Farmers markets 2018: The ultimate guide about Chicago-area farmers markets

It’s that time of year again, when farmers markets sprout up across Chicago. Not into kale? No problem. Yoga sessions, live music, plant swaps and even raffles are just some of the added amenities offered by markets.

Fresh, regionally-grown fruits and vegetables are still the star of most of these shows, but organizers increasingly are thinking outside the produce bag as they aim to create community hubs that will appeal to a broad swath of neighbors.

Here’s a list of all of the Farmers Markets in Chicago followed by a list of those in the suburbs.

Yvonne Kim and Tanveer Ali / Sun-Times

FARMERS MARKETS IN CHICAGO

SUNDAYS

95th Street Farmers Market (Beverly)

1835 W. 95th St.

8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

May 6 through Oct. 28

Logan Square Farmers Market

3107 W. Logan Blvd.

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

May 13 through Oct. 28

The wildly popular Logan Square market is packed with more than 60 vendors. To promote a green lifestyle, the market also offers a bike valet, on-site composting of market waste, and free community classes in yoga (10 a.m.) and pilates (11:30 a.m.) — BYO mat.

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

North Park Community Market

5527 N. Kimball Ave., Peterson Elementary School parking lot

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

June 24, July 29, August 26, September 30 and October 28

After debuting in late summer 2017, the North Park Community Market is back for its first full season. The grassroots market is designed as a gathering hub for neighbors, serving up a healthy dose of community connection along with fresh food from local farms, musical entertainment, activities for kids and artisan wares.

Portage Park Farmers Market

4100 N. Long Ave.

First and third Sundays of the month

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

June 3 through Oct. 7

Wait til you tell your significant other that you stepped out for fresh veggies and wound up with a dog. That’s right, Chicago Animal Care and Control is one of the market’s participants, providing dog adoptions.

Glenwood Sunday Market (Rogers Park)

6924 N. Glenwood Ave.

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

June 3 through Oct. 28

The Glenwood market is among the city’s most dog-friendly, but that doesn’t mean anything goes. Be sure to keep pooches on a short, non-expandable leash while they sniff out deals.

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

Independence Park Farmers Market

3945 N. Springfield Ave.

Second and fourth Sundays of the month

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

June 10 through Oct. 25

McKinley Park Farmers Market

3700 S. Archer Ave./3705 S. Archer

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

June 3 through Oct. 28

Sundays in McKinley Park are twice as nice, with the neighborhood’s summer concert series kicking off in tandem with the market. Musicians will serenade market shoppers noon to 1:15 p.m., through Sept. 30.

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

Wicker Park Farmers Market

1425 N. Damen Ave.

8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

June 3 through Oct. 28

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

Jefferson Park Sunday Market

4820 N. Long Ave.

Second and fourth Sundays of the month

9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

June 10 through Oct. 28

Arts and crafts vendors mix with fruit and veggie sellers at the Jefferson Park market. Gardeners take note: A quirk of this market is its “bring a plant, take a plant” swap, which takes place the first three weeks of the summer.

This market accepts the Link Card

South Shore Farmers Market

7900 S. South Shore Dr., in Rainbow Beach Park

Noon – 5 p.m.

June 24 through Sept. 30

Note: South Shore also hosts a Saturday market at a different location.

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

Bronzeville City Market

47th St. & King Dr.

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

July 8 through Sept. 16

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

Sunday City Market Bridgeport

1000 W. 35th St.

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

July 8 through Aug. 26,

Not that it’s a competition, but Bridgeport’s market wins for best venue: It’s hosted in the parking lot and patio of Antique Taco. Mmmmm, tacos.

MONDAYS

Loyola Farmers Market

6550 N. Sheridan Rd., Loyola Plaza at the Loyola CTA Red Line Station

4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

June 4 through Oct. 15

Rotating food trucks are new to the market in 2018, as well as picnic table seating for folks who want to linger.

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

TUESDAYS

Columbus Park City Market

500 S. Central Ave.

2 p.m. – 7 p.m.

July 10 through Sept. 11

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

City Market at Federal Plaza

Adams Street and Dearborn Parkway

7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

May 15 through Oct. 30

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

Lincoln Square Farmers Market

2301 W. Leland Ave., in the municipal lot at the CTA Western Brown Line station

7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

June 5 through Oct. 30

PCC Austin Farm Market

330 N. Lotus Ave.

Noon – 5 p.m.

June 5 through Oct. 16

[Also open the third Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., through Oct. 20.]

Produce here is uncommonly fresh: It’s harvested locally from the PCC Austin Farm. Brain food is also available in the form of free children’s books for youngsters.

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

Polish Triangle Marketplace

1200 N. Milwaukee Ave.

4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

June 5 through Aug. 28 (no market July 3)

SOAR Farmers Market

220 E. Chicago Ave.; MCA Plaza (outside Museum of Contemporary Art)

7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

June 5 through Oct. 30

Pick up farm-fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs and learn how to use them during cooking demonstrations hosted in the SOAR booth, featuring a different chef each week from a neighboring Streeterville restaurant. Oh yeah, there will be samples.

North Lawndale City Market

3419 W. Ogden Ave. (Chicago Police station parking lot)

2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Aug. 14 through Oct. 9

If some of the farmers at this market look awfully young, that’s because they are. Suppliers to this market include teens from the North Lawndale Youth Farm, a youth development program.

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

WEDNESDAYS

Andersonville Farmers Market

Berwyn Avenue, between Ashland and Clark

3 p.m. – 8 p.m.

May 9 through Aug. 29

3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 through Oct. 17

Green City Market – Lincoln Park

1817 N. Clark St.

7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

May 9 through Oct. 24

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

Ravenswood Farmers Market

4900 N. Damen Ave.

4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

June 13 through Oct. 17

This community market is particularly kid-friendly, with plenty of arts and crafts, science experiments, inflatables and a playground (opens at 6 p.m.) to keep the little ones distracted while the big people do their adulting.

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

Growing Solutions Farm

2200 W. Campbell Park Ave.

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

June 20 through Oct. 31

The farmers at Growing Solutions are picking up valuable life skills as part of a program for young adults with autism spectrum disorder. Visitors to the weekly farmstand are encouraged to meet staff and learn about the farm and its mission.

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

LaFollette Park City Market

1333 N. Laramie Ave.

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

July 11 through Sept. 12

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

Pullman City Market

11100 S. Cottage Grove Ave.

7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

July 11 through Oct. 31,

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

Roseland City Market

200 W. 109th St.

2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Aug. 29 through Oct. 24

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

Andersonville Wednesday Farmers Market. | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

THURSDAYS

City Market at Daley Plaza

The longest running farmers’ market in Chicago

50 W. Washington St.

7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

May 10 through Oct. 25

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

Green City Market at Gallagher Way (Wrigley Field)

3637 N. Clark St.

4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

May 31 through Sept. 20 (No markets July 9, Aug. 3, Aug. 9, Aug. 23.)

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

Eli’s Cheesecake Farm Stand and Fresh Market

6701 W. Forest Preserve Dr.

7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

June 14 through Aug. 30 (no market July 5)

A pound of kale totally neutralizes the calories in a slice of cheesecake, right? Shoppers who spend at least $10 on market items are eligible for a free continental breakfast, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Hyde Park Farmers Market

5300 S. Harper Court

7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

June 7 through Oct. 25,

Harper Court is transformed into a pedestrians-only open air market on Thursdays, with cars replaced by fresh fruit and vegetable stands, baked goods, honey, jams and more. During June through September, the market opens with a free Zumba class, the second and fourth weeks of each month. Only 30 slots are available; advance registration is highly recommended (https://getfreshfit2018.eventbrite.com).

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

Lincoln Square Farmers Market

2301 W. Leland Ave., in the municipal lot at the CTA Western Brown Line station

4 p.m. – 8 p.m. (no market Sept. 7); 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. after Labor Day

June 7 through Oct. 25

New in 2018: The Chopping Block will host cooking demonstrations, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., June through August. While you’re in the Square, be sure to swing by Giddings Plaza for the neighborhood’s weekly free Thursday night concerts, 6:3 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., June 7 through Aug. 30.

Low-Line Market

3410 N. Southport Ave.

3 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

June 7 through Oct. 11

Fear not folks with dietary restrictions, the Low-Line Market is here for you: Look for vegan cookies, grain-free granola and allergy-friendly popsicles. The Low-Line also has something else few markets can claim: Beer. Corridor Brewery and Beermiscuous will be slinging suds on a rotating basis.

Garfield Park Neighborhood Market

Kedzie and Lake streets

10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturdays: June 9, July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 8, Oct. 13

3 p.m. – 6 p.m., Thursdays: June 14, July 19, Aug. 16, Sept. 13

Also 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 18

The produce here is as local as it gets, grown in community gardens and urban farms across Garfield Park. The market also offers live entertainment, food demonstrations and family friendly activities.

New this year: nutrition hot topics

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

South Loop Farmers Market

1936 S. Michigan Ave., 2nd Presbyterian Church

4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

June 14 through Sept. 27

West Town Health Market

2233 W. Division St.

3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

June 14 through Dec. 13

This market accepts: Link/SNAP; 3 for 1 matching on all LINK transactions (up to $15)

Argyle Night Market

1000 W. Argyle St.

5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

July 5 through Aug. 30

What do you get when you marry a farmers market with a street fest? The Argyle Night Market, open later than any other market in the city. Nosh on global street food, shop the unique wares on display and soak up the cultural entertainment.

Austin City Market

5900 W. Chicago Ave.

2 p.m. – 7 p.m.

July 12 – Sept. 13

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

SATURDAYS

Green City Market – Lincoln Park

1817 N. Clark St.

7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

May 5 through Oct. 27

Green City Market is so big, it comes with a map (http://www.greencitymarket.org/cmsfiles/2018_vendor_map_saturday.pdf). In addition to food vendors, the market serves up live music, chef demonstrations and yoga classes. Youngsters can join Club Sprouts, which encourages adventurous eating by giving kids the opportunity to sample in-season market items. Little ones who “collect” eight tastes receive a certificate and a prize.

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

61st Street Farmers Market

6100 S. Blackstone Ave.

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

May 12 through Oct. 27

The 61st Street market brings fresh food to the Woodlawn neighborhood, along with education about healthy eating and sustainable agricultural practices. But it’s not all kale and no play. Check out chef demos, live music and, new in 2018, a people-powered blender bike. Take it for a spin and pedal your way to a smoothie.

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

Division Street City Market

Division Street and Dearborn Parkway

7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

May 12 through Oct. 27

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

Fulton Market Expo

800 block of West Fulton Market (between Peoria and Green streets)

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

June 23 through Oct. 27

Set in the footprint of the old Fulton Street Wholesale Market — once home to nearly two dozen butchers and meatpackers — the new FMX will celebrate makers, farmers, artists and small businesses.

Eden Place Farmers Market

4911 S. Shields Ave.

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

June 2 through Oct. 13

Eden Place Farm, an urban farming learning center, sells its homegrown produce at this Fuller Park market.

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

Green City Market – West Loop

115 S. Sangamon St., Mary Bartelme Park

8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

June 2 through Oct. 27

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

Lincoln Park City Market

700 W. Armitage Ave.

7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

June 2 through Oct. 27

Plant Chicago Farmers Market (Back of the Yards)

1400 W. 46th St.

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

First Saturday of the month: June 2, July 7, Aug. 4, Sept. 1 and Oct. 6

Shop straight from the source at the Plant, a collaborative community of food businesses. Everything from coffee to microgreens to naturally leavened bread isn’t just sold onsite, it’s produced there.

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

Garfield Park Neighborhood Market

Kedzie and Lake streets

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

June 9, July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 8 and Oct. 13

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

Horner Park Farmers Market

2741 W. Montrose Ave.

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

June 9 through Oct. 6

This sweet little market has it made in the shade with a tree-covered location at the corner of Montrose and California. Swing by for fresh food, live entertainment and a free community yoga session (weekly at 10 a.m.).

Edgewater Farmers Market

5917 N. Broadway, parking lot of Broadway Armory

8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

June 16 through Oct. 13

This market accepts: Link/SNAP

Northcenter Farmers Market

4100 N. Damen Ave.

7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

June 16 through Oct. 27

Printers Row City Market

700 S. Dearborn St.

7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

June 16 through Oct. 27

South Shore Farmers Market

2423 E. 75th St., Quarry Event Center

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

June 23 through Sept. 29

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

West Humboldt Park Farmers Market

3601 W. Chicago Ave.

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

June 23 through Oct. 6

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

Edgebrook Neighborhood Farmers Market

6525 N. Hiawatha Ave., Edgebrook Elementary School parking lot

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

July 7 through Sept. 29

Englewood/Anchor House City Market

1200 W. 76th St.

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

July 7 through Sept. 15

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

Trinity Hospital Farmers Market

467 W. 95th St.

8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

July 7 through Sept. 29

This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match

Ward 47 Fresh Market + Artisan Fare

3300 N. Marshfield Ave.

8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

June 16 through Oct. 13

As its name suggests, this Lakeview market, located near the Paulina Brown Line station, combines a selection of fresh produce with artisan wares. Ward 47 also offers something you don’t find at every market or, frankly, any other market: a raffle. Stop by the market’s information table to pick up raffle tickets; the lucky winner will walk away with $47 in market cash.

SUBURBAN FARMERS MARKETS

SUNDAYS

Berwyn Farmers Market

6600 W. 26th St., Berwyn

2nd & 4th Sundays of the month

9:00 am – 1:00 pm

June 11 – October 22

Buffalo Grove Farmers Market

951 McHenry Rd., Buffalo Grove

Sundays, 8:00 am – 12:30 pm

June 17 – October 14

Mount Prospect Lions Club Farmers Market

Northwest Highway & Route 83, Mount Prospect

Sundays, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

May 13 – October 14

Skokie Farmers Market

5127 Oakton St., Skokie

Sundays, 7:30 am – 12:30 pm

June 10 – November 4

Western Springs French Market

914 Hillgrove Ave., Western Springs

Sundays, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

May 14 – October 29

WEDNESDAYS

Evanston Farmers Market, Ridgeville

908 Seaward St., Evanston

Wednesdays, 3:30 pm – 7:00 pm

June 6 – October 3

Ravinia Farmers Market

418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park

Wednesdays, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm

June 6 – October 31

Northbrook Farmers Market

Cherry Ln. & Meadow Rd., Northbrook

Wednesdays, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm

June 20 – October 17

Palos Heights Farmers Market

12217 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights

Wednesdays, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm

May 9 – October 10

Riverside Farmers Market

10 Pine Ave., Riverside

Wednesdays, 2:30 pm – 7:00 pm

June 6 – October 10

THURSDAYS

Barrington Farmers Market

Park Ave. & Cook St., Barrington

Thursdays, 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

June 14 – October 18

Evergreen Park Farmers Market

9001 S. Kedzie Ave, Evergreen Park

Thursdays, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm

May 8 – October 25

La Grange Farmers Market

53 S. LaGrange Rd., LaGrange

Thursdays, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm

May 10 – October 25

Market at the Park

9705 W. 142nd St., Orland Park

Thursdays, 4:00 pam – 8:00 pm

June 7 – July 26

FRIDAYS

Schaumburg Farmers Market

190 S. Roselle Rd., Schaumburg

Fridays, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm

June 1 – October 26

Streamwood Farmers Market

1405 S. Park Ave., Streamwood

8:00 am – Noon

Fridays: June 22, July 27 & August 24

SATURDAYS

Arlington Heights Farmers Market

Vail Ave. & Fremont St., Arlington Heights

Saturdays, 7:30 am – 12:30 pm

June 2 – October 13

Brookfield Farmers Market

8820 Brookfield Ave., Brookfield

Saturdays, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

June 2 – October 13

Elk Grove Village Farmers Market

901 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove Village

Saturdays, 7:30 am – 1:00 pm

June 4 – October 15

Evanston Farmers Market, Downtown

University Place & Oak Ave., Evanston

Saturdays, 7:30 am – 1:00 pm

May 5 – November 3

Glencoe French Market

Village Ct. (between Park Ave. & Hazel Ave.), Glencoe

Saturdays, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

June 9 – October 6

Glenview Farmers Market

1510 Wagner Rd., Glenview

Saturdays, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

June 23 – October 27

Homewood Farmers Market

Martin Avenue Square between Ridge Rd. & Chestnut Rd., Homewood

Saturdays, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

May 26 – October 13

Morton Grove Farmers Market

6140 Dempster St., Morton Grove

Saturdays, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

June 9 – October 20

(no market June 30)

Oak Park Farmers Market

460 Lake St., Oak Park

Saturdays, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm

May 19 – October 27

Palatine Farmers Market

137 W. Wood St., Palatine

Saturdays, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm

May 5 – October 27

Park Forest Farmers Market

48 Main St., Park Forest

Saturdays, 7:00 am – 12:00 pm

May 5 – October 27

Park Ridge Farmers Market

15 Prairie Ave., Park Ridge

Saturdays, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm

May 26 – October 27

City Markets

2720 Kirchoff Rd., Rolling Meadows

Saturdays: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

May 26, June 23, July 21, August 25, September 22

Wilmette French Market

Green Bay Rd. & Central Ave., Wilmette

Saturdays, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

April 28 – November 10