The best farmers markets in Chicago
We're just as excited about going to the beach as you are, but one underappreciated aspect of summer life in Chicago is the beginning of farmers market season. From Andersonville to Pullman, neighborhoods across the city bring in Midwestern vendors selling fresh fruits, veggies, meat and more. You'll spot locavores buying bags full of food, chefs from top Chicago restaurants shopping for produce and residents stopping by for a snack. If you're looking for fresh food in your neighborhood, check out some of the best farmers markets in Chicago.
RECOMMENDED: Things to do in the summer in Chicago
Chicago's best farmers markets
Logan Square Farmers Market
Logan Blvd and Milwaukee Ave, Sundays 10am–3pm, May 13–October 28, 2018
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, fresh fruits and veggies as well as some tasty dishes being cooked on-site. Arrive early, because this market gets picked over pretty quickly.
Green City Market
Clark St and Lincoln Ave, Wednesdays and Saturdays 7am–1pm, May 5–October 27, 2018
One of the largest farmers markets in Chicago comes to Lincoln Park two days a 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.
Maxwell Street Market
Polk Street and Desplains Street, Sundays 7am–3pm, year-round
This street market dates all the way back to the early 1900s, when immigrant families would sell goods out of pushcarts. Today, the year-round event moved and re-established, but it 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.
Daley Plaza Farmers Market
Washington St and Clark St, Thursdays 7am–3pm, May 10–October 25, 2018
Look for the Picasso statue and you're sure to find this Loop farmers market, which is a popular destination for lunch on Thursday afternoons during the summer.
Bronzeville City Market
47th St and Martin Luther King Dr, Sundays 10am–2pm, July 8–September 16, 2018
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.
Englewood/Anchor House City Market
76th St and Racine Ave, Saturdays 8am–1pm, July 7–September 15
Englewood may boast a Whole Foods, but you'll probably find better deals on produce at this community farmers market, which takes place near the Anchor House at 76th Street.
Federal Plaza Farmers Market
Adams St and Dearborn St, Tuesdays 7am–3pm, May 15–October 30
Set near Alexander Calder's bright red Flamingo sculpture, this weekly summer farmers market brings fresh produce to the Loop for easy early morning shopping or a quick trip during your lunch break.
Columbus Park Farmers Market
Central Ave and Congress Pkwy, Tuesdays 2–7pm, July 10–September 11, 2018
Looking for a farm-fresh produce on the far West Side of the city? Check out this weekly market in Columbus Park, which offers convenient evening hours and is located near both the Blue and Green lines.
Wicker Park Farmers Market
Damen Ave and Wicker Park Ave, Sundays 8am-2pm, June 3–October 28, 2018
Each Sunday, a small horde of farmers, vendors and shoppers crowd into Wicker Park for this weekly outdoor market. Shop for regional produce or grab a snack and eat it by the fountain.
South Loop Farmers Market
Second Presbyterian Church (South Loop), Thursdays 4–8pm, dates TBA
While there are plenty of places to go grocery shopping in the South Loop, sometimes you're looking for something fresh to cook with. You'll find it at this weekly farmers market, which takes place at Second Presbyterian Church.
Pullman City Market
107th St and Cottage Grove Ave, Wednesdays 7am–1pm, July 11–October 31, 2018
The historic community of Pullman gets in on the summer farmers market action, providing a great place for far South Side residents and visitors to grab excellent produce.
Andersonville Farmers Market
Berwyn Ave and Ashland Ave, Wednesdays 3–8pm, May 9-August 29; Wednesdays 3–7pm September 5–October 17
You'll find salmon, honey and tons of just-picked produce at the Andersonville Farmers Market, which is located around the corner from Lady Gregory's.
Division Street Farmers Market
Division St and Dearborn Pkwy, Saturdays 7am–1pm, May 12–October 27, 2018
Gold Coast shoppers flock to this weekly farmers market, which takes place near the Original Mother's. Yes, it's near a popular stretch of nightlife in the city, but the 7am start time means that all of the party animals are home in bed.
Lincoln Square Farmers Market
Western Ave and Leland Ave, Tuesdays 7am–1pm and Thursdays 4–8pm, June 5–October 30
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. Stop by in the morning on Tuesdays or swing by to shop before dinner on Thursday evenings.
Portage Park Farmers Market
Irving Park Rd and Long Ave, first, third and fifth Sundays 10am–2pm, June 3–October 21, 2018
Every other Sunday, this farmers market sets up in the neighborhood's namesake park. You can browse fresh fruits and veggies for most of the summer and part of the fall, but take a look at the calendar before you head out—the market is always canceled on Sundays directly before holidays.
