Nothing says summer in Chicago like the smell of fresh flowers, sizzling street food, and the sounds of live music drifting through a bustling marketplace. The city’s iconic farmers markets and Maxwell Street Market are making a grand return for the 2025 season, promising plenty of local flavor, community spirit, and vibrant cultural programming from May through October.
The Daley Plaza Farmers Market, the city’s longest-running, kicks off on Thursday, May 22, and will pop up every Thursday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. through October 23. With more than 40 vendors, the market offers everything from fresh produce and baked goods to flowers, cheeses, and handmade treats. New names like Vangie’s Farm, Onigiri Kororin, and Yallatizers are joining crowd favorites such as Nichols Farm & Orchard and Delightful Pastries for what’s shaping up to be a delicious season.
This year brings a green-thumb twist to the market, a Seed Swap and Seedling Sale will take place on Thursday, May 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gardeners of all stripes are invited to bring seeds to exchange, shop seedlings, and kickstart their summer planting projects.
Vendor applications are now open at Maxwell Street Market’s website.
Full schedule.
Maxwell Street:
Sunday, May 18 – Spring Garage Sale
10–11 a.m. – DJ James Porter
11 a.m.–noon – Ivy Ford Trio
Noon–12:30 p.m. – DJ James Porter
12:30–1:30 p.m. – Vino Louden Duo
1:30–2 p.m. – DJ James Porter
2–3 p.m. – Mike Wheeler and Larry Williams
Sunday, June 8 – Celebrating Chicago Blues!
10–11 a.m. – DJ James Porter
11 a.m.–noon – Marty “Big Dog” Mercer Duo
Noon–12:30 p.m. – DJ James Porter
12:30–1:30 p.m. – Omar Coleman Westside Soul
2–3 p.m. – Harmonica Hinds Duo
Sunday, July 13 – SummerDance at Maxwell Street
Sunday, August 10 – Dog Days of Summer
Sunday, September 14 – Kids’ Edition
Sunday, October 5 – Happy Birthday, Maxwell Street!
Chicago farmers markets:
Wednesdays
Pullman Farmers Market
11100 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
July 9 – October 29
7 a.m.–noon.
Thursdays
Daley Plaza Farmers Market
50 W. Washington St.
May 22 – October 23
(no market June 19)
7 a.m.–2 p.m.
*Austin Town Hall Farmers Market*
5610 W. Lake St.
June 12 – October 30
1–6 p.m.
Saturdays
Division Street Farmers Market
30 W. Division St.
May 17– October 25
7 a.m.–noon
Sundays
Bronzeville Farmers Market
4700 S. King Dr.
July 13 – October 19
10 a.m.–2 p.m.
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