Local farmers markets are popping up everywhere this spring and summer, and we know we’re not the only ones excited about it. Locally grown fresh produce, artisan foods, and food trucks make these a fun outing for families.
My kids love picking out their own produce… and truthfully, they’re much more likely to eat it when they’ve been a part of the decision making. This is one of our favorite family resources we offer every spring!
In our list of this year, we’ve added additional details about kid-friendly outings, including local nearby landmarks to extend your visit. Be sure to check out schedule and location changes happening this year, too.
This article is sponsored by the Naper Settlement Farmer’s Market.
New! Naper Settlement Farmer’s Market
Introducing Naper Settlement’s Farmers Market
Free | Tuesdays from 3-7pm | June 25 – September 17
The Naper Settlement Farmers Market offers an assortment of goods from mission-based, fair-trade, and local vendors, from coffee to candles, plus fresh produce, pottery, florals, and more on the picturesque grounds of Naper Settlement on Tuesdays from 3-7pm (June 25 – September 7). While you stroll through the museum’s Village Green, you’ll hear acoustic music performances from local bluegrass and country singers held on the Paw Paw Post Office porch.
After you shop, head on over to the Mary and Richard Benck Family Agriculture Center to listen to guest speakers lead agriculture-based classes that will educate and inspire you. The Naper Settlement Farmers Market provides a beautiful backdrop for the community to gather, learn, and grow together while supporting and connecting with local farmers, businesses, and artisans.
For a list of vendors, live music, and educational classes, please visit NaperSettlement.org/FarmersMarket.
This information is up-to-date as of April 22, 2024 and is subject to change. In cases of inclement weather, many markets will close.
What has changed since last year?
- It’s the first year that Naper Settlement is offering a farmers market!
- The Western Springs French Market has shifted from Friday evenings to Wednesday evenings.
- Lombard Farmers Market has a new location and time.
- Downtown Elgin extended their market time by an hour.
Arlington Heights Farmers Market
N Vail Avenue and W Fremont Street
Saturdays, May 11 – October 12, 2024 | 8:00am – 12:00pm
Kids crafts and live music, along with produce, cheese, artisan products, and other vendors. Located near the Arlington Heights Memorial Library.
Aurora Farmers Market Downtown
65 Water Street (directly across from City Hall and the Water Street Mall)
Saturdays, June 1 – October 5, 2024 | 8:00am – 12:00pm
Food trucks, a variety of vendors, and locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Located a few blocks away from the Santori Library, as well as the Aurora Regional Fire Museum.
Aurora Farmers Market West
1999 W. Galena Boulevard (West Plaza)
Wednesday, July 3 – August 21, 2024 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Starting date is tentative. Similar to the downtown Aurora farmers market, and located a short drive away from Blackberry Farm.
Barrington Farmers Market
Station Street between Grove Ave and Cook Street
Thursdays, June 6 – October 10, 2024 | 4:00pm – dusk
Located in downtown Barrington, this local farmers market is home to kids activities, homemade items, produce, and live entertainment.
Batavia Farmers’ Market
North River Street between Wilson and State Street
Saturdays, May 18 – October 26, 2024 | 8:00am – 12:00pm
Wednesdays, June 5 – August 28, 2024 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Over 30 different vendors will feature in the Artisan Collective, where you can shop for handmade items. Musicians and a kids tent provide entertainment every Saturday.
Bloomingdale Maker’s Market
Parking lot located on the corner of Schick and Bloomingdale Road
The last Sunday of every month May – November, and December 8, 2024 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Featuring 60+ local vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment.
Thursday Night Street Markets at The Promenade in Bolingbrook
The Promenade at Boughton Road and Janes Avenue
Thursdays, June 27, July 11 and 25, and August 8 and 22, 2024 | 4:00pm – 9:00pm
Fresh food vendors and outdoor concerts are planned to take place on market days. Check the Facebook event for updates.
Brookfield Farmers Market
Brookfield Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield Avenue
Saturdays, June 1 – October 12, 2024 | 8:00am – 1:00pm
Locally grown vegetables, fruits, eggs, local honey, bakery goods, and unique artisan pieces. Each week there will be family entertainment, too. Next to Kiwanis Park.
Buffalo Grove Farmers Market
Mike Rylko Park, 951 McHenry Road
Sundays, June 16 – October 13, 2024 | 8:00am – 12:30pm
Support local farmers and vendors in purchasing produce, baked goods, and other crafted items.
Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago’s Farmer’s Market
220 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago
Tuesdays, June 4 – October 29, 2024 | 7:00am – 2:00 pm
Visit the farmers market for cheese, produce, and baked goods at the MCA Plaza. Admission to the MCA is free for Illinois residents on Tuesdays.
Clarendon Hills Farmers Market
Village Hall Lawn, 1 N. Prospect Avenue
Thursdays, May 16 – October 16, 2024 | 7:00am – 1:00pm
Featuring gourmet goods, local vendors, fresh produce, and baked goods. Clarendon Hills Public Library will host storytime at the market on the 2nd Thursday of the month.
Downtown Downers Grove Market
Main Street Train Station South Parking Lot off Burlington Avenue
Saturdays, May 11 – October 26, 2024 | 7:00am – 12:30pm
Popular local farmers’ market near downtown in the train station parking lot. A short walk away from Fishel Park or the Downers Grove Public Library, which made our list of 10 Best Children’s Libraries with Play Areas.
Downtown Elgin Farmers Market
South Riverside Drive in Downtown Elgin
Fridays, June 6 – October 11, 2024 | 3:00pm – 8:00pm
Live music and food vendors. Check their Facebook page for entertainment updates, including family fun days.
Elk Grove Farmers Market
Charles J. Zettek Municipal Complex parking lot
Saturdays, June 1 – October 26, 2024 | 8:00am – 1:00pm
Fresh market containing produce, flowers, breads, cheeses, and more. Located near the Elk Grove Public Library as well as the Park District Pavilion.
Elmhurst Farmers Market
York & Vallette Business District (One block south of York street on Vallette)
Wednesdays, June 5 – October 30, 2024 | 7:00am – 1:00pm
Enjoy shopping and market stands every Wednesday morning. Located in south Elmhurst near Wild Meadows Trace Park or the York Commons Skate Park.
Geneva French Market
Metra Parking Lot at South Street and 4th Street
Sundays, April 14 – October 30, 2024 | 9:00am – 2:00pm and November 3, 10 & 17, 2024 | 9:00am – 1:00pm
One of the first to open every year, this local artisan market was recently featured on WGN.
Glen Ellyn French Market
Metra Parking lot north of 449 Main Street
Sundays, May 4 – October 20, 2024 | 9:00am – 1:00pm
French market with food, crafts, and more. Located in the heart of downtown Glen Ellyn, about 0.5 miles from beautiful Lake Ellyn Park.
Hinsdale Farmers Market
Burlington Park, 30 East Chicago Avenue
Mondays, June 3 – October 14, 2024 | 7:00am – 1:00pm
Join the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce’s local farmers market for your weekly produce and local food vendors.
La Grange Farmers Market
In front of La Grange Village Hall at 53 S. La Grange Road
Thursdays, May 9 – October 24, 2024 | 7:00am – 1:00pm
This market has options from local farms and flowers. Kids also like to visit the fountain down the street. In past years, the La Grange Public Library has hosted storytime at this weekday farmers market.
Lemont Farmers Market
Downtown Lemont, 322 Main Street
Tuesdays, June 11 – October 15, 2024 | 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Visit this annual market in the heart of Downtown Lemont. More vendor details to come.
Lisle French Market
IL-53 & Garfield Avenue
Saturdays, May 5 – October 12, 2024 | 8:00am – 1:00pm
A smaller French market right by PrairieWalk Pond and the Dragonfly Landing playground, which has a splash pad in summer.
Lombard Farmers Market
S. Park Avenue and W. St. Charles Road
Tuesdays, May 21 – October 1, 2024 | 3:00pm – 7:00pm
New location and time this year! Fresh items with live music and entertainment can be found at the local farmers market in Downtown Lombard.
Naper Settlement’s Farmers Market
Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster Street in Naperville
Tuesdays, June 25 – September 17, 2024 | 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Visit this inaugural farmers market at Naper Settlement, which is in the heart of Downtown Naperville. Support local vendors and listen to live entertainment. Admission is free.
Naperville Farmers Market
Fifth Avenue Station Parking Lot at 200 E. 5th Avenue
Saturdays, June 1 – October 26, 2024 | 7:00am – 12:00pm
Offering food trucks and over 40 vendors on site. The last date of the season will feature a Halloween parade. Located at the Naperville Metra Station, just a short walk from DuPage Children’s Museum.
Oak Park Farmers Market
Pilgrim Church Parking lot at 460 Lake Street (one block west of Ridgeland Avenue)
Saturdays, May 18 – October 26, 2024 | 7:00am – 1:00pm
Located across the street from Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex, the farmers market is home to freshly made donuts and locally grown produce.
Oswego Country Market
Downtown Oswego, 15 N. Main Street
Sundays, June 2 – September 29, 2024 | 9:00am – 1:00pm
A full vendor list, including produce, cheese, honey, and more, can be found on their website. Located near Hudson Crossing Park, perfect for creek stomping.
Palatine Farmers’ Market
Palatine Train Station Parking Lot
Saturdays, May 4 – October 26, 2024 | 7:00am – 1:00pm
Locally grown produce and flowers, as well as made-to-eat food items. Also features balloon artists and live music during summer months.
Park Ridge Farmers Market
Downtown Park Ridge, 15 Prairie Avenue
Saturdays, May 25 – October 26, 2024 | 7:00am – 1:00pm
Vendors selling fruits, vegetables, breads, and specialty products. Walkable to Hinkley Park, and a short drive from Wildwood Nature Center.
Riverside Farmers Market
Centennial Plaza (Near the Historic Water Tower), 10 Pine Avenue
Wednesdays, June 5 – October 9, 2024 | 2:30pm – 7:00pm
In the heart of downtown Riverside, you’ll find cookies, smoothies, and countless other delicious treats.
Schaumburg Farmers Market
Trickster Art Gallery, 190 S. Roselle Road
Fridays, June 7 – October 26, 2024 | 7:00am – 1:00pm
Produce, cheeses, flowers, honey, meat, and other locally made items found. Weekly entertainment schedule to be announced in May 2024.
St. Charles Outdoor Farmers Market
Fourth Avenue and Main Street outside Baker Memorial Church
Fridays, June 7 – October 25, 2024 | 8:00am – 1:00pm
Check updates on their Facebook page. Details have not yet been released for the 2024 year.
Western Springs French Market
In front of the Water Tower
Wednesdays, May 8 – September 26, 2024 | 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Major schedule update: Western Springs French Market will be on Wednesdays. This local farmers market is filled with a variety of stands and is hoping to grow in size this year.
Wheaton French Market
Willow Avenue and Main Street
Saturdays, April 13 – October 26, 2024 | 8:00am – 2:00pm
Saturdays, November 2 – 30, 2024 | 9:00am – 2:00pm
New location alert: The Wheaton French Market moved to a new location in 2023. It is now under a permanent pavilion at Willow and Main. One of the largest markets in the area, with farm-fresh produce, artisan shops, local businesses, live music, and more. Located a short drive away from Cosley Zoo and Northside Park, one of our Top 10 Best Playgrounds as voted by our readers.
Winfield Farmers Market
County Farm Road and Geneva Road
Wednesdays, opening June 5, 2024 | 7:00am – 1:00pm
The Winfield market offers a variety of vendor vendors during the week.
Chicago Green City Market
The Green City Market in Chicago is also worth checking out while you are in the city. GCM Lincoln Park runs Saturdays from April to November and Wednesdays from May to October. GCM West Loop is open on Saturday from May through November.
Free Printable Farmers Market Schedule
Click or tap on the image below to be taken to the full-size printable version so you can print the schedule with good resolution.
Looking for more options for fresh, local food?
- Use our guide to connect with local farms to buy meat, produce and eggs directly from the sources.
- Ready to test out your green thumb? Check out Annie’s How to Grow Your Own Food tips.
- You can also learn about having chickens in the Chicago suburbs.
For more safe ways to get some much-needed fresh air, check out all our articles on outdoor fun!
