Illinois farmers markets capture spring and summer in a stroll—ripe tomatoes with actual flavor, the scent of basil following you around, and conversations with the people who grew what's in your bag.
These markets give you a taste of their communities, connecting you directly to the state's rich farming traditions without the middleman. From busy city streets to small-town squares, each market tells its own story through the produce, crafts, and faces you'll find there. The food tastes better because it hasn't traveled far, and you might just leave with cooking advice from the person who pulled your carrots from the ground that morning.
Top Farmers Markets in Chicago & Beyond
Chicago area farmers markets are a great way to get to know Illinois’ agricultural heritage without going far from the city the city. Browse stalls where vendors share Illinois-grown produce; taste freshly baked bread, local honey, and heirloom vegetables; and take in the entertainment and community spirit. Add this to your Chicago itinerary for a taste of authentic local flavor, at a slightly slower speed than city life.
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
Wednesday nights in Highwood mean the Evening Market at Everts Park from June through August. Grab dinner from local vendors, listen to whoever's playing that night, and maybe take home some produce for tomorrow's meals.
Elawa Farm Garden Market
You might feel like you've crashed someone's garden party at Lake Forest's historic Elawa Farm. Drop by Fridays and Saturdays from mid-May through October for vegetables pulled from the ground that morning, gorgeous flowers, and something tasty from The Kitchen.
Aurora Farmers Market
Since 1912, locals have been meeting up at Aurora Farmers Market, now Illinois' oldest. Head to Water Street on Saturdays where you'll find everything from grandma-worthy produce to baked treats you'll probably eat before you get home.
Downtown Evanston Farmers Market
Early birds (seniors and adults with disabilities) can hit Downtown Evanston Farmers Market at 7:00 a.m., but everyone else can roll in at 7:30 on Saturdays from May through November. Find your way to University and Oak for vegetables that'll make you wonder if you maybe should cook dinner for yourself tonight, crafts you didn't know you needed, and pastries worth setting that alarm for. Park at Maple Avenue garage if driving.
Northern Illinois Farmers Markets
Farmers markets turn Northern Illinois’ town squares into places where the welcomes become even warmer. In these pop-up food hubs, enjoy trying new apple varieties, tasting just-picked berries, and sampling honey harvested from the surrounding area. You'll leave with regional treats and insider tips for the rest of your travels.
Twin City Farmers Market
You'll find over 20 vendors here year-round, plus extras in season. Browse locally raised beef, pork, chicken, and eggs with yolks that could only be free-range. The produce changes weekly, the herbs still have dirt on 'em, and the honey varies with what's blooming. Grab jams that'll upgrade your toast, homemade sauces, and baked goods that may or may not make it all the way home. Local folks also bring handmade soaps, candles, knitted items, local photography, jewelry, and artwork that feels personal. Stop by any Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to noon.
Rockford City Market
Friday nights from late May through September, Rockford comes alive with this delightful market. Bring the kids, grab some dinner, watch a cooking demo, and maybe dance a little to whoever's on stage that night.
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Kankakee Farmers Market
Saturday mornings feel right at Kankakee Farmers Market with produce that'll upgrade your weekend meals, locally-made stuff you can't find anywhere else, and enough snacks to tide you over. They'll even lend you a cart if you go overboard.
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Woodstock Farmers Market
Right by the Metra station in Woodstock, you'll find folks selling everything from honey on the comb to local wines, and hand-spun yarn to tiny plants waiting for your windowsill. Come for the treats, stay for the tunes, leave with full bags.
View Market View MarketCentral Illinois Farmers Markets
You'll experience the agricultural heart of Illinois at these classic farmers markets. Here, sweet corn, tomatoes, and seasonal produce make short journeys from the surrounding farmland to get here. Their next stop? Your shopping bag, or stomach. Chat with families who've worked Illinois soil for generations and get a true taste of Midwestern farm heritage.
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
At these exceptional markets in Southern Illinois, you’ll gain an appreciation of the unique growing conditions downstate. Sample incredibly sweet peaches, local berries, and family recipes at stalls run by the people who produced them. You'll receive warm welcomes, insider recommendations for nearby attractions, and an authentic introduction to Southern Illinois food culture.
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.
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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.
View Market View MarketFlamm Orchards/Fruit & Cream Stand
Discover why Flamm Orchards’ juicy peaches are a local favorite! Shop fresh, in-season strawberries and juicy crisp apples, and don't you dare leave without cobbler or pie from the Fruits & Cream Stand.
Carbondale Farmers’ Market
Saturdays from April through November, you'll find Carbondale locals swapping recipes over tables of vegetables, fruit worth the drive, sausages that'll make your breakfast amazing, seafood you might not expect to find in these parts, and baked goods you should probably share... but hey, you deserve a treat.
Farm-to-Table Restaurants
Fried Green Tomatoes, Galena
Tucked into Galena's historic downtown, Fried Green Tomatoes serves up Italian-American classics that taste like someone's grandma must have been involved. We're talking hand-cut steaks, seafood fresh from the water, and, of course, its namesake dish: crispy on the outside, tangy inside, and worth the trip alone. You'll get a warm welcome from the staff, and they'll probably tell you about whatever local farm grew what's on your plate tonight.
Maldaner's, Springfield
Locals have eaten at Maldaner's since 1884—for good reason. The chef harvests from their rooftop garden and knows nearby farmers by name. Seafood tastes fresh-caught, meats get proper attention, and the vegetables are full of flavor and fresh taste. The dining room balances elegance with the kind of comfort that lets you relax while you eat.
Firefly Grill, Effingham
Firefly Grill sits lakeside, making dinner feel like a perfect getaway. Much of your meal grew in their garden plot, and what didn't came from farmers with whom they've built long and warm relationships. The wood-fired steaks sizzle audibly, the seafood is remarkably fresh, and the space feels like a barn transformed by someone with genuine warmth and style.
Cindy’s Rooftop, Chicago
Above Millennium Park, Cindy's puts you eye-level with Chicago's skyline through windows that make you feel like you're dining in the clouds. The menu shifts with the seasons, and bartenders mix cocktails worth the trip up. Tourists know it, but locals still come because the quality of the food matches the quality of the view.
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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