Citywide Chicago Farmers Markets and Historic Maxwell Street Return for 2026 Season

Chicago's beloved markets bring fresh local food, live entertainment and cultural experiences to neighborhoods across the city from May through October

CHICAGO - The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announces the return of its signature Chicago Farmers Markets and the historic Maxwell Street for the 2026 season. Running May through October, these programs will once again activate neighborhoods across the city with fresh produce, local vendors, live entertainment and cultural programming that reflect Chicago's diversity and community spirit.

"Chicago Farmers Markets and Maxwell Street are more than destinations. They are vital community spaces that bring people together through food, culture and shared experiences," said DCASE Commissioner Kenya Merritt. "Each season, these programs celebrate the vibrancy of our neighborhoods while supporting local vendors and expanding access to fresh, healthy food."

The Chicago Farmers Markets program brings farm-fresh goods and community-centered programming to neighborhoods citywide, supporting regional growers and small businesses, while expanding access to healthy, seasonal food. Chicago's longest-running farmers market at Daley Plaza, now in its 48th year, opens Thursday, May 21, and operates weekly from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Oct. 22. Visitors can shop a wide variety of locally sourced products, while enjoying cooking demonstrations, cultural programming and opportunities to connect with local organizations.

New and returning vendors will offer a dynamic mix of goods, from fresh produce and specialty foods to artisanal products. Shoppers using SNAP benefits can take advantage of the Link Match program through Link Up Illinois, which matches purchases dollar-for-dollar, helping make fresh food more accessible and supporting local producers.

A highlight of the season includes the Daley Plaza Seed Swap on May 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., inviting gardeners of all experience levels to exchange seeds, shop seedlings and connect with fellow growers. Additionally, the market continues its partnership with Urban Canopy to redistribute surplus food to the Chicagoland Food Sovereignty Coalition and provide free compost collection for vendors and visitors, reinforcing a shared commitment to sustainability and food access.

City-run farmers markets will take place across multiple neighborhoods throughout the week, including Pullman, Austin, Gold Coast, the Loop, and Bronzeville, offering residents convenient access to fresh food and community programming across Chicago.

Maxwell Street, one of Chicago's oldest open-air markets, returns for its 114th year with six market days on select Sundays: May 17, June 7, July 19, Aug. 9, Sept. 13 and Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Located on Maxwell Street between S. Halsted St. and S. Union Ave., the market continues its legacy as a hub for commerce, culture and community, offering an eclectic mix of vintage goods, handmade crafts, clothing, housewares and a wide variety of food.

Each Maxwell Street date will feature themed programming, including Opening Day festivities; Chicago Blues Festival at Maxwell Street, complete with free Blues Trolleys between Maxwell Street and Millennium Park; SummerDance sessions; a Kids Edition and an end-of-season Block Party. Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment, free arts activities hosted by Somos Arte and free historical walking tours led by the Maxwell Street Foundation.

Maxwell Street is free and open to the public, with convenient access via the CTA Blue Line Halsted station, as well as the #8 Halsted and #12 Roosevelt bus routes.

Maxwell Street is produced by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events with support from the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).

For more information on Chicago Farmers Markets, visit ChicagoFarmersMarkets.us. For details on Maxwell Street, visit MaxwellStreetMarket.us and follow @ChicagoDCASE on social media.

2026 Maxwell Street:

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

Sunday, May 17 - Opening Day

Kick off the opening day at Maxwell Street with the vibrant energy of a Chicago tradition, where live music, global flavors and unbeatable finds come together to start another unforgettable season.

• 10-11 a.m.: DJ James Porter
• 11 a.m. - Noon: Marty "Big Dog" Mercer Duo
• 12:30-1:30 p.m.: Vino Louden Duo
• 2-3 p.m.: Michael Damani

Sunday, June 7 - Chicago Blues Festival at Maxwell Street!

Experience the blues at the Maxwell Street with electrifying performances by Studebaker John's Maxwell Street Kings, John Primer & Steve Bell and the Harmonica Hinds Duo. Take the free Blues trolley from Maxwell Street to the Chicago Blues Festival in Millennium Park!

• 10-11 a.m.: DJ James Porter
• 11 a.m. - Noon: Studebaker John's Maxwell Street Kings
• 12:30-1:30 p.m.: John Primer & Steve Bell
• 2-3 p.m.: Harmonica Hinds Duo

Sunday, July 19 - SummerDance at Maxwell Street

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

Sunday, Aug. 9 - Crossroads of Cultures

Come out to Maxwell Street and celebrate the many cultures that have called Maxwell Street HOME!

Sunday, Sept. 13 - Kids Edition

Celebrate a day of creativity and play at Maxwell Street with young vendors and kid-friendly entertainment for a fun, family-focused experience.

Sunday, Oct 4 - Maxwell Street Block Party!

Close out festival season at Maxwell Street for the Maxwell Street Block Party, a lively celebration filled with music, dancing, local vendors and the unmistakable energy of a true Chicago street festival.

2026 Chicago Farmers Markets:

Please note: the Division Street Farmers Market will relocate for the 2026 season due to the ongoing Division Street Streetscape Project. The market will shift two blocks west of its original location and operate on Division Street between Clark Street and Wells Street, with an official address of 100 W. Division St. This move ensures the market can continue to serve residents and visitors throughout the construction period.

Complete list of all farmers markets below and available at ChicagoFarmersMarkets.us. Schedule subject to change.

* Denotes an independently run Community Partner market, supported by DCASE. *

Wednesdays

*Pullman Farmers Market*
11100 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
July 8 - Oct. 28
7 a.m. - Noon.

Thursdays

Daley Plaza Farmers Market
50 W. Washington St.
May 21 - Oct. 22
7 a.m. - 2 p.m.

*Austin Town Hall Farmers Market*
5610 W. Lake St.
June 11 - Oct. 29
1-6 p.m.

Saturdays

Division Street Farmers Market
New Location
100 W. Division St.
May 16 - Oct. 24
7 a.m. - Noon
(Closed July 4)

Sundays

*Bronzeville Farmers Market*
4702 S. King Dr.
June 7 - Sept. 27
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago's 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city - to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city's most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city - serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.