Summer in Chicago means farmers markets, and these aren’t just for locals stocking up on fresh veggies, fruit, breads and other groceries for the week. Most markets also feature made to order foods like crepes, tamales, sandwiches and smoothies. Swing by for a snack or to stock your picnic basket for an alfresco meal. Here are some of the best farmer’s markets in Chicago.
Erie Street Farmers Market, 500 W. Erie St.
8am – 1pm
Perfect for a snack pre-or post-visit to the Merchandise Mart, this market is located near the Chicago River and features ready-to-eat crepes in addition to standard market offerings.
Wicker Park & Bucktown Farmers Market, Wicker Park and Damen Avenues (Wicker Park)
8am – 2pm
Cap off a day of shopping the Bucktown boutiques with a stop through this market, which will feature a new vendor selling English-style bangers or sausages served hot in bun.
Pilsen Community Market, 1800 S. Halsted St. (Chicago Community Bank parking lot)
9am – 3pm
Come early for the handmade tamales and then stay for the art galleries or the Museum of Mexican American Art.
Lincoln Square Farmers Market, Lincoln/Leland/Western Avenues (parking lot by Western Brown Line station)
7am – 1pm
The German neighborhood of Lincoln Square offers lots of drinking, dining and shopping options, as well as this fresh market every Tuesday.
Federal Plaza Farmers Market, Adams and Dearborn Streets
7am – 3pm
Prudential Plaza Farmers Market, Lake Street and Beaubien Court
7am – 3pm
In the heart of the Loop, the Prudential Plaza market is easy to reach and makes a great pitstop for a light snack.
Museum of Contemporary Art/Streeterville Farmers Market, Chicago Avenue and Mies van der Rohe Way
7am – 3pm
The Museum of Contemporary Art is free every Tuesday, so why not combine a visit with a light lunch at the market?
Wednesday
Green City Market, 1795 N. Clark St. (southwest corner of Lincoln Park)
7am – 1pm
The grand-daddy of all Chicago farmer’s markets, Green City offers tons to eat, plus free musical performances and cooking demos.
Andersonville Farmers Market, Berwyn Avenue and Clark Street
3pm – 8pm
The quite ‘hood of Andersonville is a shopper’s paradise, with tons of resale shops, cute boutiques, and unique furniture stores. Recoup from a day of shopping with a stop at this afternoon market
Thursday
Hyde Park Farmers Market, 52nd Place and Harper Avenue
7am – 1pm
Before or after a visit to the nearby Museum of Science and Industry, stop by this market to pack a picnic lunch, which you can enjoy on the museum’s lawn.
Daley Plaza, Washington and Dearborn Streets
7am – 3pm
Offering ready-to-eat crepes, and the standard assortment of farm fresh produce, cheese and meats, the Daley Plaza market is located right in the Loop.
Willis Tower Plaza, 233 S. Wacker Drive
7am – 3pm
Visitors to the Willis Tower can’t miss this farmer’s market, located right at the base of the famous skyscraper.
Saturday
Green City Market, 1795 N. Clark St. (southwest corner of Lincoln Park)
7am – 1pm
Lincoln Park Farmers Market, Armitage Avenue and Orchard Street (Lincoln Park High School parking pot)
7am – 1pm
Combine your visit to the farmers market with a visit to the park or the Lincoln Park Zoo. Fuel up on some English-style bangers or sausages served hot in bun before you go.
Printers Row Park Farmers Market, Dearborn and Polk Streets (Printers Row Park)
7am – 1pm
If you find yourself in the South Loop area of Printer’s Row, this market makes for a great pitstop for a light and healthy lunch or snack.
