Check out these must-see farmers markets in northern Illinois this spring
Craving the freshest seasonal produce? Looking to support local farmers and artisans? Then look no further than these vibrant farmers markets in northern Illinois.
Bursting with flavor, these open-air markets offer a delightful shopping experience where you can find everything from just-picked fruits and veggies to handcrafted goods and delicious, prepared foods. But with so many great options, where do you start? To help you navigate, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best farmers markets in the area, each offering something unique.
Farmers Market+ at The Dole — Crystal Lake
Billed as a “farmers market and so much more,” the Farmers Market+ at The Dole is a traditional farmers market that features produce, flowers and baked goods, but also offers live acoustic music, local artists, food trucks, kids’ attractions, cash bar and more.
The market is held at the beautiful Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake, and is indoors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on select Sundays from November through April, moving outdoors to the mansion’s front lawn from May through October.
More than 80 vendors are expected onsite each week. Admission and parking are free. The Dole Mansion is at 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. For information, visit farmersmarketatthedole.org.
Aurora farmers market
Aurora’s market is one of the oldest farmers markets in Illinois. The 113th season kicks off June 1, and runs from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday through Oct. 5 at 65 S. Water St. Each week, the market not only has fresh produce, but pastry items, local food trucks and vendors, including Aurora’s famous Dick’s Mini Donuts, coffee, unique artisan items, live music and more.
The city also will host a market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays at 1999 W. Galena Blvd. The tentative dates for the Wednesday market are July 3 through Aug. 21. For information, visit aurora-il.org/1595/Aurora-Farmers-Market.
Geneva French Market
The Geneva French Market is held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. now through Nov. 17 in the Geneva Metra station parking lot at South and Fourth streets. The French Market features fresh fruits and vegetables, fine textiles, baked goods, unique gifts, artisan food vendors and more. For information, visit bensidounusa.com.
Woodstock Farmers Market
The Woodstock Farmers Market opens in the historic downtown Woodstock Square in May, and runs on Saturdays through October, with a briefer calendar for additional Tuesday markets.
The streets on all four sides of the square, as well as the park in the center, are lined with vendors from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market, now in its 40th year, is a producers’ market, which means only vendors who grow or make their own products are allowed to participate.
More than 70 vendors attend the Saturday market, which features organic and homegrown produce, baked goods, coffee, beer, natural meats and dairy, honey, soaps and body products, candles, crafts, perennials and plants, and fresh-cut flowers.
The last indoor market of the season, featuring more than 45 vendors, runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 27 at Building D of the McHenry County Fairgrounds. For information, visit woodstockfarmersmarket.org.
Historic Plainfield farmers market
Beginning June 2, this open-air farmers market will open at the Plainfield Township Administration Building, 22525 W. Lockport St., in Plainfield.
The market runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Sunday through Sept. 22. There will be a variety of between 40 and 50 vendors each week, highlighting organic produce from local farmers, a variety of breads, cakes, cookies, handcrafted items, wood-carved creations, soaps, jewelry, clothing and more.
For hungry shoppers, there’s a new vendor, BloomingBowls, offering bowls filled with ice cream, granola and fresh fruit, in addition to tacos, Filipino food and other items. Shoppers also can enjoy live music while browsing the market. For information, visit facebook.com/HistoricPlainfieldFarmersMarket.