There’s nothing quite like the excitement of a farmers market—the scent of fresh herbs, the vibrant hues of just-picked produce, and the warm smiles of local growers. In Illinois, farmers markets are more than just a place to shop—they’re a community gathering, offering seasonal fruits and vegetables, handmade goods, and farm-to-table flavors deeply rooted in the state’s agricultural heritage. Whether you’re strolling through a bustling city market or visiting a quaint rural stand, you’ll discover fresh ingredients and an authentic taste of Illinois.
Top Farmers Markets in Chicago & Beyond
Green City Market
Chicago’s Green City Market was founded in 1998 by chef, author, and entrepreneur Abby Mandel as a small gathering of local growers near the Chicago Theatre. Today, it spans Lincoln Park, Avondale, and the West Loop. From May to October, visitors can explore the market on Wednesdays, browsing fresh produce, meat, seafood, dairy, eggs, and ready-to-eat treats from hundreds of regional farmers and food purveyors.
Highwood Evening Market
Visit Highwood’s Evening Market every Wednesday from June to August in Everts Park. Enjoy fresh produce, local cheeses, pastries, and more while dining, dancing to live music, and entertaining kids with face painting and pony rides.
Elawa Farm Garden Market
Continue your North Shore market tour in Lake Forest at Elawa Farm, a scenic 16-acre historic property. From mid-May to October, its Friday and Saturday garden market offers seasonal veggies, fresh-cut flowers, and farm-to-table treats from The Kitchen.
Aurora Farmers Market
Illinois’ oldest farmers’ market, founded in 1912, takes place Saturdays at Water Street Square and Wednesdays at West Plaza. Shop fresh produce, artisan cheeses, breads, and handcrafted goods while enjoying live music and a lively community atmosphere.
Downtown Evanston Farmers Market
Experience the best of local flavors at the Downtown Evanston Farmers Market, running Saturdays from May 3 to November 1, 2025. Located at University Avenue and Oak Street, the market opens at 7:30 AM, with early access at 7:00 AM for seniors and adults with disabilities. Browse fresh produce, artisanal goods, and more in a vibrant community setting. Free validated parking is available at the Maple Ave. garage. Service animals only.
Northern Illinois Farmers Markets
Twin City Farmers Market
Hosting 20+ year-round vendors and even more seasonal vendors, the market's offerings include locally raised beef, pork, free-range chicken and eggs; homegrown produce; organic herbs; honey, jams, jellies and sauces; a wide variety of baked goods, including pies, bread, cookies and cakes; locally made soaps and candles; knitted items; local photography; jewelry; crafts; and artwork. The market is open weekly on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. until noon.
Woodstock Farmers Market
Conveniently located off the Metra, this producer-only market offers live music and a variety of local goods, including fresh produce, meats, cheeses, honey, wine, baked treats, and even hand-spun yarn and seedlings.
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Rockford City Market
Held Fridays from late May to September, this lively evening market in downtown Rockford features fresh produce, artisan crafts, live music, kids' entertainment, and food demos, creating a vibrant community atmosphere.
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Kankakee Farmers Market
The Kankakee Farmers’ Market, the area’s only Saturday market, is a popular weekend destination. Family-friendly with live music and activities, it offers fresh produce, handmade goods, and ready-to-eat foods—plus the convenience of shopping carts.
View Market View MarketCentral Illinois Farmers Markets
Urbana’s Market at the Square
Since 1979, Urbana’s Market at the Square has connected the community with local growers and artisans. From May through October, thousands gather weekly at one of Illinois’ largest and most diverse farmers markets. With over 150 vendors, visitors can shop fresh produce, meat, dairy, honey, local beer and wine, flowers, and handmade crafts—all in a lively downtown setting.
Old State Capitol Farmers Market
For nearly 25 years, the Old State Capitol Farmers Market has connected farmers with the community. Held downtown Wednesdays and Saturdays from mid-May to October, it features 50+ vendors offering produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and artisan crafts—plus chef demos for inspiration.
Downtown Bloomington Farmers' Market
A farm-to-table gem, Firefly Grill serves fresh, sustainable cuisine in a scenic lakeside setting. Sourcing from its garden and local farms, the menu features seasonal dishes, wood-fired steaks, and fresh seafood in a warm, rustic ambiance.
Peoria RiverFront Market
At this lively market, locals and visitors gather to explore what’s in season, often alongside local chefs. From late May to September, hundreds of vendors line the RiverFront, offering fresh produce, eggs, meats, artisan breads, and handmade cheeses.
Southern Illinois Farmers Markets
Alton Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market
Homegrown and handmade define this Southwest Illinois market, held Saturdays from May to mid-October in downtown Alton, featuring seasonal fruits, vegetables, heirlooms, and organic crops.
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River's Edge Farmers Market
Fill your baskets with fresh summer veggies at this market along the Rock River behind Oregon’s Fire Department, featuring local produce, handmade goods, live music, and family-friendly activities.
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Benton Farmers Market
Featuring farm-fresh produce, freshly baked goods, food trucks and more, the Benton Farmers Market is a great place to stock up on local produce.
View Market View MarketFlamm Orchards/Fruit & Cream Stand
Discover why Flamm Orchards’ juicy peaches are a local favorite! Shop fresh, in-season strawberries, peaches, and apples, then stop by Flamm's Fruits & Cream Stand for homemade shortcake, cobblers, and pies.
Carbondale Farmers’ Market
This vibrant Southern Illinois market showcases top local produce. Every Saturday from April to November, farmers offer fruits, veggies, eggs, seafood, sausages, and gluten-free baked goods, while local nonprofits connect with the community.
Farm-to-Table Restaurants
Fried Green Tomatoes, Galena
Located in historic downtown Galena, Fried Green Tomatoes is a beloved restaurant known for its warm hospitality and elevated take on classic Italian-American cuisine. Featuring locally sourced ingredients, the menu highlights hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and, of course, its signature fried green tomatoes.
Maldaner's, Springfield
A Springfield staple since 1884, Maldaner’s blends historic charm with farm-to-table dining. Sourcing from local farms and its rooftop garden, the menu features fresh seafood, prime meats, and seasonal produce, all served in an elegant yet inviting setting.
Firefly Grill, Effingham
A farm-to-table gem, Firefly Grill serves fresh, sustainable cuisine in a scenic lakeside setting. Sourcing from its garden and local farms, the menu features seasonal dishes, wood-fired steaks, and fresh seafood in a warm, rustic ambiance.
Cindy’s Rooftop, Chicago
Overlooking Millennium Park, Cindy’s Rooftop offers stunning views, seasonal American fare, and craft cocktails in a stylish, glass-enclosed setting—one of Chicago’s top spots for rooftop dining.
What’s in Season
Spring (May to Mid-June)
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Peas
- Radishes
- Rhubarb
- Salad Greens
- Sour Cherries
- Spinach
- Strawberries
Summer (Late June to Early August)
- Beets
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Collards
- Cucumbers
- Eggplant
- Pears
- Peppers
- Raspberries
- Summer Squash and Zucchini
- Sweet Corn
- Tomatoes
- Watermelon
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