Going to a farmer’s market is a great opportunity to get some fresh produce and homemade goods while supporting your local economy. There are a plethora of farmer’s markets to choose from in your local neighborhood or the area where you visit to get all your grocery shopping done for the week. Here are our top picks for the best farmer’s markets in Chicago, Illinois.

61st Street Farmers Market

Carrrots&Leeks in Chicago

With both an outdoor and a hybrid indoor season, the 61st Street Farmers Market provides delicious options no matter the weather. 61st Street offers produce and goods like cheeses, eggs, meat, and produce. You can also get plenty of baked goods, including vegan options. The 61st Street Farmers Market accepts Senior Farmers Market Coupons and LINK, which may help you save money when picking up your fresh local goods. You can sign up for the market’s newsletter to receive updates about any changes to the market’s schedule or fresh food offerings.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays from May 14 to Oct. 29

Andersonville Farmers Market

The Andersonville Farmer’s Market is open on Wednesdays this season and hosts a variety of vendors from the area. Alongside a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms, you can also pick up meat products and goods like grass-fed beef, cider, chestnuts, fresh kinds of pasta, biscuits, tofu, mushrooms, and mustards. This market also offers the option of ordering ahead and picking up if you have little time to browse through the stands.

Hours: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays from May 11 to Oct. 19

Evanston Farmers Market

At the intersection of University Place and Oak Ave on Saturdays, you can find the Downtown Evanston Farmers Market. Disabled and senior shoppers can shop for the first 30 minutes before the market opens for everyone. It offers fresh fruits and vegetables from multiple vendors, alongside other goods like biodegradable bags, meats, flowers, eggs, baked goods, and milk.

Hours: 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. for disabled and senior shoppers and 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for general shoppers on Saturdays from May 7 to Nov. 5

Frankfort Country Market

The Frankfort Country Market is open on Sundays from April to October. It boasts a fantastic selection of locally grown produce, including mushrooms, pumpkins, and gourds. You can also get prepared food like homemade tamales or baked goods like gluten-free cookies, cakes, and breads. The market’s website includes episodes of the Frankfort Country Market Show you can watch to learn more about the event. There’s also free parking available in the Prairie Park Parking Lot and the LaSalle Street Securities Building.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays from April 24 to Oct. 30

Glenwood Sunday Market

You can typically find the Glenwood Sunday Market on Glenwood Ave between Morse and Lunt. Strolling around the grounds, you can find fresh selections from local produce vendors like Vangie’s Farm or Patyk Farms. You can also check out homemade goods from other vendors, like Bennison’s Bakery, Phoenix Bean, or Urban Tables. When you visit the Glenwood Sunday Market, you can browse a selection of baked goods, fresh flowers, non-GMO tofu, and ready-made meals.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays from June 5 to Oct. 23

Grayslake Farmers Market

The Grayslake Farmers Market has spring, summer and fall seasons, each with different hours. During the summer, you can visit the market on Wednesdays in the late afternoon. This market aims to help build a sense of community by bringing together sources for children’s activities, arts and crafts, freshly prepared foods and local produce. To stay in the loop, check out the market map and sign up for the Grayslake Farmers Market newsletter.

Hours: Spring Market is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays from April 15 to June 4. The Summer Market is open 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays from June 8 to Sept. 28. And then the Fall Market is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays from Oct. 1 to Dec. 17.

Green City Market

You can find the Green City Market in two general locations: West Loop and Lincoln Park. Seasonal items include fresh fruits and vegetables, locally roasted coffee, potted herbs, ready-to-eat sandwiches, take-and-bake pizzas and pies. Some all-season items to try include ghee, sauces, pickles, and pasta. You can check the official calendar on the site to learn more about the specific dates and locations for each market.&

Hours: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays in Lincoln Park and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays in West Loop. All market hours are from May through October.

Horner Park Farmers Market

Founded in 2014 by the Horner Park Advisory Council, the Horner Park Farmers Market aims to create a community environment for local producers and farmers. This market seeks to improve the quality of life for residents around the Horner Park Area by providing access to locally grown goods. You can typically find the market on West Montrose Avenue in the northwest corner of Horner Park. To plan your visit or sign up as a volunteer, check out their website.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays from June 4 to Oct. 1

 La Grange Farmers Market

The La Grange Farmers Market is an outdoor event that operates rain or shine every Thursday from May to October. The market features fruits, vegetables, ready-to-eat foods, cheeses, kettle corn, and bagels from over 30 regional and local small-batch vendors. Along with access to fresh produce and small-batch goods, you can also speak with a representative from Go Green La Grange to learn new methods for leading an environmentally friendly life.

The organization also offers local drop-offs for old items like toys, batteries, glasses, makeup, camping equipment, dental products and instruments. When visiting the La Grande Farmers Market, you can clean out your garage and stock your kitchen, all while supporting local businesses and the environment.

Hours: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursdays from May 5 to Oct. 27

Logan Square Farmers Market

The outdoor market season at Logan Square runs from May through October on Milwaukee Avenue. When visiting this farmers market, you can purchase fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables, and locally made goods. Aside from shopping, you can also participate in a fun program, including composting and food education. You can also sign up a little one for the Little Peas Program, which provides one fresh fruit or vegetable per month and free monthly activities.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays from May 8 to Oct. 30

Those are our top picks for farmer’s markets in the Chicago area where you can get fresh produce and locally-made goods. Did we miss any favorites? Reach out and let us know so we can update our list.

Photo Credit: Carrots and Leeks Photo by peterwendt licensed by Upsplash