Voyaging from Rogers Park to Beverly to experience all that Chicago farmers markets have to offer could be a great summer goal (there’s a full list of markets on the City of Chicago website), but there's only one of you, and sometimes you've just got to find tomatoes on a Tuesday or chard on a Friday. Here are some of our favorites for every day of the week.
Monday
Loyola Farmers Market
Stemming from a Loyola student project, this market aims to bring locally grown foods to Rogers Park. Expect to also see organizations from around the community stopping by to provide resources and educational programs for visitors.
Vendors include: Benton Harbor Fruit and Bee Folks, D-ology, Loyola’s Urban Ag Program, Patyk’s Farm, Presto Pesto
Open June 8 to mid-September from 3 to 7 p.m., mid-September to October 12 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. The Loyola Plaza, 6550 N. Sheridan Road. blogs.luc.edu/farmersmarket/
Tuesday
Federal Plaza Farmers Market
This city-sponsored market is a great option for a mid-day break for Loop office workers, with more than 70 vendors in a transit-accessible location.
Vendors include: Lehman Orchards, River Valley Ranch, Stamper Cheese and Stovers Farms
Open May 19 to October 27 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Adams Street and Dearborn Parkway. cityofchicago.org
Wednesday
Pilsen Night Market
This brand-new market hasn't yet confirmed its vendor line-up, but the late-day time slot makes it perfect for grabbing a few things to spruce up a weekday night dinner.
Open July 8 to September 2 from 4 to 8 p.m. 18th Street and Blue Island Avenue. cityofchicago.org
Thursday
Hyde Park Farmers Market
The market is returning to Harper Court after two years in Harold Washington Park and will be within a few steps of the newly constructed Harper Court tower. Chef demonstrations, samples, and recipes will also be available throughout the season.
Vendors include: C&D Family Farms, Lyons Fruit Farms, Marilyn’s Bakery, Parrish Farms, Smits Farms
Open June 4 to October 29 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. 5300 S. Harper Court, 53rd Street & Harper Court. secc-chicago.org
Friday
Lake Bluff Farmers Market
There are no markets planned in the city on Fridays, so if you're free, make the trek to the ’burbs to experience this 22-year-old farmers market. You get all the basics plus, since 2012, live music and cooking demonstrations.
Vendors include: All About Appetizers, The Cheese People, Elsie Mae’s Canning and Pies, The Olive Tap, and Pleasant Prairie Farm
June 12 to October 9 from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Village Green, Sheridan Road and Scranton Avenue. lakeblufffarmersmarket.com
Saturday
Green City Market
The granddaddy of all markets continues its run this year, with a chef demonstration line-up including Rick Bayless and Martial Noguier. Can't make it to Lincoln Park on Saturdays? It's also open on Wednesdays and has a Saturday sister market in the Fulton Market District location.
Vendors include: Bennison’s Bakery, Brunkow Cheese, Crumb, King’s Hill Farm, Koval Distillery, Underground Meats
Open now through October 31 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. 1817 N. Clark, between Clark Street and Stockton Drive. greencitymarket.org
Sunday
Logan Square Farmers Market
In addition to carrots and cucumbers, visitors can also get a good stretch courtesy of Tula Yoga Studio, which will be holding a community class at every market from 10-11 a.m. and a concert from a rotating cast of musicians.
Vendors Include: Armstrong Farms, Four Creeks Bison, Gayle’s Grilled Cheese, Oriana’s Oriental Orchard, Tempel Farms Organics
Open May 17 to October 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 3107 W. Logan, on Logan Boulevard one block east of Milwaukee Avenue. logansquarefarmersmarket.org