5 Best Farmers Markets in Chicago for Fresh and Local Finds

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One of my favorite ways to enjoy summertime Chi is by wandering through the best farmers markets in Chicago. Clear blue skies, streets filled with post-winter cheer and a park brimming with stalls selling goodies?? Yes, please.

Shopping in local neighborhoods for the freshest produce is actually a really fun thing to do in summer in Chicago – and in some cases, winter too.

Covered below is all you need to know about the top five Chicago farmers markets, plus why you should visit, frequently asked questions, and an additional five markets to consider visiting.

5 Best Farmers Markets in Chicago

The following five are the pick of the bunch when it comes to Chicago farmers markets. These top choices offer lots of options and vendors, and I’ve shopped at a few of these myself.

Smaller farmers markets also pop up in various neighborhoods across the city during summer, so keep your eyes peeled for those, too.

1. Green City Farmers Market in Lincoln Park

Best for the Lakefront Trail

Where: 1817 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
When: Saturdays: 7am to 1pm from early April through November
Wednesdays: 7am to 1pm from early May

This Chicago farmer’s market in lovely Lincoln Park is the main one I’ve frequented myself, as I used to live nearby.

A sunny morning at a bustling farmers market set in a park with green trees and gravel pathways. People browse under white tents, and a dog walks alongside its owner.

It’s not far to walk from this location to the lakefront trail, and it’s also conveniently located for several surrounding neighborhoods, including Lakeview, Gold Coast, Old Town and River North.

There’s also the attractions of the sprawling park to keep you busy if you want to make a day of it, including nearby conservatory, the zoo and museums.

A modern wooden pavilion with a wave-like structure, featuring curved beams and open skylights. Through the archway, a lush green park with the Chicago skyline, including the John Hancock Center, is visible in the distance.

Green City Farmers Market specializes in seasonal produce such as fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, and meat and fish.

You can also pick up baked goods, condiments, preserves, sauces, salads, sandwiches, and drinks, plus potted plants. Keep an eye out for French patisserie, Verzênay, if you want a uniquely delicious pastry.

This market begins during spring in Chicago and goes on into fall, so unless you’re visiting us in winter months (really think about that!) chances are you’ll be able to check it out.

2. Logan Square Farmers Market

Best for a winter market

Where: Summer: 3107 W Logan Blvd, Chicago, 60647
Winter: 2537 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60618

When: Summer: Sundays from 9am to 3pm
Winter: Saturdays from 9am to 1pm

If you want to shop at a farmers markets all year round, then the Logan Square one should be on your radar.

It moves indoors from early November to late March, so you can even pick up fresh local produce during winter.

The market is a community event, backed by a not-for-profit organization and the local Chamber of Commerce.

Its objectives are to promote the Logan Square neighborhood, support entrepreneurs and offer responsibly produced foods with high nutritional value.

You’ll find bakeries, delis, farmers, and artisan and organic producers there, as well as cafes.

3. Wicker Park Farmers Market

Best for positive vibes

Where: Summer: 1425 N Damen, Chicago IL 60622
Winter: The Robey, 2018 W North Ave, Chicago IL 60647

When: Summer: Sundays from 9am to 2pm (April to March)
Winter: Selected Sundays from 9am to 2pm (December to March)

A close-up of an iced coffee in a clear plastic cup with a black straw. A hand with light pink nail polish holds the drink against a blurred background of a farmers market stall with a sign reading "Southside Grinds."

I spent some of last summer living in the Wicker Park neighborhood, so I’ve visited this market several times.

What I love is that it has a positive energy and really good vibes about it. This one also operates during winter, on selected Sundays at The Robey.

Like the farmers market at Logan Square, Wicker Park farmers market is all about community, good quality local produce, and aiding small-scale food producers. You can pick up other locally made goods here too, such as giftware items.

4. Glenwood Sunday Market

Best for seasonal produce

Where: Glenwood between Lunt & Morse, Chicago, IL 60626
When: Sundays: 9am to 2pm from early June through late October

A farmers market table covered in a blue tarp, showcasing fresh strawberries in white containers, pineapples, bananas, oranges, and leafy greens. Handwritten price signs are visible among the fruit crates.

Held in Rogers Park, Glenwood Sunday Market operates between the beginning of June and the end of October. This ties in nicely with the harvest seasons for various locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs.

The market has been running since 2010, and specializes in bringing locally produced, nutritious, sustainable food to the public.

At Glenwood you could start off the season with freshly-picked berries, feasting on later summer produce in-between, then end it by buying some Halloween themed baked goods.

5. Lincoln Square Farmers Market

Best for a midweek market

Where: 4513 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
When: Tuesdays: 7am to 12pm from May through November
Thursdays: 3pm to 7pm from May through October

A market stall featuring an assortment of artisan bread, including baguettes and round loaves, laid out on a table covered with a turquoise cloth. A vendor in a green t-shirt is serving a customer, while a woman in a blue dress with a tote bag browses the selection.

While many of the best farmers markets in Chicago operate on weekends, Lincoln Square is different, as it’s open from early morning until midday on Tuesdays and between 3pm and 7pm on Thursdays.

With more than 50 traders here, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Vendors at this market on the Northside of Chicago include farmers and other local food producers.

In the Readers “Best of Chicago 2024” awards, this one was nominated for Best Farmers Market. The management is passionate about what they do, and visit their traders to keep up with what’s on offer.

Why visit Chicago farmers markets?

It’s a free morning or afternoon out, right? Apart from what you spend at the market, of course. Other than that, here are three of the top reasons why you should shop at the best farmers markets in Chicago.

A scenic outdoor market by the water, shaded by trees and awnings. A woman in a red dress walks past vendors selling fresh produce, including tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens. The blue sea and a rocky coastline are visible in the background.

Buy direct

Buying direct from producers cuts out the middleman, and can therefore reduce what you spend.

You can also talk to the people who grew or made what you’re about to eat as a snack on the go, or prepare for dinner later. Meeting the vendors and other shoppers can really add to your sense of belonging and community, too.

Support local

Not only do you get to meet local producers and sample their wares, you also get to support them financially.

Buying from them rather than the supermarket can also give them a real boost, and help them see that what they’re doing really is worthwhile.

It’s fun!

Whether you’re a local like me or a first-time visitor, shopping at Chicago farmers markets is always good fun!

What’s not to love about wandering around mingling with local foodies – not to mention seeing the colorful fruits, smelling freshly-baked bread, and sampling a handmade sweet treat?

Farmers Markets FAQ

Whether you’re a farmers market rookie or are wondering if things are done any differently here in Chicago, here are the things shoppers really want to know.

A rustic wooden table with fresh carrots, apples, and a piece of ginger. The orange and purple carrots have their leafy green tops attached, adding to the natural, farm-fresh aesthetic.

Do you haggle at the farmers market?

Some people always haggle at farmers markets, while others would never dream of it. If you’re comfortable with it and respectful toward the vendors, there’s no reason not to try your luck.

Buy in bulk or visit not long before closing time for the best chance of getting a good deal. But for full transparency I’ll share that I’ve never haggled at a Chicago farmers market myself and I don’t plan to.

Is it cheaper to buy from a farmers market?

Whether it’s cheaper or more costly to buy goods from a farmers market depends on how you compare prices.

It can be more expensive, but remember that you might be getting the freshest, responsibility produced foods, which might also be organic.

As there may be a large supply, the best deals are often available on seasonal produce.

What are some other Chicago farmers markets to explore?

A symmetrical overhead view of baskets filled with fresh berries, including raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and golden raspberries. The neatly arranged produce is displayed in teal cartons, creating a colorful grid pattern.

Can’t get enough? I don’t blame you – here are other great options to consider that will also get you out exploring even more Chicago neighborhoods:

Andersonville | 1500 W. Catalpa Ave | Wednesdays, 3pm to 7pm, May to October
Mercado de Colores (Little Village Farmers Market) | Manuel Perez Memorial Plaza, 4345 W 26th St | Saturdays, 11am to 3pm, June to October
South Loop Farmers Market | Printers Row Park, 632 S Dearborn | Saturdays, 9am to 1pm, May to October
Green City Market West Loop | Mary Bartelme Park, 900 W Monroe St | Saturdays, 8am to 1pm, May to October
Independence Park | 3945 N Springfield Ave | 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month, 9am to 1pm, June to October

Now go enjoy the best farmers markets in Chicago!

For the freshest, locally produced food and a fun day out, you really can’t beat a farmers market.

From seasonal fruit or flowers to home baked cakes or handmade pasta sauces, you can pick up all sorts of edible delights, all while enjoying a friendly, neighborhood feel. Gotta love a farmers market!