Farmers' Markets

May 1, 2008

As interest in local, seasonal eating keeps growing, so does the number of farmers’ markets for city dwellers. The big, city-run markets at Federal Plaza and Daley Plaza open the week after next, as does the independent Green City Market in Lincoln Park, and others follow in the coming month. Here’s a partial list of what you can generally expect to find when:

May Leafy greens, green onions, radishes

June Asparagus, peas, rhubarb, strawberries

July Blueberries, cucumbers, raspberries, summer squash, snap beans

August Blackberries, eggplants, peppers, tomatoes

September Apples, beets, carrots, melons, potatoes

October Cabbage, leafy greens, winter squash

Many markets have other specialties; read on for details. —Vera Videnovich and Kelly Russell

monday-saturday

Farmstand at Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences The city’s only permanent working 35-acre farm features student-grown produce, including sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, squash, and cucumbers. June-October (specific dates not set at press time), 10 AM-5 PM, 3857 W. 111th.

tuesday

City Farm The organic farmers at this urban training project use recycled materials and land leased from the city, selling only what they grow on-site. Offerings include more than 30 varieties of heirloom, paste, roasting, cherry, and red slicing tomatoes. 6/5-10/25, 3-6 PM, 1240 N. Clybourn, resourcecenterchicago.org.

Federal Plaza An anchor of the city’s 29-year-old program (along with Daley Plaza), this market draws vendors from the four-state area selling produce, flowers, honey, cheese, bread and baked goods, and plants. 5/13-10/28, 7 AM-3 PM, Adams & Dearborn.

Lincoln Square 6/10-10/28, 7 AM-2 PM, city parking lot, Lincoln, Leland & Western.

Museum of Contemporary Art/Streeterville This market has longer hours than many others run by the city; vendors offer a mix of produce and other products. 6/10-10/28, 10 AM-6 PM, MCA Plaza, Chicago & Mies van der Rohe Way.

Prudential Plaza Smaller than the bustling markets at Federal and Daley plazas, the Prudential market is still well stocked and convenient for Loop workers. 6/10-10/21, 7 AM-3 PM, Lake & Beaubien Court.

South Chicago 7/1-10/28, 9 AM-4 PM, Chief Nomo’s Oasis, 2650 E. 83rd.

wednesday

Chatham 7/16-10/1, 9 AM-2 PM, Seaway National Bank parking lot, 87th & Langley.

Gately/Pullman 6/11-10/29, 7 AM-2 PM, Arcade Park, 111th & Cottage Grove.

Green City Market This bustling nonprofit market in Lincoln Park promotes organic and sustainable products. Up to 50 regional vendors sell fruits, vegetables, herbs, baked goods, dairy products, meats, honey, flowers, and soaps. There are also fresh crepes, made with market produce, and sometimes live music. Local chefs give demos at 10:30 AM; on opening day it’s Carrie Nahabedian from Naha. One-hour parking is available for $4 with validation. Tours, benefits, and educational programs for adults and kids are scheduled throughout the season. 5/14-10/29, 7 AM-1:30 PM, Lincoln Park, Clark & LaSalle, chicagogreencitymarket.org.

Lawndale 7/9-10/15, 7 AM-noon, Green Youth Farm, 3555 W. Ogden.

South Shore 6/11-10/29, 7 AM-2 PM, ShoreBank parking lot, 70th & Jeffery.

thursday

City Farm See listing under Tuesday. 6/5-10/25, 3-6 PM, 1240 N. Clybourn.

Daley Plaza See Federal Plaza listing under Tuesday. 5/15-10/2, 7 AM-3 PM, Washington & Dearborn.

Dunning/Wright College 6/19-10/30, 7 AM-2 PM, Eli’s Cheescake Co. parking lot, Montrose & Forest Preserve Ave.

Hyde Park 6/5-10/30, 7 AM-2 PM, Harper Court, 52nd Pl. & Harper.

Sears Tower 6/19-10/30, 7 AM-2 PM, 233 S. Wacker Dr.

Uptown 6/19-10/23, 8 AM-3 PM, Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson.

saturday

Austin 7/12-10/25, 7 AM-2 PM, Emmet Math, Science & Technology Academy Parking Lot, Madison & Central.

City Farm See listing under Tuesday. 6/5-10/25, 10 AM-1 PM, 1240 N. Clybourn.

El Conuco Produce market cosponsored by Growing Power and the Puerto Rican Cultural Center. 6/21-9/27, 9 AM-2 PM, 2800 W. Division.

Edgewater 6/28-10/18, 7 AM-noon, 6034 N. Broadway.

Evanston This well-established market draws more than 30 vendors offering organic and sustainably grown goods including meat and cheese as well as produce. There’s free parking with validation until 1 PM at the Maple Avenue garage. 5/17-11/1, 7:30 AM-1 PM, Maple & Clark, cityofevanston.org/enjoy/market.shtml.

Garfield Market Place This market offers a variety of artisanal items in addition to its produce selection; starting in May, vendors will sell a range of quilts, antiques, and crystal. Fresh, organic produce will be available in July. 5/31-10/26, 11 AM-5 PM, Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park.

Green City Market See listing under Wednesday. 5/14-10/29, 7 AM-1:30 PM, Lincoln Park, Clark & LaSalle.

Lincoln Park 5/17-10/25, 7 AM-2 PM, Lincoln Park High School parking lot, Armitage & Orchard.

Morgan Park 6/28-10/25, 7 AM-2 PM, Shiloah M.B. Church parking lot, 92nd & Ashland

Near North 5/31-10/25, 7 AM-2 PM, Division & Dearborn.

Nettlehorst French Market This “French-style” market offers fruits and vegetables, fresh-cut flowers, jams and preserves, baked goods, and crafts. 4/26-11/1, 8 AM-2 PM, Nettlehorst School playground, Broadway & Melrose.

North Center 6/14-10/18, 7 AM-2 PM, North Center Town Square, Belle Plaine, Damen & Lincoln.

Oak Park This 34-year old market has about 30 vendors selling fruits and vegetables, honey, vinegar, flowers, plants, cheese, and meat. Local nonprofit organizations make and sell baked goods, doughnuts, and coffee, and there’s live music every week. July 12 is kids’ day; August 16 is the market’s annual corn roast. Parking’s free at Scoville Neighborhood garage. 6/7-10/25, 7 AM-1 PM, Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake, www.oak-park.us/farmersmarket.

Printers Row 6/14-10/18, 7 AM-2 PM, Dearborn & Polk

Southport Green This weekly market, in its second year, is sponsored by the Southport Neighbors Association. In addition to locally grown vegetables, fruits, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy, there are artisanal breads and various food services, such as knife sharpening. See southportneighbors.com for more. 6/21-10/11, 8 AM-noon, Blaine School, 1420 W. Grace.

sunday

Ashburn 6/22-10/19, 7 AM-2 PM, Marquette Park, 71st & Kedzie.

Beverly 6/8-10/19, 7 AM-2 PM, city parking lot, 95th & Longwood.

Bronzeville 6/30-10/20, 7 AM-2 PM, Dunbar Vocational Career Academy parking lot, 29th & King Dr.

Garfield Market Place See listing under Saturday. 5/31-10/26, 11 AM-5 PM, Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park.

Logan Square At this weekly market, local farmers and sustainable food producers offer vegetables, flowers, honey, baked goods, meat, cheese, and soap. 6/1-10/26, 10 AM-3 PM, Logan Blvd. & Milwaukee, 773-489-3222 or logansquarefarmersmarket.org.

Wicker Park/Bucktown 6/9-10/26, 7 AM-2 PM, Wicker Park, Damen & Wicker Park Ave.

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