According to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois ranks third in the nation for the number of farmers markets with more than 8,000 in the state! Throughout Chicago's Western Suburbs, these markets are bursting with summer bounty —locally grown produce and flowers, plus meats, cheeses and baked goods. Here are some of our favorites...
Wheaton French Market
One of the longest running markets is in west suburban Wheaton. Wheaton’s French Market opened in 1997 with 20 vendors. Now in its second year located under the new pavilion at the corner of Liberty and Main, it boasts over 100 vendors selling produce, meats, cheese, honey, sauces, fresh baked goods and a variety of clothing, jewelry and decor. In addition to being in the heart of Wheaton’s downtown, the Wheaton French Market has the advantage of being just off the Illinois Prairie Path and convenient for cyclists and joggers. This is a bustling and lively Saturday morning market!
Wheaton French Market — Saturdays 8a-2p (through October 26)
Glen Ellyn French Market
The Glen Ellyn French Market features dozens of vendors offering fresh flowers and produce, artisanal honey, handmade jewelry and other items. It's located in the Main Street Metra parking lot, in the heart of charming downtown Glen Ellyn and next to the Prairie Path.
Glen Ellyn French Market — Sundays 9a-1p (through October 20)
Lombard Farmers Market
The Lombard Farmers Market is set in the heart of downtown Lombard, on South Park Avenue and St. Charles Road. The vendors include Farmer Nick's (offering all natural pork, beef, and chicken), Soapy Roads of Lombard, and additional vendors that sell fudge, fresh herbs, kettle corn and homemade baked goods. Construction on South Park Avenue was completed in Spring 2024 to create a pedestrian-friendly roadway configuration with expanded sidewalks, new lighting, trees and planters, and a welcoming gateway arch at the north end of the block.
Lombard Farmers Market — Tuesdays 3-7p (through October 1)
Geneva French Market
The Geneva French Market is held every Sunday in charming downtown Geneva. Offering local produce, fresh baked goods (including the most amazing cinnamon sugar donut from Hahn’s Bakery!), empanadas, textiles and unique gifts, the French Market is a great place to begin a Sunday! Located in the Metra parking lot at South & 4th Streets, you can also stroll to the unique shops and restaurants in downtown or over to enjoy the views along the Fox River.
Geneva French Market — Sundays 9a-2p
Batavia Farmers Market
Like Geneva, the quaint town of Batavia is also set along the banks of the Fox River. The Batavia Farmers Market graces North River Street (between Wilson and Spring Streets) every Saturday. The market features a great selection of fresh cut flowers, meats and cheeses, beignets and coffee, houseplants, soaps and jewelry. Batavia's vendors must grow, harvest and/or produce at least 75% of their products. On the 3rd Saturday of each month the market also features the ‘Artisan Collective’ where you can shop for handmade items from your favorite local artists, makers and designers.
Batavia Farmers Market — Saturdays 8a-12p (through October 26)
Elmhurst Summer Market
The Elmhurst Farmers Market is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. You'll enjoy boutique-style shopping with a wide-array of vendors that sell farm fresh produce, meats, honey, Italian specialities, bagels, pastries and so much more! This market is held in the York and Valette Business District.
Elmhurst Summer Market — Wednesdays 7a-1p (through October 30)
Winfield Farmers Market
The Winfield Farmer’s Market has been a staple in DuPage County since the early 1990's, held at the SW corner of Geneva and County Farm Roads. While not the largest market in the area, the Winfield market emphasizes the importance of local agriculture by sourcing fruits and vegetables directly from farms in Illinois and Michigan. The market also hosts vendors selling baked goods, other food items, and a variety of non-food products and services. Ample free parking is available adjacent to the market.
Winfield Farmers Market — Wednesdays 7a-1p (through October)
Oak Park Farmers Market
The Oak Park Farmers Market has been a tradition for 45 years! Located in the Pilgrim Church parking lot at 460 Lake Street, the market features a wide variety of vendors. One of our favorite features of this market is that —every Saturday of the market season— a crew of donut makers arrives in the early hours of the morning to make fresh donuts and coffee for market patrons. The donuts are old-fashioned cake donuts, served warm and covered with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar or plain, and are available to purchase individually or by the dozen. Various local non-profit organizations take part in the donut efforts, earning money for the church and their organizations. Market patrons can enjoy their donuts while listening to live bluegrass music provided by local musicians. (Come early! Donuts often sell out before noon.)
Oak Park Farmers Market — Saturdays 7a-1p (through October 26)
