Hello everyone! Today’s post is something slightly different from what you are used to seeing from me. It’s a topic I’m an expert on and a topic I hope to bring you more of. Today’s post is featuring my hometown of Chicago, specifically Chicago Farmers Markets.
I’m lucky enough to call downtown Chicago home and it has been for the past 14 years. I take full advantage of everything Chicago has to offer in all seasons. This city has my heart, it’s the city that raised me (in my adult years). I bought my first home here, met my husband here and started a family here. This town is embedded in my life!
I will be bringing you more Chicago-focused content in the coming months. From neighborhood guides, to shopping and dining guides, I’ll have you covered. In today’s guide I’m sharing the Top 5 Farmers Markets You Must Visit In Chicago.
In the spring and summer we live for farmers markets in Chicago. It’s truly a destination for us on the weekend and this year I’m excited to experience it all with Elizabeth. We get up very early and walk to the farmers market, grab a latte and enjoy some breakfast. We make it a destination on the weekend and it’s one of my favorite summer activities.
Whether you are a local Chicagoan or visiting you must check out one of these farmers markets.
Green City Market
Location: 1817 N. Clark Street
Dates: May 4 through October
Hours: 7:00am – 1:00pm every Wednesday and Saturday
One of my favorite farmers market in the city. This isn’t just a place to pick up produce, it’s a weekend destination. You can literally spend all morning here. Take a yoga class on the lawn, then eat a delicious breakfast, pick up flowers for your home and fresh veggies to cook with all week.
A large portion of Chicago restaurants get their produce from this farmers market. They give back to the market and Chicago by putting on one of the biggest food events in the summer, the Green City BBQ. It’s a huge BBQ with all the top restaurants in Chicago dishing up food. We’ve been going to the BBQ for 6 years now and every year it gets better and better.
Division Street City Market
Location: 39 W. Division Street
Dates: May 11 through October 26
Hours: 7:00am – 1:00pm every Saturday
Division street may be know for classic Chicago bars at night, but early Saturday mornings it’s know for the Division Street City Market. Nestled in between the Gold Coast and Old Town this market offers two full blocks of fresh produce.
The market offers a few ready-to-eat food options including two crepe stations, a local donut shop and a local bakery. This farmers market also offers one of the best flower selections. Gladiolas, snap dragons and so much more, it’s next to impossible to not spend less than $25 on fresh flowers. The selection is that good!
SOAR Farmers Market
Location: 220 E. Chicago Avenue
Dates: June 5 through October 30
Hours: 7:00am – 2:00pm every Tuesday
The SOAR Farmers Market is run by the Streeterville neighborhood community and is located in a super urban setting. Located on the steps of the Museum of Contemporary Art this farmers market offers a variety of farm-fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, bakery goods and prepared foods.
I love that it’s run by the neighborhood organization and all members volunteer to work the market. It’s also my neighborhood and I love to support local initiatives.
City Market at Daley Plaza
Location: 50 W. Washington Street
Dates: May 10 through October 24
Hours: 7:00am – 3:00pm every Thursday
Smack dab in the middle of the Loop is the home to this booming city market. It magically appears in the middle of the hustle and bustle in the Loop. It provides a great distraction from the regular lunch spots and offers a fresh and healthy option for every office worker.
If you work in the Loop you know spring has sprung when you see office workers carrying large sunflowers back to the office from lunch. It instantly brings a smile to my face.
Lincoln Square Farmers Market
Location: N. Lincoln Avenue and W. Leland Avenue
Dates: June 4 through October 29
Hours: 7:00am – 1:00pm every Tuesday and 4:00pm – 8:00pm every Thursday
The Lincoln Square Farmers Market has a very neighborhood feel. It’s a robust farmers market complete with kids activities, yoga and chef demonstrations. It’s like being at a food show without the entry fee. This farmers market is the only one in Chicago that offers night hours.
It has plenty of ready to eat food options including my personal favorite, Dinky’s Delights, which are tiny donuts made right before your eyes. They literally get packaged hot and will be gone within seconds of getting into your hands.
I love reading your posts with information on Chicago. I have been living in Streeterville for the last 6 months (new to the city) slowly finding my way around. Always looking for new things to add to my list. Thank you!
So glad to hear that Toni! I’m working on even more Chicago posts so stay tuned and welcome to the city!