Downtown Chicago Farmer's Markets

I work in downtown Chicago, and often on my lunch hour, I run out to pick up something for a quick dinner. In the summertime, I stop a farmer's market on my lunch hour for something interesting to make for dinner.

This is an overview of the six farmer's markets and two year-round shops in downtown Chicago that are good sources for local foods. For a detailed listing of vendors and times, see the Mayor's Office of Special Events page.

Daley Plaza Farmer's Market
Held on Thursdays from mid-May to mid-October, the Daley Plaza Farmer's Market offers vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, produce, baked goods, flowers, and prepared foods. It's easily the largest of of the downtown farmer's markets and a favorite among city office workers. Vendors include Lehman's Orchards, Brunkow Cheese, Rise 'N Roll, Misericordia, and many others. In the spring and summer, some vendors also sell live plants. The Daley Plaza Farmer's Market does sometimes share space with other festivals. Daley Plaza is at City Hall, 50 W. Washington. Market hours are from 7 AM to 3 PM, but vendors will pack up sooner if they've sold out. Towards the end of the lunch hour, it's possible to get discounts on unsold products.

Federal Plaza Farmer's Market
The Federal Plaza Farmer's Market is on Tuesdays, from mid-May until the end of October. Interesting vendors include Klug Orchards, Kress Apiary, Stemper Cheese Company, and D&S Fruits and berries. Market hours are from 7 AM to 3 PM, but vendors may start packing up after lunchtime if stock is sold out. Federal Plaza is at Adams and Dearborn Streets.

Prudential Plaza Farmer's Market
This market, held from 7 AM to 3 PM, is at Lake Street and Beaubien Court, in front of the Prudential Building. It is reasonably large, normally with about 10-12 vendors. There are usually baked goods such as scones, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and other products.

Willis Tower Farmer's Market
The Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) Farmer's Market is the smallest of the downtown farmer's markets. On the one occasion I visited it, only 2 or 3 vendors, mainly fruit and vegetable sellers, had goods on offer. This market, held on Thursdays from 7 AM to 3 PM, at 233 S. Wacker Drive (Willis Tower Plaza) is best for people who work nearby and aren't able to walk up to the much larger Daley Plaza Farmer's Market.

Museum of Contemporary Art Farmer's Market
A medium-sized market with 10-15 vendors, this farmer's market is held on the plaza in front of the Museum of Contemporary Art on Tuesdays, from the beginning of June until the end of October. It's especially convenient for people who work in the River North or Streeterville neighborhoods. Market hours are 7 AM to 3 PM. Vendors include local bakeries, growers from Michigan and Indiana, and sellers of honey and gourmet mushrooms. The Museum of Contemporary Art Farmer's Market is at Chicago Ave. and Mies Van Der Rohe Way.

Erie Street Farmer's Markets
For Downtown or River North residents, the Erie Street Farmer's market, held on Sundays at 500 W Erie, may be convenient. Market hours are from 8 AM to 1 PM, and dates are from early June to mid October.

Chicago Downtown Farmstand
This market, at located at 66 East Randolph, has been open Mon-Sat year round since the fall of 2008. In the summer, the market offers locally grown produce. In winter, produce is more scarce but includes some things that can be grown indoors locally. Year round, the Chicago Downtown Farmstand offers breads, spices, dairy products, prepared foods, and other goods. The Chicago Downtown Farmstand also serves as a distribution point for several Community Supported Agriculture Programs and offers cooking demonstrations.

Chicago French Market
The Chicago French Market is open daily at the Olgivie Transportation Center Metra station. Stands offer local produce and meats, cheeses, baked goods, and prepared foods.