I've been trying to get my daughter to check out the Urbana farmer's market since last year. She never got up early enough to make it. I was on campus this past Saturday. We were planning on doing something else, but decided to stay in the C-U area so we didn't get to the market until 11:30, they close at noon. Some vendors were packing up and some sold most of their goods. Since we weren't planning on going to the farmer's market, I had already purchased a bunch of produce and meat for her at Whole Foods. I wish I hadn't. The produce at this market looked so good. They had good amount of produce and meat vendors. Prices seemed very reasonable. They had vendors that sold baked goods, jewelry, bags, soap,etc. The downside for students is the distance from campus and hours. I told my daughter she should coax a friend with a car to go with her. We were hungry and decided to check out a food truck. I don't know if there are usually more food trucks, but there were only 2 when we were there. The home football game may have effected the number of trucks. We chose Piato. I opted to try the farmers breakfast sandwich and my daughter tried the Carolina pulled pork sandwich. She wanted biscuits and gravy, but the ran out of biscuits. I enjoyed my sandwich. It was on sourdough bread, fried egg, cheddar and sausage. I liked it wasn't greasy. My daughter enjoyed the pulled pork. She even liked the cole slaw that came on top of the sandwich. She chose the bourbon sugar bbq sauce and said it was really good. We also got a fresh squeezed lemonade. We didn't enjoy that as much. We think it may have been sweetened with stevia. It had a weird aftertaste which is why we think it wasn't sugar. We don't like stevia. All in all, would definitely eat here again. Reasonable prices and friendly service! read more

Really nice Farmers Market. A lot of great fresh produce, baked goods, cheese and interesting items for sale. Also plenty of food trucks and wonderful things to eat. A lot of parking available too. We were visiting the area and the market was a real treat to visit on Saturday morning. Definitely plan to return. read more

You can find me at the Urbana Farmer's Market every Saturday! I LOVE it! Here's some tips.... Too expensive? This market is one of those markets where the vendor has to grow or make what it's selling. That means that things are higher quality than other markets where a lot of vendors buy fruit and vegetables in bulk from distributors and resell it. Want to save money? Check out the "seconds" bins underneath the table tops. This is where you can get produce like tomatoes for sometimes half the price! Too crowded? SHOW UP EARLY! The retired folks do it right. Get there before 9am, and you'll avoid the strollers and impatient crowds. Not finding what you're looking for? This goes back to the fact that the vendor has to grow what it sells. Obviously, you're probably not going to find cucumbers in August. They just don't typically grow around that time around here. Although, it all depends on the year. A warm spring means you might find tomatoes as early as May. A cool summer means you might find cucumbers in August. Also, SHOW UP EARLY! The good stuff always goes fast! read more

This is a really great market to visit on Saturday morning from May-October. Plenty of vendors selling flowers, plants, produce, cheese, honey, salsas, meat, baked goods galore, handcrafted decor items, handcrafted gift items and the list goes on! Food trucks are plentiful, sure to cure whatever craving you have. Local organizations also have booth space; think League of Women Voters, etc. Free parking in Lincoln Square mall. Don't miss it!!! read more

The farmer's market is one of my favorite things to do every Saturday! I just feel happy starting my weekend at the market - browsing, shopping, enjoying the activity, talking to people I see week after week, and getting a little breakfast. People and the whole vibe is so friendly. Though you might consider things a bit more pricey than what you'd find at a store, keep in mind that this is locally produced by people who work hard to make artisan products and grow/raise organic food. I appreciate this so much since I have a "black thumb" and can't grow much of anything. The in-season product is so good. Asparagus and scapes in the spring. I brave the heat for the corn, peaches, and tomatoes that are their best mid-summer. The kale, squash, potatoes in the fall. Offerings throughout the season include baked goods, jams, handcrafts, jewelry, soaps and salves. There's plenty of free parking for both cars and bikes. It's easy access. Bring sunscreen if you're going to hang and bring your own shopping bags if you can. There's all sorts of music going on. And sometimes there are special programs - like local bands, grilled pizza tutorials, bike clinics (where you can get a free tune up!), blood drives if you're able to donate, etc. Bonus: Due to my weekend habit at this farmer's market, I smell and look amazing because I've gotten so much handmade soap and jewelry from vendors here. I go hungry but leave happy - partly because I really enjoy the breakfast burritos, donuts, kettle corn... read more

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Very cute farmers market with lots of delicious produce! Don't miss the ginger lemonade

Sorry to say it, but the Urbana Farmers Market is overpriced. I cannot imagine spending $3.00 a pound for string beans, for example. Tomatoes are also priced at $3.00 a pound even when the vendors' tables groan with them in August. New York's Union Square greenmarket is cheaper! Of course there's that airfare... I go once in a while to buy zucchini, onions, and garlic and to get tomatoes from vendors who sell the ones with blemishes for $2.00 a pound or less. If you poke around you can find some bargains, but this is the most expensive farmers market I've ever been to unfortunately. read more

There are very few things in life that I consider worth getting out of bed before 8:00 on a Saturday morning. Market at the Square is probably at the top of that list. The market is an abundance of local and organic produce, meats, and baked goods. There are artisan goat cheeses from a local farm, lots of grass feed meat and poultry, and all sorts of goodies baked by small home bakers and Amish families from the communities south of here. There are all sorts of unique arts and crafts that make the Market a great place to go if you need to get a special gift for someone difficult to buy for. There's a wonderful upbeat vibe that is largely due to a delightful one man band who has turned singing the alphabet into an art form. And let's not forget the kettle corn! I would recommend getting to the Market as early as possible so as not to miss out on anything. I've had some very sad mornings where I've succumbed to the snooze alarm and just missed getting the last quart of plump, sweet-smelling berries. Don't let this happen to you! Get to the market by 8:30 or 9:00 and you'll be treated to a wide selection of whatever local produce happens to be ripe and a variety of other wonderful items. Be sure to bring cash, as some vendors don't accept checks or credit cards. One word of warning: There are a lot of political and religious organizations with booths along the north edge of the Market, where you will likely be approached to sign a petition, offered flyers, and the like. Generally, no one is too pushy and a polite "no thank you" is all it will take if you don't wish to partake. Be particularly wary of the guy offering free stress tests; He's a scientology recruiter. read more

It says something good about what people like that the farmer's market flourishes alongside the derelict Lincoln Square Mall. I look forward to coming here early every Saturday morning for produce, artisan breads, and other assorted surprises. Whatever fruits and vegetables that are in season can be found here and some of them are surprising- gooseberries, currants, kohlrabi, rainbow kale, and more. A wide variety of animal products can also be found: from buffalo meat to honey to farm-fresh eggs. It's not always expensive either- my kohlrabi was a mere 75 cents and a bundle of arugala can be had for a dollar. There are random stalls that sell assorted prepared foods, such as artisan bread and kettle corn. Recently the Papa George Greek food truck Justine mentioned has been popular. I love their creamy hummus and sweet baklava. I also saw a new smoothie stand this Saturday. The Farmer's Market, when it is open, is the best place to buy produce. It's fresher and you can converse with the farmer's to learn about local food. Come early for the best selection and bring cash! read more

Cool farmers market my friends took me to while visiting. It is one of the bigger markets I have been to. A nice selection of locally grown vegetables and fruits. They have some local meat vendors selling items such as locally made jerky to bison patties. Pricey but your directly supporting a local business. Bakers seeling cookies and breads. Other vendors seeling jams and spreads. The cookies are the bomb. I would go back weekly just to pick up some the week. A definite must stop by if your town on a Saturday. read more

I love farmer's markets, but I especially love this farmer's market because it fosters so many great habits from me. First off, lately I've found myself biking there. Second, when I go there, I make it a goal to buy at least one vegetable to incorporate into my cooking. This week I am going to bake some zucchini. Mmm... Some of my favorite items here: Pumpkins. I bought a pumpkin with some serious "personality" for $5. It was tri-colored and oddly shaped. It makes for a great doorstep decoration. Apple butter and pumpkin butter from the amish stand. Delicious and only made with natural ingredients. Fresh herbs like basil, except they go bad if you don't use them immediately. Cherry tomatoes, especially the heirloom variety that come in unusual colors. I had the privilege of trying a purple - yes, purple - variety that was savory. Mmm... Additional favorites: - Live folk and clarinet music - Fresh kettle corn - The waffle truck! (I will write a separate review for this). read more

You've got to be kidding me. As I write this every single review is five stars. Let's get a grip here. Early in the season this market is a small gathering of people selling root vegetables in an empty lot. "Plenty of parking," Bailey B. writes. That's one way to put it. It's fine if you need beets. The produce is often better and always cheaper at Meijer (but it isn't local). The produce is sometimes better at the Food Co-Op (but more expensive). read more

Forget negative nifty, the Market at the Square definitely deserves 5 stars. I have gone to many different farmer's markets and this is the biggest and best by far. If you think the prices are high, make sure that you walk the whole market before you buy anything. Also, and this is a no-brainer, the best stuff goes first. You can always look online for what produce they expect to have each time, so if you are smarter than I usually am, you can bring your recipes with you. This is a great place to take your (well-mannered) dog for a nice walk. read more

I get very excited about going to the Market at the Square but not excited enough to get there before 10 o'clock. That's not a knock on the Market, but is more a function of my love for sleep. Though today (mid-May), they only had asparagus, the selection rounds out toward the end of the summer. I particularly enjoy sweet corn around late August. Prices are a little bit higher here but it feels good to buy locally and I really like how, in my experience, everything's been super fresh. I also like how there's a lot of non-produce stuff like meat, cheese, bread, etc. All in all, Market at the Square is a great place to go. read more

Farmer's markets have been springing up in most Midwestern towns for some time now. This market is the real deal and offers an eye-popping variety of produce, meats, flowers, and craft items along with a number of fresh food vendors. I haven't had a garden in a few years but I'm able to get everything I need here. A bonus is that Ye Olde Donuts, a tradition in C-U, has a table here where I can pick up my favorite apple fritters. You need to get here early for the best selection of items. read more

The market seems a little smaller this year compared to last. I do love having the market here and wish there was a way to have it closer to year around. In the winter I miss the market. read more

Every May I look forward to going to the Farmers' Market in at the Lincoln Square mall. They have fresh produce and meats from local growers and some other prepared foods (pies!). It's a very friendly atmosphere and it doesn't have the redundancy (Soulard in St. Louis) or pretentiousness (Clayton, MO) that other farmers markets may have. Sadly, two of the stands I used to frequent the most are now gone. I have not seen the "russian lady" with her pirozkis and crepes, nor have I seen the pies I've grown accustomed to expecting. Alas. (If anyone knows what's happened to them, let me know) I haven't seen any produce that I can't possibly find anywhere else (like 8 different types of nectarines at some SF farmers markets), but give it a try and I assure you that you'll find something there that'll bring you back the next week. read more

Considering the area in which this is held it is not bad as far as farmer's markets go. I suspect this could be why there are so many 5 star reviews. I can say that when I suggest a trip to the farmer's market, this is the only one I think of. I once went to another one in Champaign. It was three pick-up trucks in a parking lot. This is slightly better. There are more vendors, but I wouldn't call it "large". There are enough vendors selling vegetables that it is in your benefit to walk around first and compare prices and freshness. Although, if you can suggest that people walk around the whole market before purchasing vegetables that pretty much makes it hard to argue that the market is "large". Initially my husband and I went to this market just to get fresh vegetables that we could not grow ourselves (green beans, peaches). Over time we have branched out and tried some of the other products such as the cheeses and baked products. We have always been pleased with our purchases. If you go here with the intention to buy all your groceries for the week, you will probably be hungry by Tuesday. However, if you go here intending to supplement your weekly shopping trip, you will probably be happy. read more

The "derelict" Lincoln Square includes one of the most successful food co=ops in the country, Common Ground. I have been a Market patron almost from the beginning. It simply doesn't get any better. You pay a bit more but what you get is fresh & won't start going bad a few days after you bring it home like some of grocery store produce. And you can buy products you simply can't buy any where else. It's why I wake up early on Saturday morning. read more

I just moved here from up north and this is by far the best Farmer's Market I have ever been to. There is a little something for everyone. Fruits, veggies, dairy, meat, fresh cut flowers, jewlery, baked goods. I go every Saturday now. I buy everything I need for the week at the market. My favorites are the cupcakes and cheesecakes....oh it's soooo yummy. read more

This may be my happy place. There isn't much better than watching locals buy local products and seeing smiles galore. It's good for my soul. Last year we loved getting donuts from Pandamonium and goodies from Hopscotch. Hopscotch isn't at the market this year but you can still get Kaya's goodies at Art Mart on Prospect. Today we purchased some sweet corn, tomatoes, onions, arugula and kale. All of these items were grown in the CU area. True, you may pay a bit more than at Wal-Mart or Meijer but you are supporting your neighbors rather than a large corporation. Plus, everything is so tasty. The smell of kettle corn tempts me every time! read more

I am sad it has taken me this long to wake up on a Saturday in time to go to the Farmers Market. I finally went yesterday, and loved it! The people were nice, there is plenty of parking, lots of food to choose from, and other vendors like soap, candles, wood-working, and the awesome t-shirt lady who makes her own designs. Seriously, go check her booth out. Once you go, you'll be hooked. read more

Organic produce, meats and herbs. Arts and crafts. Local community clubs. Local music. Two food trucks. read more

I work with the Urbana Farmers Market and I LOVE IT! So much variety, quality, personality and flavor. Glad to be part of the adventure.

In one word: Overrated. (well, and overpriced). The prices are outrageous. Even if this was in NYC or the West Coast, the prices would still be high. Music is a mixed bag to put it nicely. Great place for kids to practice their violin lessons and make some good money. The arts and crafts vendors tend to have marketable but highly predictable, tame and cliched work. Yet many people think it's fine art. That being said, there are a few surprises worth noting, mainly in specialty food products. But honestly, it's not stuff that you can only get there. Also the crowds and parking is a drag. And it seems like the prices just keep getting higher yet people race back there even faster. I think I'll just stick to buying my unglamorous but cheap produce at Meijer... read more

My girlfriend and I come here almost every Saturday as part of our weekend routine. We love that it offers more than just local food, and that it offers crafts, music, social causes, and so much more. Love coming to the farmer's market, and we'll continue to make it a staple of our weekend. read more

A must-visit for anyone in the Champaign-Urbana area. Tons of vendors from all over Central Illinois set up to share their organic and hand-crafted goodness with the local consumers. You can find just about anything here, and if you don't, go into Common Ground nearby to grab any other local and organic items you couldn't find at the market. Peace. read more

Of all the farmer's markets I have visited, this is by far my favorite. I really enjoy talking with the merchants, whom are all extremely knowledgeable and friendly. It's a very fun experience and something we look forward to every week. They have fun games for kids that help them learn about local farmers and produce also. You can use debit cards if you stop at the entry tent and receive tokens. They also accept Link/food stamps. read more

I biked over to the Market for the first time last weekend, and am definitely going to be back every weekend. The fruits and veggies are very affordable, not too much more than prices at Meijer's and with much higher quality. The meat and cheese is more limited and a little pricier, but also delicious. I ended up buying peppers, sweet corn, apples, zucchini, and squash, all of which were phenomenal. There's also super cheap and delicious kettle corn, which I'd recommend picking up for $3 for a very decent sized bag. You can also get all sorts of fantastic breads, baked goods, brittle, salsa, and plenty of free samples! It's certainly worth getting up early and checking out. My only regret is that it doesn't stay open later in the afternoon. read more

Great market for the size of Champaign/Urbana. Great variety of local meat, veggies, fresh cut/live flowers, cheese's, hand crafts, and jewelry. I like the influx of the food trucks, but Fryer Tucks was first and I find myself falling back to wanting a egg, cheese, and sausage on a wheat english muffin with onions. They use eggs and sausage from the local vendors. I think Cracked might also use local eggs, but not sure. There are your mainstay vendors, but every year there is some turn over with new farmers or artisans that help to make every year a little different. The live music provided by good and not so good musicians also lends to the character of the market. It is also nice to peruse the various community groups whom are out there. Art mart, Lincoln Square Mall, Common Ground Co-op and downtown Urbana are all right there also. Several veggie vendors have seconds available to help save a few $ as the market is not as cheap as the grocery store. Garlic in particular seems $$ to me, but the varieties have been fun to explore and I hear tell its not as easy to grow and prep for market as onions. I will also be quite honest it's not just about the food and crafts. For me the market is very much part of my social life. I see so many people I know there every Saturday morning from co-workers, to neighbors, to random friends I have not seen in months. I've made friends with many of the vendors and look forward to talking to them about their grandkids, their hogs not liking the left over broccoli, growing conditions, recipes, and food policy. The community I have found on the corner of Illinois and Vine is lively, generally friendly, and safe. read more

The Urbana Farmers Market is with certainty one of the things that has kept me here over the years. Of all the markets I have been to across the country, ours seems to have the greatest diversity of high quality product. From fresh flowers to honey, vegetables to abundant fruits, house plants to cutting boards, food trucks, popcorn, and more, any trip to the market will have you returning home with treasure. If for whatever reason you have lived here a while and not made it to the Saturday market, get yourself over there. It will change the way you feel about the city you call home. read more

This is actually one of the best farmers markets I've ever been to! Tons of fresh produce, eggs (even the duck variety), meats, and crafts vendors. Young and talented musicians on very corner. Lots of great places to grab something to eat as well. I saw everything from tacos, to chicken and waffles, to empanadas, to donuts, to barbecue. I will recommend the Popsicle stand in the very back that sells creative Popsicles. Creative flavors like pineapple habenero, and very refreshing! I hope to come back to this market some time! read more

Really enjoyed the lettuce,tomato, zuchinni selection! Also liked their pops! I was very happy to see a vegan vendor from The Dancing Dog Eatery, not only do they offer food , they also have juices & smoothies. Would have loved it this market had some fresh juices. Check out the co-op supermarket while you are there. read more

I always think it a way of socializing. I walk around, see familiar faces, listen musics. walk your dog, and buy some fruits/vegetables. I like waking up early and this is a best way of exercising. There are some local produce but there are lots of commercial ones. almost same brand with walmart stuff. read more

my saturday mornings are now dictated by the market, i plan around it so i don't miss the chance to stock up on freshly made goat cheese from prairie farms, heirloom tomatoes from blue moon, freshly washed and picked salad greens, new potatoes, corn, apples and peaches! the prices are admittedly a bit high, but i'd personally rather pay for the fresh locally grown produce than the overpriced shipped from CA veggies at schnucks. i always round off my mornings with a stop into artmart for their cheese and chocolate tastings...its just another lovely urbana ritual that really makes me miss home less. my homesickness will blossom exponentially come november 8, whatever will i do without you market on the square? read more

Birkenstocks with socks, straw hats, cargo shorts, flouncy skirts, "Green" bags: I must be at Market at the Square, a favorite stop for the artsy folk. This is a great place for people watchers, too. Arts and crafts of questionable value and aesthetics, musicians of arguable talent add to the picture. There are lots of pretty flowers and some early season herbs and vegetables that will improve as the season progresses. As farmer's markets go, this is nothing special, but it is local and, as the weeks pass, the selections of produce can reach impressive. Definitely walk around before buying as the prices may differ, as well as the quality. My favorite part of the scene is when there is a tent for rescue dogs. Over time, there have been Saint Bernards, Greyhounds, Rottweilers, to name a few. Always such sweet beings with sad stories. Take one less basil plant and give that money to the rescue. A sad part of the market is its proximity to the Lincoln Square Mall, considered by some as the saddest mall in America. But that's another review entirely. read more

Market season is my favorite time of year. It should be right around the corner. Great produce from local farmers, unique crafts, and a great place to people watch. read more