visit this popular farmers market. You can find more than 40 vendors between the two markets, so you have more than enough reasons to stop at both. The fresh bagels at Dorothy's Bakery at the Tuesday market are worth getting up early for, or treat yourself to a post-work pick-me-up from Nuts to Go on Thursday evenings.

Polk St and Desplaines St, Sundays 9am–3pm, May 5-October 27

This street market dates all the way back to the early 1900s, when immigrant families would sell goods out of pushcarts. Today, the market remains an international experience of bargain hunting. You'll find furniture, clothes, household items, collectibles and some truly delicious Mexican food, in addition to a range of seasonal produce. 

Englewood Village Plaza, 58th St and Halsted St, Saturdays 10am–2pm, June 22–October 26th

Grow Greater Englewood hosts the Englewood Village Farmers Market at Englewood Village Plaza at 58th and Halsted Streets. This dynamic market features fresh produce from local farmers, food and goods from Black-owned businesses, and a weekly rotation of programming, including chef and growing demos, performances and art activations, health and wellness activities, community info sessions and discussions, and more. Live music is a cornerstone of the market, with carefully curated DJs and bands. 

Plaza Tenochtitlan, 1821 S Blue Island Ave, Sundays 9am–3pm, May–October

This community market, which has been serving Pilsen and beyond for more than a decade, has everything from fruits and vegetables to honey, pastries, jewelry, apparel, plants and even tarot readings. You can pick up produce, honey or pupusas and even get a tarot card reading, too.

Daley Plaza, Washington St and Clark St, Thursdays 7am-2pm, May–October

Look for the Picasso statue and you're sure to find this lunch-in-the-Loop staple, where you can pick something up for a little picnic outside.

The Hatchery, 135 N Kedzie Ave, every other Saturday 10am-2pm, June 8-October 26

One of the coolest and most unique neighborhood market collaborations in Chicago can be found in Garfield Park, where Garfield Park Neighborhood Council will host the twelfth season of their outdoor market at local non-profit food and beverage incubator The Hatchery. At the market, makers based in the neighborhood and at The Hatchery sell everything from traditional African snacks and herb-infused salts to hypo-allergenic bath and body products. And if that’s not local enough for you, vendors sell items like pickled okra and cabbage relish sourced from gardens right in the neighborhood via the Garfield Park Garden Network. Visit the plaza for yourself this summer and bring home something new.

4700 S King Drive, Sundays 10am–2pm, July–October

Located just south of McCormick Place (easily accessible via the Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line station) this farmers market starts later in the summer but keeps the produce coming for more than three months. 

Printers Row Park, 632 S Dearborn St, Saturdays 9am–1pm, May 18–October 27

The charming Printers Row Park plays home to this leisurely weekend favorite, one of two farmers markets (and an online market) in the South Loop Farmers Market umbrella. At this one, you'll find everything from kombucha and savory bao to traditional bagels from Zeitlins Delicatessen to Filipino baked goods from Tropicake Chicago. 

Independence Park, 3945 N Springfield Ave, 9am-1pm, June 11 and 25, July 9 and 23, August 13 and 27, September 10 and 24, October 8 and 22

Irving Park's Independence Park hosts this farmers market, which takes place on the second and fourth Sundays of the month from June through October. You can expect to find an abundance of fresh produce and quality meats, plus delicious food, live music and family-friendly events. This year's vendors include Montélimar Bread Company, Katherine Anne Confections, Tamales Express and more.

Nettelhorst School, 3252 N Broadway Ave, Saturdays 8am-2pm, April 20-November 2 (no market September 4)

This French-inspired market tucked into a school playlot is small but packs a punch, with a mix of more than a dozen regular and rotating craft vendors. Treat yourself to goods like sweet and spicy pepper jelly from Rollicking Buckaroo or a homemade jar of peanut butter from Nutmeg's. Oh, and don’t forget to say hi to the chickens in the school’s nearby coop on your way out.

6100 S Blackstone Ave, Saturdays 9am–2pm, May 11–October 26

Experimental Station's market straddles the Hyde Park and Woodlawn neighborhoods and showcases local agricultural producers like Star Farm, Growing Home and Mint Creek Farm. Don't miss the desserts from Yashica's Treats So Divine or the fresh, sweet Michigan blueberries from Joe's Blues. 

Portage Park, Irving Park Rd and Long Ave, Saturdays 10am-2pm, June 6, 16, 30; July 21; August 4, 18; September 1, 15, 29; October 6

On select Sundays in the summer, this farmers market sets up in the neighborhood's namesake park. You can browse fresh fruits, veggies, honey and bread, along with coffee from local staple Perkolator for most of the summer and part of the fall, or grab some sweet treats like Italian ice or crepes from local sweet shops like Little Lulu's and Gotta B Crepes.

Northcenter Town Square, 4100 N Damen Ave, Saturdays 8am–1pm, June 22–October 26

The renovated Northcenter Town Square hosts this growing Saturday market, home to staple produce, meat, cheese and honey producers alongside some unique offerings. In previous years, shoppers could grab a croissant from La Provence or a scone from Hilary's Cookies and stay a while—the market sometimes features local musicians at the Town Square's pavilion area, balloon art, used book sales or other fun community happenings.

95th St and Longwood Dr, Sundays 8am–1pm, May 1-October 30

Beverly and Morgan Park neighbors gather on Sundays for this dynamic Southwest Side market, where you can catch live music, face painting and even an occasional petting zoo amidst the eclectic vendor lineup that includes barbecue, fresh-pressed juices, heirloom seedlings and tamales. The community tent connects neighbors to a variety of local organizations focused on health, education, environmental awareness and much more. 

Glenwood Ave between Lunt Ave and Morse Ave, Sundays 9am-2pm, June-October

Along the Red Line on Sunday mornings in Rogers Park, you’ll find a bustling market with nearly two dozen vendors offering produce, pickles, popsicles and so much more. Protip: if the weather’s nice, take your newly-purchased treats down a few blocks to Loyola Beach and have a nice little picnic by the lake. Sounds like a perfect Sunday to us.