You’d be right to feel disappointed if you arrived at a farmers market only to find mostly prepared foods or a craft bazaar. Some shoppers may also wonder if the produce they’re buying was actually grown by the people behind the tables. While the reselling of produce at a farmers market is likely uncommon, the practice is not unheard of.
Taylor Choy, deputy director and chief operating officer of Green City Market, says consumers should ask when in doubt about the origin of anything they see at a market. “If you see stickers on produce, that could be a sign that it’s being resold,” she says. The 15 farmers markets featured here are just that: markets where local farmers sell directly to the public. (For more, check out our 2025 guides to 100-plus farmers markets in Chicago and the neighboring suburbs.)
City 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 Link/SNAP; dogs are welcome
For a Parisian market experience, hop on the Red Line up to the Morse station. This long-running neighborhood staple keeps things simple — flowers, food and unmatched community vibes. “I know that’s very cliche, but everybody knows your name,” says Sandi Price, executive director of Rogers Park Business Alliance. The produce is glorious, as are the cheeses and locally raised meats, but look for the candy and homemade canning stalls. Stop by one of the bars close by to sit outside and enjoy a drink after.
Green City Market
1817 N. Clark St.
Saturdays, 7 a.m.–1 p.m., April 5–Nov. 22 (opens 8 a.m. in November)
Wednesdays, 7 a.m.–1 p.m., May 7–Oct. 29
Accepts Link/SNAP; dogs are welcome
In its 26 years, Green City Market has developed a vetting process for its vendors that has to be one of the most rigorous anywhere. Every farmer must clear a third-party certification that verifies sustainable growing practices, and the staffers actually visit many farms to see for themselves. This year, the market has secured grant funding to triple match Link/SNAP benefits (you get $75 to spend for $25 in benefit dollars). Green City Market can also be found in the West Loop (at 900 W. Monroe St., north of Mary Bartelme Park) on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 3 through Nov. 22.
Horner Park Farmers Market
2741 W. Montrose Ave.
Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., June 7–Oct. 11
Accepts Link/SNAP; dogs are welcome
If your perfect Saturday is camping out with a picnic at a park, head over to this riverside market, right by the field house. Free yoga, acoustic music, art projects for kids and space for mingling with your neighbors are part of what keeps Horner Park’s market intimate. That’s on purpose, says founder Gretchen Helmreich: “This is not a money-making endeavor. We built it for the community and for the vendors to do well.” Save the date for Kid’s Day on Sept. 16.
Wicker Park Farmers Market
1425 N. Damen Ave.
Sundays, 8 a.m.–2 p.m., May 4–Oct. 26
Accepts Link/SNAP; dogs are welcome
Nobody does hip like Wicker Park, and everything about its market (celebrating 25 years this summer) is cool. Not only does it brim with locally made cheeses, baked goods, produce, meats and eggs, but environmental stewardship is a guiding principle — don’t expect to see any plastic from the vendors, for example. Live music, dance workshops and partnerships with local nonprofits are part of what make this market a multigenerational affair and a must-visit throughout the season.
City Downtown
Daley Plaza Farmers Market
50 W. Washington St.
Thursdays, 7 a.m.–2 p.m., May 22–Oct. 23 (no market June 19)
Accepts Link/SNAP; dogs are welcome
For so many office workers, the official start of spring is the annual appearance of the farmers market at Daley Plaza, this year on May 22. The city of Chicago runs two: Daley Plaza and the Division Street Farmers Market (30 W. Division St.; 7 a.m. to noon on Saturdays). Both represent the city’s effort to provide Chicagoans with more access to fresh food. Sandra Carrera, the city’s program manager for farmers markets, says 85% of vendors at Daley Plaza are farmers who sell what they’ve grown. The city also partners with community organizations to fund and support markets in Bronzeville, Pullman and Little Village and at Austin Town Hall Park.
SOAR Farmers Market
220 E. Chicago Ave.
Tuesdays, 7 a.m.–2 p.m., June 3–Oct. 28
Dogs are welcome
A perfect piece of produce is a work of art in itself, but feel free to confirm it at SOAR’s market, held on the plaza just outside the Museum of Contemporary Art. It’s not just for Streeterville residents and art lovers — neighborhood chefs frequent the stalls to supply restaurants around River North and the Loop. Check back in September, when SOAR hosts a gala for its 50th anniversary as a community organization. Don’t miss the flower farmers all season too.
City West
Garfield Park Neighborhood Market
135 W. Kedzie Ave.
Second and fourth Saturdays, June 14–Oct. 28
Accepts Link/SNAP
Looking for that West Side entrepreneurial energy that can’t be beat? It’s on full display at The Hatchery Chicago, a nonprofit food and beverage incubator that runs the market, where locals are growing both produce and small businesses. Right outside the building, you can find raw materials to make your own meals, thanks to the Garfield Park Garden Network and the conservatory nearby. Artisan goods — homemade relishes, barbecue sauces, infused syrups, herbal salts, bath products and traditional African snacks — are also worth a browse.
City South
61st Street Farmers Market
6100 S. Blackstone Ave.
Saturdays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., May 17–Oct. 25
Accepts Link/SNAP; dogs are welcome
“People tend to linger at this market,” says manager Emily Cross, which is no surprise, given its expansive offerings. Farmers who’ve stuck with the market for nearly two decades mingle with vendors selling handheld savory pies, gluten-free and vegan goods, fresh flowers and prepared food from Woodlawn-area chefs — all of which you can enjoy on the historic Midway Plaisance nearby. Programming includes kid-friendly educational activities for all designed to connect visitors to the sources of their food.
Hyde Park Farmers Market
1516 E. 54th St.
Sundays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., June 1–Sept. 28
Accepts Link/SNAP; dogs are welcome
They may be new kids on the block, but the Hyde Park market, established in 2017, is a neighborhood treasure that’s already blooming. Prepare for surprises every time you visit, whether you run into a magician strolling between the stands or you discover new-to-you local businesses, like standout MyImoss Teas & More, which transforms sea moss (a type of red algae) into nutrient-rich products for people and pets. Don’t miss the lavender coffee and deep-fried mandazi pastries from Kikwetu Kenya Coffee Company.
Suburbs North
Arlington Heights Farmers Market
110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights
Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12 p.m., May 10-Oct. 11
Dogs are welcome
Enjoy a farmers market run by a historical society, located across the street from the museum campus, which includes an old soda pop factory. You’re just as likely to run into Abe Lincoln and Mary Todd (OK, reenactors) as you are kid musicians from School of Rock. Arlington Heights offers a family-friendly Saturday morning destination with crafts, live music and matchless community vibes. Even the vintage tastes fresh: Try the sodas made from actual 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 may enter at 7 a.m.), May 3–Nov. 1
Accepts Link/SNAP
A market celebrating its 50th anniversary is doing something right. You don’t have to wait for July 12 for the big party, although that celebration will be big. Downtown Evanston’s market is chock-full of beloved vendors, from Fred’s Breads, run by a local French pastry chef, to Peasant Revolt Farm, which sells microgreens and other organic produce. One vendor even offers fresh Alaskan wild-caught sockeye salmon, sourced directly from his brother. Watch the live music schedule too, as professional and touring artists regularly play the market.
Northbrook Farmers Market
Meadow Shopping Plaza, Cherry Lane and Meadow Road, Northbrook
Wednesdays, 7 a.m.–1 p.m., June 18–Oct. 8
Accepts Link/SNAP; dogs are welcome
A Wednesday farmers market has a secret: Since farmers often harvest on Mondays and Tuesdays, says market manager Dale Duda, these markets get the pick of the pick. Furthermore, all produce has traveled no more than 150 miles to the market, guaranteeing the freshest possible offerings. Northbrook also prides itself on its all-volunteer set-up (look for anyone wearing a purple-red Onion Head T-shirt) and its emphasis on community service, whether for food pantries, pet rescues, composting or just plain friendliness.
Suburbs West
Batavia Farmers’ Market
29 N. River St., Batavia
Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12 p.m., May 17–Oct. 25; Wednesdays, 5 p.m.–8 p.m., June 4–Aug. 27
Dogs are welcome
Brick-lined streets, boardwalk shops, a riverwalk nearby — you must be in Batavia, where 60 vendors can fill up the Saturday market. Nothing sold there travels more than two hours, says market spokesperson Beth Walker, and some growers are just 15 minutes away. On the third Saturday of each month, the market doubles in size as 50 local artisans also set up shop. If the weekend doesn’t work out, a smaller version pops up on Wednesday nights with about 20 sellers.
Lemont Farmers Market
322 Main St., Lemont
Tuesday, 4 p.m.–7 p.m., June 24–Sept. 30
It’s not the biggest, it’s not the flashiest, but it is the realest. Founder and landscaper Amanda Thomsen saw the village dragging its feet on a park next to her plant and garden store. Now, she’s about to begin her third year running a hyperlocal market there, where most produce is grown an hour or less away. Pollyanna Brewing Company adds a strong beer-and-cocktail presence, and the variety of monthly live 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 20)
Dogs are welcome
Tinley Park is a magnet for musicians, and its market is no exception. Come hang and shop to the live stylings of Irish folk, Oktoberfest polka, jazz soloists and even Blues Hall of Fame luminary Smiley Tillmon. Local nonprofits partner up at the market to bring libraries, fire trucks, crafts and growing plants for kids of all ages. Keep an eye out for recipe swaps from local restaurants and cooking demos from vendors like WonderPork Farm.