Best indoor and outdoor farmers markets in Chicago

Supporting small farmers gives a nice boost to the local economy and helps you maintain healthier eating habits with produce that’s in season. A win-win! Luckily for you, there are a number of farmers markets in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Although none of them operate year round, there is at least one open every month of the year. But before you go, check the market’s opening and closing dates since they change each year — and sometimes get extended depending on the weather. Use our list to discover some of the best options in town. 

City Market at Daley Plaza

When: Thursdays from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m., May through October
Where: 50 W Washington St
Parking: Paid parking nearby

More than 30 vendors fill the square at Daley Plaza for the longest-running farmers market in Chicago. Seasonal produce overflows here, and there are also vendors selling cheese, bread, fresh flowers, ready-to-plant herbs and more.

Learn more about City Market at Daley Plaza

South Loop Farmers Markets

Indoor Market at Roosevelt Collection

When: Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., January through March
Where: 150 W Roosevelt Rd, in the retail space next to Ulta
Parking: Free 2-hour validated parking

Grant Park

When: Thursdays from 4 – 8 p.m. (rain or shine), June through September
Where: 1201 S Michigan Ave 
Parking: Paid parking nearby

Printers Row

When: Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (rain or shine), June through October
Where: Printers Row Park, 632 S Dearborn St
Parking: Paid parking nearby

Local farms and small businesses sell their produce and goods at these three farmers markets in Chicago. You’ll also find live music and activities for kids on select days.

Learn more about the South Loop Farmers Markets

Maxwell Street Market

When: Sundays from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., May through October
Where: 800 S Desplaines St
Parking: Limited free parking on Desplaines St. between Harrison St. and Polk St., and between Taylor St. and Roosevelt St. Other paid parking nearby

Maxwell Street Market is less of a farmers market and more of an everything else market. It’s full of variety, with vendors selling clothing, housewares, handmade crafts, Mexican street food and some fresh produce. Cultural performances and live music are common too. 

There’s also more than 100 years of history behind the Maxwell Street Market. It was officially recognized by the City of Chicago in October 1912 and has moved locations multiple times, which explains why it’s called the Maxwell Street Market, but is no longer on Maxwell Street. Its current location on Desplaines Street has been its home since fall of 2008.

Learn more about the Maxwell Street Market

Austin Town Hall City Market

When: Thursdays from 1 – 6 p.m. (rain or shine), June through October
Where: Austin Town Hall Park, 5610 W Lake St
Parking: Free street parking nearby

This Chicago farmers market maintains a strong commitment to the community by supporting family farms and local business owners. Beyond being able to buy produce, prepared meals, vegan foods, handmade products and more, you’ll also find live performances, a community resources table and kid-friendly activities.

Learn more about the Austin Town Hall City Market

Lincoln Square Farmers Market

Tuesday Morning Market

When: Tuesdays from 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. (rain or shine), May through November
Where: 2357 W Leland Ave in the municipal parking lot on the south side of W Leland Ave
Parking: Metered parking and free residential street parking nearby

Learn more about the Tuesday Morning Market

Thursday Evening Market

When: Thursdays from 3 – 7 p.m. (rain or shine), May through October (closed July 4, 2024)
Where: 2357 W Leland Ave in the municipal parking lot on the south side of W Leland Ave
Parking: Metered parking and free residential street parking nearby

Learn more about the Thursday Evening Market

Whether you go on Tuesday morning or Thursday afternoon, you’ll find an array of food items in this market, like produce, cheese, fresh pastas, bakery goods, honey products and Mexican street foods.

Edgewater Farmers Market

When: Mondays from 3 – 7 p.m., June through September
Where: 5917 N Broadway
Parking: Metered parking nearby

The Edgewater Farmers Market is the only Chicago-area farmers market that operates on Mondays. There are dozens of vendors, plus activities and entertainment for the whole family.

Learn more about the Edgewater Farmers Market

SOAR Farmers Market at MCA

When: Tuesdays from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. (rain or shine), June through October
Where: 220 E Chicago Ave
Parking: Paid parking garages and street parking nearby

Looking for a little more than fruit and vegetables? Crepes, grilled cheese, handcrafted soups and small-batch tofu are some of the prepared items you’ll find at the SOAR Farmers Market that aren’t usually available at a typical farmers market. Who knows what else you’ll discover!

Learn more about the SOAR Farmers Market at MCA

The Farmer at The Green 

When: Tuesdays from 3 – 7 p.m., May to October
Where: 320 S Canal St
Parking: Discounted, flat-rate parking at 333 South Clinton St garage during market hours

The Farmer at The Green is one of Chicago’s newest markets, with 2024 marking its second season. Its downtown location is perfect for city dwellers, commuters and visitors. 

Learn more about The Farmer at The Green

Green City Market Lincoln Park

When: Saturdays from 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. (rain or shine), April through November, and Wednesdays, May through October
Where: Lincoln Park, 1817 N Clark St
Parking: Discounted, flat-rate parking with validation in the Chicago Historical Museum parking lot

Much more than just a farmers market, Green City Market also creates educational programming for kids and has a Sustainable Supper Series with guest speakers for adults. 

Learn more about Green City Market Lincoln Park

Uptown Farmers Market

When: Wednesdays from 2:30 – 7 p.m. (rain or shine), May to November
Where: Sunnyside Mall, 1244-1320 W. Sunnyside Ave
Parking: Residential street parking and metered parking nearby

This Chicago farmers market is strong on community-building. Stroll the stalls and meet the farmers or producers who work behind the scenes. Keep an eye out for youth programming and other live events.

Learn more about the Uptown Farmers Market

4 tips for going to Chicago’s farmers markets

Shopping at a Chicago farmers market is straightforward enough, but if you don’t go often, there are a few things you should be aware of so you’re fully prepared. 

Tip 1: Bring containers and reusable bags

Be eco-friendly and save on the bag tax by bringing your own containers (for loose items, like berries and chili peppers) and reusable bags (for everything else). 

Tip 2: Carry some cash

Many vendors accept digital or credit card payments, but there are some who don’t, so be prepared with a few bills just in case. 

Tip 3: Go with an empty bladder

Not all Chicago farmers markets offer free public restroom access or are located near one. Prepare accordingly to avoid an uncomfortable situation.

Tip 4: Check the schedule 

Adverse weather may close some markets, while others operate rain or shine. Likewise, some markets may open earlier than planned, extend their end date or close on specific holidays. If you’re unsure whether they’ll be open, check the market’s website or social media pages for the latest updates. 

Use Avail to get there

Need extra trunk space or a vehicle to get you to some of the farmers markets that are outside of downtown Chicago, like the Austin Town Hall City Market? Pick the perfect vehicle for your trip with Avail car sharing. We have more than 40 self-service locations in neighborhoods around Chicago. And all trips are protected by Allstate insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance. Book today and get a spacious car to haul your haul.