I have to say that I'm really surprised by the farmer's markets that have been established on the…read morenorthwest side. I visited the North Branch Market a few weeks ago and this weekend decided to check out the Park Ridge Farmer's Market, and it's another great market. Honestly, I don't get the popularity of something like the Green City Market and though the Lincoln Square Farmer's Market (which used to be my usual) isn't anywhere near as good. There are lots of vendors here. The portion of the market where I entered had a lot of food and goods vendors--pizza truck, ice cream company, bakery, kettle corn, olive oil (there were two!), textiles, soaps & scents, and more. I thought that street was the extent of the market, but when I neared the end I saw that it extends into the parking lot on the street and that section has a lot more. There were at least five different farm operations represented, a man selling meats, and there was a cheese stand as well. It's the height of summer, so I ended up with plums, blackberries, blue cheese and curds, some bread, and a couple other goodies. This market was a really great balance of the Farm in Farmer's market with so many selling here and various other sundries. A four-piece classical quartet serenaded folks as they wandered the market; I assume that the musical entertainment changes from week to week. They had a children's activity booth where this weekend kids were playing with clay with a local artist, and there was a community booth where a local food pantry was collecting donations (the market was also encouraging folks to buy two of an item to donate one to the food pantry). Again, their schedule changes, so I got the impression that the children's activity may be different on different weekends. The market opens early (7 a.m., I think) and the kid's booth starts around 9. Parking is excellent. There's a lot off the street where the market is held with space for a great deal of cars--I think its primary function is as a municipal lot. There's also copious amounts of street parking around as well. If you're in the area on Saturday while the market is in swing, this is a fantastic one you should put on your agenda.

Happened upon the Park Ridge Farmer's Market and was pleasantly surprised. Parking was a bit tough…read morebut this farmers market had a wide variety of vendors. I saw an assortment of produce, artisan goods, local businesses, flowers, cheeses, canned/jarred goods, meats, and more! The market was a decent size and runs on Saturdays from 7am-1pm. I also loved that they had some food trucks theres to offer a good beverage or bite to eat as you peruse! Definitely try to stop by early to ensure nothing is sold out!

I went to the second farmers market day of the summer season! While it was busy, there was plenty…read moreof outdoor space to spread out where I didn't feel crammed. There were many vendors- from food to drinks to items! This is a great event for small businesses! Support local!

The Skokie Farmers Market usually runs from June to November, weather permitting, on Sundays from…read more7:30 AM to 12:30 PM - it's located in the lot of of the Skokie Village Hall and features various vendors. Some of my favorite businesses include: +Maggie's Munchies - for homemade and locally-sourced dog treats! +That Pickle Guy - giardiniera and other pickled goodies +Diva Chocolates & Confections - seasonal danishes and pastries I just wished they had more hot food/meal vendors so people can have a meal while perusing the market. Parking is available in the Village lots; note that some routes are blocked due to the market. +held every Sunday from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM, from June to November +Village parking lots available +located in front of the Skokie Village Hall

North Branch Market is one of the best farmers markets I've been to, and I include Green City…read moreMarket in that (which I think is a bit overrated). The Edgebrook Chamber of Commerce did a fantastic job assembling a variety of folks. There were only two or three produce stands but they had a nice variety of stuff. I got the best strawberries I've had all season; a peach for the baby to try; some apples, melons, and so on. There were several food booths here serving tamales, bourica bowls, pastries, snacks, sweets. One of the local schools had a booth to raise money for their trip to Washington DC. There were artisans there selling artwork, candles, miscellaneous; there was a booth with dried and fresh flowers; Sunnyside Plants had set up a booth as well. Coffee cake, salad dressings, fresh soups and dips--a little of everything could be found. There was a kid's corner and New Book Joy had a small booth and were sponsoring storytelling on the early end of the market hours with a local author. Other children's activities included planting some seeds, face painting, and one of those scenes with the faces cut out so you can take photos. There were a few booths that had coffee/tea/lemonade, much appreciated on a day when it was over 70 degrees at 9 am. I really appreciated that the Edgebrook - Sauganash chamber (who I think put it on?) have a small section for seating where folks can eat their food or whatever for a few minutes under a canopy. Really smart, practical addition that I almost never see at a farmers market (with the exception of the Ravenswood Community Farmer's Market). North Branch Market is held in the parking lot of Edgebrook Elementary School. It's a residential neighborhood so parking could be worse but there are areas that are permit parking at all times, probably in part due to the aforementioned school/park district. If you can't find parking on Hiawatha, check out one of the neighboring streets or the street just north of the school.

From the owner: At North Branch Market, our goal is to create vibrant gatherings with local charm and community…read morespirit for Edgebrook, Sauganash, Wildwood, and Forest Glen.Through a curated vendor lineup, family-friendly entertainment, and locally-based engagement, our events are a central hub for the community that replicates the feeling of a town square--shared, walkable spaces that bring people together for shopping, eating, socialization, and connection in the heart of our own neighborhoods.

For 2024, the market has moved to a different area to the lot by Old Town School of Folk. I…read moreactually like this location exponentially better than where it used to be. In fact, I only had ever been there once or twice before because the location was difficult for me to get to before they closed up for the evening. In 2024, I've been to the market three times since it opened month or so ago, which is more than I had been in the 15 years prior. There's a nice variety of booths here, from the plants, fruits, and veggies to some prepared foods. Vendors are all helpful and friendly. A favorite new find is the SnackLab, a company that makes a few items but their potato chips are the best--in particular the Rosemary Lemon flavor. This is the best flavor combo and hard to pass up! It's not my favorite of the farmers markets around; there are better ones in my opinion. But it's not bad and certainly worth it if in the area.

Market has everything like fruits and vegetables and Apples everything they get some more thinks,read more

Local park with tennis and playground and plenty of area to chill and people watch. Parking pretty…read moregood as well behind

I just adore this market so close in my neighborhood! Well organized. Great selection. Terrific…read morepeople. Here are the dates for 2014 - June 8, & June 22 : July 13, & July 27 : Aug. 10, & Aug. 24 : Sept. 14, & Sept. 28 : Oct. 12, & Oct. 26 : Belly Dance Show at 11:45am on 6/8 * 9/14 by Arabesque Dance & Fitness!

Always a great time on a Sunday Morning/Afrernoon , seams like everyone in the city attends…read moreincluding pets, the market has continuously expanded over time bringing in some incredible options from Fresh Fruits and Vegetables , Bee Farmers and locally harvested honey , to nearby flower growers , to Coffee Brewers , Bread Makers , Etc Etc , just a perfect way to unwind , If you're hungry for something different , nearby restaurants like Longmen and Eagle will oblige . .

The perfect way to spend a Sunday with lots of fresh produce, coffee and treats. My favorite part…read moreis when the art fair is combined with the farmer's market. The amount of unique finds is perfect if you're ahead of holiday shopping. I bought rhubarb and made a nice compote with it.

This is a good time! Lots of veggies, herbs and unexpected things. Food vendors. A coffee shop…read more Pastries. It gets pretty packed so come early! The vibe of the crowd flows with the weather. So if it's overcast it's a completely different experience compared to when the sun is shining. Bring your own weather and see what floats your boat!

Vangies Farm has the most beautiful and affordable flowers in the city. Neng is an artist at…read morearranging. The 10:00 yoga is always nice. Backlot has delicious coffee. There is acoustic music, which is always a treat.