Introduction to Chicago Farmers Markets
CHICAGO — Popular Chicago farmers markets — including Maxwell Street Market and the city-sponsored farmers markets — are returning to neighborhoods citywide this month.
The markets kick off this spring and summer and run through October, bringing fresh produce, local artisans, street food and multicultural programs to Chicago streets. Some neighborhood farmers markets — like the Lincoln Square and Wicker Park markets — kicked off earlier this month.
City-Sponsored Farmers Markets
Chicago’s longest-running farmers market, the Daley Plaza Farmers Market, returns May 22 to 50 W. Washington St. in the Loop. It’ll take place 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 23, with more than 40 vendors offering fresh and locally sourced goods. There will not be a market June 19.
New vendors at Daley Plaza this year include Vangie’s Farm, Onigiri Kororin, DMApothecary and Taste of India.
The Daley Plaza Farmers Market will also host a seed swap and seedling sale 11 a.m.-2 p.m. May 29, a new addition to the market. Gardeners of all levels will be able to bring seeds to share and browse locally grown seedlings.
Other City-Sponsored Markets
Other city-sponsored farmers markets include:
- Division Street Farmers Market, 30 W. Division St. (7 a.m.-noon Saturdays from May 17-Oct. 25)
- Austin Town Hall Farmers Market, 5610 W. Lake St. (1-6 p.m. Thursdays from June 12-Oct. 30)
- Pullman Farmers Market, 11100 S. Cottage Grove Ave. (7 a.m.-noon Wednesdays from July 9-Oct. 29)
- Bronzeville Farmers Market, 4700 S. King Drive (10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays from July 13-Oct. 19)
The Lincoln Square Farmers Market entrance in 2024.
Credit: Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce
Maxwell Street Market
Maxwell Street — the city’s longest-running open-air market and a Chicago tradition for more than a century — also returns this month with six themed pop-up markets through October. It’ll take place 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on select Sundays through the spring, summer and fall along Maxwell Street between South Halsted Street and South Union Avenue.
Each Maxwell Street market will have vendors selling vintage and rare goods, handmade crafts, resale housewares, clothing and food. There will also be live entertainment, family-friendly activities, Somos Arte Chicago activations and walking tours led by the Maxwell Street Foundation.
Vendor applications for this year’s Maxwell Street Market are now open. Learn more and apply here.
Maxwell Street Market kicks off with a “Spring Garage Sale” May 18. There’ll be live entertainment by DJ James Porter, the Ivy Ford Trio, the Vino Louden Duo and Mike Wheeler and Larry Williams.
Maxwell Street Market Schedule
The rest of this season’s Maxwell Street Market schedule:
- June 8: “Celebrating Chicago Blues” with performances by Omar Coleman Westside Soul, Harmonica Hinds and more;
- July 13: “SummerDance at Maxwell Street” with dance lessons;
- Aug. 10: “Dog Days of Summer,” a pet-friendly market day with pet vendors and summer activities;
- Sept. 14: “Kids’ Edition” market with kid vendors and child-focused entertainment;
- Oct. 5: “Happy Birthday, Maxwell Street” market with a special appearance and reading by Avery Cunningham, the author of “The Mayor of Maxwell Street.”
Conclusion
“Maxwell Street and the Farmers Markets are more than just places to shop — they’re cultural hubs and living pieces of Chicago’s heritage,” said DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth in a press release Thursday. “This season’s events each spotlight a unique part of our city’s vibrant spirit, from the legacy of Chicago Blues to family fun, dancing, and literary delights.”
Learn more about Chicago’s farmers markets and find the full spring, summer and fall schedule here.
FAQs
Q: When do the Chicago farmers markets start?
A: The markets kick off this spring and summer and run through October.
Q: What can I find at the Maxwell Street Market?
A: Vendors selling vintage and rare goods, handmade crafts, resale housewares, clothing, and food, as well as live entertainment and family-friendly activities.
Q: How can I apply to be a vendor at the Maxwell Street Market?
A: Vendor applications for this year’s Maxwell Street Market are now open. Learn more and apply here.
