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
Mary Gelder from the Ellis Family Farms (Benton Harbor, MI) selling asparagus at the Green City Market in Lincoln Park. | Victor Hilitski/For the 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
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
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.
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
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
1425 N. Damen Ave.
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
June 3 through Oct. 28
This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match
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
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
47th St. & King Dr.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
July 8 through Sept. 16
This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match
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.
Asparagus & rhubarb are plentiful at the start of the Farmers Market season. | Provided to the Sun-Times
MONDAYS
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
Radishes are plentiful at Farmers Markets throughout the city and suburbs. | Mike Isaacs\Sun-Times
TUESDAYS
500 S. Central Ave.
2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
July 10 through Sept. 11
This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match
Adams Street and Dearborn Parkway
7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
May 15 through Oct. 30
This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match
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
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
1200 N. Milwaukee Ave.
4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
June 5 through Aug. 28 (no market July 3)
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.
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
Vendors display their herbs and produce at the Daley Plaza farmers market. | Sun-Times file photo
WEDNESDAYS
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
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
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
1333 N. Laramie Ave.
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
July 11 through Sept. 12
This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match
11100 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
July 11 through Oct. 31,
This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match
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
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.
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
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.
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
The South Loop Farmers Market is open on Thursday evenings. | Natalie Watts/Sun-Times
1936 S. Michigan Ave., 2nd Presbyterian Church
4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
June 14 through Sept. 27
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)
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.
5900 W. Chicago Ave.
2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
July 12 – Sept. 13
This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match
A variety of mushrooms for sale at the Daley Plaza weekly Farmers Market. | Provided to the Sun-Times
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
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 and Dearborn Parkway
7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
May 12 through Oct. 27
This market accepts: Link/SNAP & Link Match
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.
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
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
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
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.).
5917 N. Broadway, parking lot of Broadway Armory
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
June 16 through Oct. 13
This market accepts: Link/SNAP
Luis Soto from Baked Cheese Haus making a grill cheese sandwich at the Green City Market in Lincoln Park. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
4100 N. Damen Ave.
7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
June 16 through Oct. 27
700 S. Dearborn St.
7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
June 16 through Oct. 27
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.
The Hinsdale Farmers market. | File photo by Jeff Krage/For Sun-Times
SUBURBAN FARMERS MARKETS
SUNDAYS
6600 W. 26th St., Berwyn
2nd & 4th Sundays of the month
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
June 11 – October 22
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
5127 Oakton St., Skokie
Sundays, 7:30 am – 12:30 pm
June 10 – November 4
914 Hillgrove Ave., Western Springs
Sundays, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
May 14 – October 29
A Farmers Market in Burr Ridge. | File Photo by Joe Cyganowski-For Sun-Times
WEDNESDAYS
Evanston Farmers Market, Ridgeville
908 Seaward St., Evanston
Wednesdays, 3:30 pm – 7:00 pm
June 6 – October 3
418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park
Wednesdays, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm
June 6 – October 31
Cherry Ln. & Meadow Rd., Northbrook
Wednesdays, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm
June 20 – October 17
12217 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights
Wednesdays, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm
May 9 – October 10
10 Pine Ave., Riverside
Wednesdays, 2:30 pm – 7:00 pm
June 6 – October 10
People browse produce at the Elmwood Park farmers market. | File Photo by Curtis Lehmkuhl/For Sun-Times
THURSDAYS
Park Ave. & Cook St., Barrington
Thursdays, 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
June 14 – October 18
9001 S. Kedzie Ave, Evergreen Park
Thursdays, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm
May 8 – October 25
53 S. LaGrange Rd., LaGrange
Thursdays, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm
May 10 – October 25
9705 W. 142nd St., Orland Park
Thursdays, 4:00 pam – 8:00 pm
June 7 – July 26
Fruit at the Glencoe Farmers Market. | File photo by Karie Angell Luc for Sun-Times
FRIDAYS
190 S. Roselle Rd., Schaumburg
Fridays, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm
June 1 – October 26
1405 S. Park Ave., Streamwood
8:00 am – Noon
Fridays: June 22, July 27 & August 24
At the LaGrange Farmers Market, Melissa Morlock, from Michigan, works at her parents fruitstand. | File photo by Jon Langham for Sun-Times
SATURDAYS
Arlington Heights Farmers Market
Vail Ave. & Fremont St., Arlington Heights
Saturdays, 7:30 am – 12:30 pm
June 2 – October 13
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
Village Ct. (between Park Ave. & Hazel Ave.), Glencoe
Saturdays, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
June 9 – October 6
1510 Wagner Rd., Glenview
Saturdays, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
June 23 – October 27
Martin Avenue Square between Ridge Rd. & Chestnut Rd., Homewood
Saturdays, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
May 26 – October 13
6140 Dempster St., Morton Grove
Saturdays, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
June 9 – October 20
(no market June 30)
460 Lake St., Oak Park
Saturdays, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm
May 19 – October 27
137 W. Wood St., Palatine
Saturdays, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm
May 5 – October 27
48 Main St., Park Forest
Saturdays, 7:00 am – 12:00 pm
May 5 – October 27
15 Prairie Ave., Park Ridge
Saturdays, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm
May 26 – October 27
2720 Kirchoff Rd., Rolling Meadows
Saturdays: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
May 26, June 23, July 21, August 25, September 22
Green Bay Rd. & Central Ave., Wilmette
Saturdays, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
April 28 – November 10
The Glencoe Farmers Market | File photo by Karie Angell Luc for Sun-Times
