Fresh finds: A guide to farmers markets in the suburbs

Farmers market season is here, bringing fresh produce, handmade goods and more back to local downtowns and parks.

The 2026 season offers plenty of opportunities to shop local and support regional growers and vendors. Markets vary in their offerings, but most feature fruits and vegetables, baked goods and artisan products,

Some start in June or later; others have already begun. Here’s a helpful guide.

Antioch’s Farmers Market: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, June 20 to Aug. 22, except July 4, at Sequoit Creek Park, 845 Main St., Antioch. New this year, the farmers market, Food Truck Feast-i-val, and Sequoit Saturdays are being combined into one weekly event, creating a bigger, more dynamic experience each Saturday. This season will feature rotating food trucks and live entertainment. facebook.com/EnjoyAntioch.

Arlington Heights Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays through Oct. 17 at the corner of Vail Avenue and Fremont Street, Arlington Heights. Fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods, honey, artisanal foods, popcorn, pet treats, and more. Weekly events include “Music at the Market,” “Little Sprouts Corner,” and more. arlingtonheightsfarmersmarket.org.

Aurora Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, June 6 to Oct. 3, except July 4, at Water Street Square, 65 S. Water St., and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays, July 1 to Sept. 2, location TBD. Now in its 115th season, the farmers market features fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, baked goods and pastry items, a selection of local food trucks and vendors (including Dick’s Mini Donuts), coffee, one-of-a-kind artisan items and more. aurora-il.org/1595/Aurora-Farmers-Market.

Bartlett’s Rhythm & Roots Market: 4-8 p.m. Thursdays, June 18, July 16, Aug. 20 and Sept. 17, at the Town Center, 215 S. Main St., Bartlett. Hosted by Arts in Bartlett. Shop the farmers market featuring local purveyors of produce, products and wares and stay for music from around the world. June 18: Asian-inspired entertainment with a Sister City celebration, plus a DJ-hosted K-Pop Dance Party; July 16: Latin-influenced market with music by Guitarra Azul; Aug. 20: European atmosphere with traditional songs played on nontraditional instruments by Polkaholics; and Sept. 17: American classic rock with a little Bach from Classical Blast. Food truck on-site. Bring a lawn chair. Free. artsinbartlett.org/rhythmrootsmarket.

Batavia Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, May 16 through Oct. 17, on North River Street, between Wilson and Spring streets, Batavia. 32nd annual market features produce, baked goods, plants, honey and related farm products; vendors must grow, harvest and/or produce at least 75% of market products. The Artisan Collective will be held on the third Saturday of the month featuring handmade items from artists, makers and designers. On Oct. 24, the market will move to the Peg Bond Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as part of BatFest. downtownbatavia.com/farmers-market.

Batavia Farmers Market — evening: 5-8 p.m. Wednesdays, June 4 to Aug. 27, on the South Riverwalk Plaza in front of city hall, 100 N. Island Ave. Third annual market features produce, baked goods, plants, honey and related farm products. Held in conjunction with the Batavia Park District's River Rhapsody Concert Series. Park in the public lot off North River Street between State and Spring streets, and walk across the pedestrian bridge. downtownbatavia.com/farmers-market.

Bolingbrook’s Street Markets and Concerts at the Promenade: 4-9 p.m. select Thursdays, June 11, July 9, and Aug. 13, on The Row at The Promenade, 631 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook. Concerts from 7-9 p.m. Boy Band Night on June 11; Anthem’s Grand Illusion — A Tribute to Styx on July 9; and The Jolly Ringwalds — The Best of the ’80s on Aug. 13. Also, scavenger hunts and trivia games; food and alcohol available for purchase on-site. Bring a lawn chair. Free. shoppingpromenade.com/events.

Buffalo Grove Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sundays, June 14 through Oct. 11, at Mike Rylko Community Park, 951 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Featuring locally grown fruits, vegetables, gourmet coffee, baked goods, specialty foods, and more. Throughout the season, enjoy live entertainment and kids activities and family experiences. Also, community organization booths and local business spotlights. vbg.org/FarmersMarket.

College of Lake County: 3-5:30 p.m. Thursdays, June through October, at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. Annual Campus Farmers Market offering a range of vegetables grown by students. facebook.com/clchorticulture.

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays, May 24 through Oct. 25, (except June 28 and July 5) on the front lawn of the historic Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Food vendors, live music, kids’ activities, beverages, food trucks, and more. Free parking available at the Triangle Lot and at South Elementary School and Lundahl Middle School parking lots. VIP Parking on the Dole lawn is $5 per vehicle. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

Daley Plaza Farmers Market: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays, May 21 through Oct. 22, at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago. Chicago’s longest-running farmers market, featuring dozens of local merchants offering fresh produce and prepared food, flowers and other garden plants, handcrafted merchandise and other locally-sourced goods. chicago.gov.

Deerfield Farmers Market: 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, June 13 to Oct. 25, on Park Avenue, between Jewett Park Drive and Hazel Avenue. Featuring over 25 vendors offering a diverse range of conventional and organic vegetables, fruits, fresh-cut flowers and various specialty products. Music and kids’ activities every week. Visit deerfield.il.us/301/Farmers-Market or facebook.com/deerfieldfarmersmarketIL.

Downtown Downers Grove Market: 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 17 at the train station parking lot, 5001 Main St., Downers Grove. Local and regional vendors offer vegetables, fruits, baked goods and specialty foods, along with potted flowers, herbs/vegetables, makers and more. Also, enjoy live music as you stroll the market. downers.us.

Dundee Depot Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 31, except June 6, July 4 and Sept. 26, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Featuring produce, baked goods, handmade goods, art, vintage and antique items, collectibles, repurposed goods, household, garden and resale merchandise, and services. Also launching a new “Twilight” evening market from 4-8 p.m. Thursdays, June 4 and July 2. Family fun events include the Flag Day Salute on June 14 and the Wickedly Creative pumpkin contest on Oct. 25. eastdundee.net.

Downtown Elgin Farmers Market: 3-7 p.m. Fridays, June 5 to Sept. 25, on South Riverside Drive, Elgin. Featuring 30-45 vendors every week with fresh produce, handmade goods, specialty foods, and unique finds from local farmers, artisans, and small businesses. Extended hours on “First Fridays” (June 5, July 3, and Aug. 7), with the market open an extra hour until 8 p.m. with food trucks, chef demos, vendor products, live entertainment, and educational programming. Also, a Kids’ Corner with special programming, or head over to Festival Park for the Splash Pad. downtownelgin.com/market/.

Elawa Farm Garden Market: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays at Elawa Farm, 1401 Middlefork Drive, Lake Forest. Featuring produce, herbs and flowers harvested directly from the Elawa Garden and from selected vendors. elawafarm.org.

Elmhurst Farmers Market: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, June 3 to Oct. 28, in the parking lot of Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road. Featuring fruit, vegetables, cheese, meat, baked goods and more. elmhurstfarmersmarket.com or facebook.com/elmhurstfarmersmarket.

Elmhurst French Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays, June 7 to Sept. 27, except for Sept. 7, in a city parking lot at Park and Prospect avenues, Elmhurst. The European-style market returns. bensidounusa.com/elmhurst.

Evanston Farmers Market: 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through Nov. 21 at the intersection of University Place and Oak Avenue, Evanston. Free parking is available in the adjacent 1800 Maple Ave., Self Park. 7 a.m. early access for seniors and adults with disabilities. evanstonfarmersmarkets.org.

Fox Lake Friday Night Live Market: 4-7 p.m. Fridays, June 5 through Aug. 28, at the newly renovated Lakefront Park, 10 Riverview Ave., Fox Lake. Combines the former Tuesday farmers market with the Friday Night Concert Series from 7-9 p.m. with a variety of food and beverage options from local businesses and food trucks. Musical lineup and themes: June 5 (Amped Up Opening Night): Kashmir; June 12 (Cosmic Beats & Books): Brass From the Past; June 19 (The Rainbow Lounge): Simply Elton; July 10 (Totally ’80s Neon Night): The 1985; July 17 (Punk for a Purpose): American Idiots; July 24 (Holiday Heatwave): Login Ramey; July 31 (Masquerade on the Chain): Hurricane Gumbo; Aug. 7 (Dog Days of Summer): Big Dog Mercer Band; Aug. 14 (Team Spirit Takeover): Rosie and the Rivets; and Aug. 21 (Legends of Rock: Big Block Party): Radio Gaga. No concerts on June 26 or July 3. foxlake.org.

Geneva French Market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 25, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 1-15, in the commuter lot at Fourth and South streets in downtown Geneva. Offering fresh produce, fine textiles, fresh baked goods, gifts, and more. bensidounusa.com/geneva/.

Glendale Heights Market: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 27 at Veterans Memorial Park, 220 E. Fullerton Ave., Glendale Heights. Shop for food, produce, crafts, and more from locally sourced vendors. ghrec.org.

Glenview Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, June 20 through Oct. 24, at Historic Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Road, Glenview. Grown within 200 miles of Glenview, local vendors sell seasonal produce, as well as meat, eggs, cheese, bread, pastries, fresh cut flowers, coffee, chocolates, French pastries, smoked fish, herbs and spices, honey and empanadas. Free parking available in the Saints Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church and Historic Wagner Farm lots. No parking on Wagner Road. glenviewfarmersmarket.org.

Grayslake’s Spring and Summer Farmers Markets: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through May 30; and 3-7 p.m. Wednesdays, June 3 through Sept. 23, on Center Street in downtown Grayslake. An outdoor shopping experience for fruit, vegetables, meats, seafood, wine, and more. Fall market will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 26-Dec. 12. grayslakefarmersmarket.com.

Highwood’s Evening Gourmet Market: 4:30-9 p.m. Wednesdays, June 3 to Aug. 26, (no market July 2) at Everts Park, 111 North Ave., Highwood. Enjoy food and drinks while exploring over 60 vendors and listening to live music acts from 6-9 p.m. Music lineup: June 3: Stevie Craig Band; June 10: Red Panda Band; June 17 (Pride in the Park): DJ Alex Versage; June 24 (Inferno Fest): Los Perros Cubanos; July 1: The Vista Cruisers; July 8: Rollover Band; July 15: Roger That Band; July 22: Noah and Boogieman; July 29 (Margarita Night): South of Disorder; Aug. 5: Salty Dogs; Aug. 12 (Garlic Fest): Bill Pantle & the Tribute to Old Blue Eyes; Aug. 19: Railheart; Aug. 26: Telstar. celebratehighwood.org/highwood-evening-gourmet-market.

Hinsdale Farmers Market: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays, June 15 to Oct. 12, along Chicago Avenue, between Garfield and Washington. The 50th annual market offers fresh produce and unique finds from their farms and stores. hinsdalechamber.com/farmers-market.

Huntley Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, May 30 to Oct. 10, on Huntley Square along Coral Street. Fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and tasty treats from regional vendors. Theme days: May 30: Opening Day; June 6: Family Fun Day; June 13: Antique Farm Equipment Day; July 18: Christmas in July; July 25: Touch-a-Truck at the Market; Aug. 8: Decades at the Market; Aug. 15: Junior Market Day; Aug. 22: 175th Celebration & Corn Boil with the village board; Aug. 29: Chamber Day; Sept. 5: Dog Day; Sept. 26: Oktoberfest at the Market; and Oct. 10: Halloween at the Market. Music lineup: May 30: Grant Milliren; June 6: DJ Don; June 13: Andrew Huber; June 20: HHS Jazz Band; June 27: Matt Krahula; July 4: Tom Ruzinok; July 11: Andrew Huber; July 18: Jay Highland; July 25: Grant Milliren; Aug. 1: Fox Hills Music Teachers Association; Aug. 8: DJ Don; Aug. 15: Andrew Huber; Aug. 22: Gray Roots Band; Aug. 29: Justine Ewald; Sept. 5: Jay Highland; Sept. 12: Grant Milliren; Sept. 19: Andrew Huber; Sept. 26: TBD; Oct. 3: Jay Highland. huntley.il.us.

Lake Bluff Farmers Market: 7 a.m. to noon Fridays, June 5 through Oct. 9, at the Village Green, Scranton Avenue and Sheridan Road, downtown Lake Bluff. Live music and children’s entertainment. lakebluff.org/residents/farmers-market.

Lake Zurich Farmers Market: 3-7 p.m. Fridays, June 5 through Sept. 11, except July 5, at Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Over 30 vendors offering fresh produce, bakery items, sauces, honey, pesto, spices, cheese, eggs, fresh meat, artisan goods, and more, Hands-on crafts and creative activities, interactive children’s entertainment and performers. Special events: July 31: Kids’ Makers market; Aug. 7: National Night Out event; Aug. 14: Shredding and Shoes events; and Sept. 4: Touch-a-Truck. lakezurich.org/366/Farmers-Market.

Lisle French Market: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 24 in the commuter lot B at 1001 Burlington Ave. The market is expanding from 20 to as many as 40 vendors. Featuring fresh produce, plants, flowers, bakery items and more. bensidounusa.com/lisle.

Lombard Farmers Market: 3-7 p.m. Tuesdays, May 19 to Oct. 6, at South Park Avenue at St. Charles Road, downtown Lombard. Seasonal fruits, vegetables, handcrafted goods, live music, and kids activities. lombardchamber.com/.

MainStreet Libertyville’s Farmers Market: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays, May 28 through Oct. 15, except June 18, in Cook Park and on West Church Street, downtown Libertyville. 46th annual market featuring fresh, nutritious food with a very short supply chain. mainstreetlibertyville.org.

McHenry Stade’s Farm Market: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, May 23 to Oct. 31, at 3709 Miller Road, McHenry. Strawberry U-pick season opens mid-June; check Facebook or website for updates and weekly offerings. 12th annual Arts & Crafts Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, features original crafts, jewelry making, paintings, blankets, handmade kids’ toys and more. stadesfarmandmarket.com.

Mount Prospect Lions Club Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays, June 7 through Oct. 25, at the West Metra commuter lot, Northwest Highway and Main Street/Route 83, Mount Prospect. Vendors from Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan feature fresh produce, herbs, meats, cheeses, breads, baked goods and specialty crafts. Also, a food drop-off location for the Mount Prospect Food Pantry and a collection site for used eyeglasses and hearing aids. mplions.org.

Mundelein Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, June 6 through Sept. 19, on Park Street, between Lake and Seymour streets, Mundelein. Featuring fresh produce, meats, baked goods, candies, herbs, goat milk products, artisan crafts, candles, jewelry, soaps and more. On July 11 and Aug. 22, a Makers Market for young makers ages 6 or older offers handcrafted items and homemade food items. The Little Farmers Club is a weekly opportunity for kids ages 3 to 12 to engage in our local food system and community through educational activities, demonstrations, stories and exposure to a variety of foods. Also, special themed events each week. Hosted by the Mundelein Community Connection. mundeleincommunityconnection.org.

Naperville Farmers Market: 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays, June 6 to Oct. 31, in the Fifth Avenue Station parking lot, 200 E. Fifth Ave., Naperville. Featuring locally grown food, breads, sweets, and an array of products. facebook.com/NapervilleFarmersMarket/.

Naper Settlement Farmers Market: 3-7 p.m. Tuesdays, June 30 to Sept. 22, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. An afternoon with live music, food trucks, and local shopping, all set in the museum's outdoor park. Free, hands-on demonstrations and classes: June 30: Backyard Chickens for Beginners; July 7: Water Bath Canning; and July 14: How to Use and Store Herbs. Explore the museum’s “We the People: Naperville” and the “American Story” exhibit and historic buildings, all with no admission fee. napersettlement.org.

Northbrook Farmers Market: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, June 17 through Oct. 14, at Meadow Plaza parking lot, Cherry and Meadow streets, Northbrook. Farm-fresh produce and other artisan foods. NorthbrookFarmersMarket.org.

Palatine Farmers Market: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, May through October, at the Palatine Train Station parking lot, 137 W. Wood St., Palatine. Features produce, meat and eggs from nearby farms, a variety of vendors and food products. Local musicians and entertainment during the summer. facebook.com/palatinefarmersmarket.

Park Ridge Farmers Market: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, May 23 to Oct. 31, at 15 Prairie Ave., between Main and Garden streets. A variety of fresh herbs, flowers, specialty foods, baked goods, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and more with vendors from Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana. Free live music and kids activities every week. parkridgefarmersmarket.com.

Ravinia Farmers Market: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, June 3 through Oct. 28, at Jens Jensen Park, 486 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park. 48th season with fresh, locally sourced produce and live musical performances. Music lineup: June 3: Pierce Crask at 9 and LJ Slavin at 11 a.m.; June 10: Mark Dvorak at 9 and Jaik Willis at 11 a.m.; June 17: Jeff Jazzman at 9 and Eric Perney's Groove Aces at 11 a.m.; June 24: Jeff Jazzman at 9 and Brandon Reisdorf at 11 a.m.; July 1: Mark Dvorak at 9 and LJ Slavin at 11 a.m.; July 8: Pierce Crask at 9 and Peace Talks featuring Cantor Jay O'Brien & Alison Zabelin at 11 a.m. Starting at 4:30 p.m. July 29, Rooted at Ravinia, shop the stalls for your supper with local farmers market vendors on-site, then head to the lawn for The Kody Norris Show, the blues-rock swagger of Duke Tumatoe, and a cosmic tribute to the Grateful Dead with the soulful sounds of Railheart. For the weekly musical lineup, go to raviniafarmersmarket.com.

Roselle French Market: 4-8 p.m. Thursdays, May 21 through Sept. 10, at Petal Porch, Main and Prospect streets. Outdoor market with fresh produce, artisan goods, specialty foods, and more. bensidounusa.com/roselle/roselle.html.

Schaumburg Farmers Market: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays, June 5 to Oct. 30, in the parking lot of Trickster Art Gallery, 190 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Locally grown fruits and vegetables, certified organic produce, microgreens, pasture-raised meats, flowers, plants, gourmet cheeses, and dog treats. Also, pastries, baked goods, olive oil, pierogies, empanadas, body care products, and knife sharpening services. Fresh lemonade, coffee, crepes, kettle corn, lunch items, and sorbet bowls made on-site. villageofschaumburg.com/our-village/visit/farmers-market.

St. Charles Indoor Market: 9 a.m. to noon Fridays through May 29 in the lower level inside Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, Fourth Avenue and Main Street. Featuring fish, meat, eggs, cheese, breads, sweets, honey, microgreens, and more. Enter via Cedar Avenue. facebook.com/STCFarmersMarket.

St. Charles Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays, June 5 to Oct. 30, in the parking lot on Riverside and State Avenue in downtown St. Charles. Featuring fresh produce, meat, eggs, cheese, breads, sweets, honey, and more. facebook.com/STCFarmersMarket.

Wauconda Farmers Market: 4-7 p.m. Thursdays, June 18 to Oct. 1, on Main Street, from Mill Street to the village hall, Wauconda. Fresh produce, flowers, meats, cheeses, breads, and other products are offered, with themed events and family fun. waucondachamber.org.

West Dundee French Market: 4-8 p.m. Fridays, May 29 to Aug. 28, except July 3, at The Pump House, 98 Oregon Ave., West Dundee. A mixed market offering fresh produce along with a variety of other goods such as honey, greens, soaps, breads, cheeses, flowers, artwork, wearables and other products. bensidounusa.com/westdundee.

Wheaton French Market: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 31 and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 7-28, at Main and Liberty streets in Wheaton. Featuring fresh flowers, artisan foods, music and more. bensidounusa.com/wheaton/.

Wheeling Tuesday Night Markets: 4:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, June 9 and 23; July 14 and 28; and Aug. 11 and 25, at Wheeling Town Center, 375 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling. Local vendors offering food, drinks, sweet treats, crafts, candles, jewelry, bath and beauty products, home goods and more. Stroll the plaza while shopping and enjoying live music. thewheelingtowncenter.com.

Winfield Farmers Market: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, June 3 to Oct. 28, at the southwest corner of Geneva and County Farm roads. 40 vendors featuring fresh produce and bakery items, specialty foods, handcrafted jewelry, homemade goods. In June, kids 10 and younger can pick up a special coloring page celebrating America 250th for kids. In July, it will be a Bugs Bunny’s themed coloring page, which can be returned to receive Bugs Bucks. facebook.com/WinfieldFarmMarket.

Woodstock Summer Market: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, through Oct. 31, and Tuesdays, through Sept. 29, around the historic town square, 101 N. Johnson St. It’s a producers-only market. Saturday Storytime with Read Between the Lynes at 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, weather permitting. Every week, musical performances from local artists. woodstockfarmersmarket.org.