Citywide Chicago Farmers Markets & Maxwell Street Return for 2025 with Music, Culture and Fresh Flavor All Summer Long 

May 08, 2025 admin_bitlc Features, Music News, Reviews 0

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This May through October, Chicago’s time-honored Farmers Markets and storied Maxwell Street will provide residents with authentic local produce, artisanal goods, and cross-cultural experiences that honor the city’s enduring traditions and diversity 

CHICAGO— The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is excited to announce the return of its signature Chicago Farmers Markets and iconic Maxwell Street for the 2025 season. Kicking off this May and running through October, these markets will bring fresh produce, local artisans, global street food, and vibrant multicultural programming to neighborhoods citywide. 

Chicago’s longest-running farmers market returns to Daley Plaza on Thursday, May 22, operating weekly from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. through October 23 with more than 40 vendors offering fresh, locally sourced goods. Part of the citywide Chicago Farmers Markets program, which spans neighborhoods from the Gold Coast to Roseland and The Loop to Austin, these markets are vital in expanding food access—especially in areas designated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as low-income and low-access. New this year, the Daley Plaza Farmers Market will host a special Seed Swap and Seedling Sale on Thursday, May 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gardeners of all levels are invited to bring seeds to share, browse a variety of locally grown seedlings, and get inspired for a productive growing season.  

“Maxwell Street and the Farmers Markets are more than just places to shop—they’re cultural hubs and living pieces of Chicago’s heritage,” said DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth. “This season’s events each spotlight a unique part of our city’s vibrant spirit, from the legacy of Chicago Blues to family fun, dancing, and literary delights.” 

This year’s Daley Plaza Farmers Market welcomes exciting new vendors such as Vangie’s Farm, Daisies, Wanda Farms, Onigiri Kororin, DMApothecary, Taste of India, and Yallatizers, joining beloved returning favorites like Nichols Farm & Orchard, River Valley Ranch, Delightful Pastries, Oosterhoff & Son Flowers, Stamper Cheese, and more. Shoppers using SNAP benefits can stretch their dollars further thanks to the Link Match program from Link Up Illinois. At the market’s SNAP/Link booth, purchases made with a Link card are matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $25 per swipe. This initiative helps make fresh, local food more accessible while also boosting support for small farms and food producers. 

Maxwell Street, a Chicago tradition for over a century, returns with six themed market days from May through October, celebrating the city’s rich cultural diversity and entrepreneurial spirit. Held on select Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the city’s iconic and longest-running open-air market will feature vendors offering an eclectic mix of vintage and rare finds, handmade crafts, resale housewares, clothing, and great food from Maxwell Street restaurants. Each event will include live entertainment, family-friendly activities, arts activation by Somos Arte Chicago, and walking tours led by the Maxwell Street Foundation, continuing the market’s legacy as a vibrant hub for commerce, culture, and community on the Near West Side. 

Vendor applications for Maxwell Street’s 2025 season are now open at MaxwellStreetMarket.us. 

Parking is available for customers at nearby lots and parking structures. The area is also easily accessible by public transit, via the Blue Line’s Halsted Street station, as well as the #8 Halsted Street bus and the #12 Roosevelt Street bus. 

For more information, visit MaxwellStreetMarket.us. Join the conversation on Facebook at Maxwell Street Market, and on Instagram and X at @ChicagoDCASE (#MaxwellStreetMarket). 

Maxwell Street is produced by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and sponsored in part by Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). 

2025 MAXWELL STREET: 

Schedule subject to change / Maxwell Street – Between S. Halsted St. & S. Union Ave.   

Sunday, May 18 – Spring Garage Sale 

Kick off the season with Maxwell Street’s Spring Garage Sale. Enjoy live entertainment by: 

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! 

Experience the blues back on the West Side with performances by Omar Coleman Westside Soul, Marty “Big Dog” Mercer, Harmonica Hinds, and more. 

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 

Join us for dance lessons and music in the open air as part of Chicago SummerDance. 

Sunday, August 10 – Dog Days of Summer 

Bring your furry friends to a pet-friendly market day with pet vendors and summer-themed activities. Pets welcome! 

Sunday, September 14 – Kids’ Edition 

Celebrate National Coloring Day with kid vendors and child-focused entertainment for a family-friendly experience. 

Sunday, October 5 – Happy Birthday, Maxwell Street! 

Wrap up the season with a tribute to the legacy of Maxwell Street, featuring a special appearance and reading by Avery Cunningham, author of “The Mayor of Maxwell Street”. 

2025 CHICAGO FARMERS MARKETS: 

Complete list of all farmers markets, available at ChicagoFarmersMarkets.us.

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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• 2025, Chicago, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, DCASE, Farmer Market, Maxwell Street

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