19th ANNUAL ILLINOIS PRODUCT FARMERS MARKET KICKS OFF MAY 7TH WITH FAMILY FUN, DELICIOUS FOOD AND PRIZES

SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) kicks off the 19th season of the Illinois Product Farmers Market Thursday, May 7th, from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m. at The Shed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

"As we kick off another season, I'm proud to see the Illinois Product Farmers Market continue to bring people together while uplifting Illinois' hardworking growers and small businesses who make it possible," said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. "Ag connects us all, and farmers markets are about more than just fresh food on Illinoisans' tables. They're about supporting local farmers, strengthening our communities, and expanding access to healthy options across the state."

"We all look forward to the first farmers market of the season as a celebration of the return of warmer weather and easy access to fresh, local foods straight from the growers themselves," said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. "Every Thursday now through September, we invite the community to join us at the Illinois State Fairgrounds to shop local."

What to Expect on Opening Day:

• Delicious Eats: Grab backyard barbecue from Nuthatch Hill BBQ, burgers, fries, and sides from Edinburgers, and sweet treats from Johnnie O's Mini Donuts.
• Family Fun: Enjoy Touch-A-Truck, free balloon animals, face painting, yard games and Springfield Art Association Make Truck.
• Entertainment: Rock out to live music by Not Petty.
• Prize Drawings: Stick around for prize drawings featuring gift cards, event passes, and more! (Must be present to win.)

Every visitor will also receive a free reusable Illinois Product Market bag to carry their local finds.

Plus, don't miss the Illinois Product Buy Local Prize Wheel for a chance to win prizes from Skateland, Happy Hour Pilates, Aberham Lincoln Presidential Museum, HyVee, Illinois wineries, and more including an Illinois Product Basket packed with goodies from market vendors!

Schedule of Events:

3:30 p.m. - Market Opens & Touch-A-Truck begins

4:00 p.m. - Prize Drawing / Kids' Activities Begin

4:30 p.m. - Prize Drawing / Balloon Artist & Face Painting Begin

5:00 p.m. - Prize Drawing / Live Music from Not Petty

5:30 p.m. - Prize Drawing / Official Ribbon Cutting

6:00 p.m. - Prize Drawing

6:30 p.m. - Prize Drawing

7:00 p.m. - Final Prize Drawing.

IDOA will match every dollar spent in Link at the Illinois Product Farmers Market. If marketgoers spend $25 in LINK, they will receive an additional $25 in LINK Match to spend on fruits and vegetables.

Marketgoers can find The Shed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds by entering Gate 3. Parking is located across the street.

The 2026 Illinois Product Farmers Market is presented by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the following sponsors: Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association, Illinois State Fair, Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield Clinic, Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Specialty Growers Association, LINKUp Illinois, Twin Willow Farms, Ayers Family Farm, U of I Master Gardeners, Office of the State Treasurer, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Mines and Minerals, and ChiroOne Wellness Centers.

Attendees can expect a welcoming and family-friendly environment packed with diverse vendors, a rotating selection of food trucks, cooking demonstrations, and complimentary live entertainment. Returning this year are weekly raffles offering $10 in "Market Cash" and an Illinois Product Basket.

The Illinois Product Farmers Market will be held every Thursday starting May 7 through September 24, excluding August 13, 20, and 27. The Illinois Product Fall Market will be held on Saturday, October 10.