Bite into a salad filled with crisp peppers, leafy lettuce, and tangy tomatoes and there’s no mistaking the delights of farm-fresh produce. One of the advantages of living in Chicago’s western suburbs is the close proximity to sources of fresh, locally grown food. There are several farmers markets and French markets in this area where residents can purchase produce, crafts, and more from local vendors as well as Illinois and Michigan farmers. Whether you are exploring or already enjoying living in Aurora, Naperville, or other west-of-Chicago suburbs—here’s our pick of the best farmers markets that will be sprouting up soon with the advent of spring. 

Aurora’s Farmers Market, Aurora

Aurora offers two farmers markets for residents who want to support local farmers and other local vendors by purchasing produce, crafts, artisan cheeses, and freshly baked breads. Aurora’s Farmers Market Downtown is located in the Aurora Transportation Center at 233 North Broadway. This market is open on Saturdays from June 10 to October 21 from 8 AM to 12 PM. Aurora’s Farmers Market West is located at West Aurora Plaza on West Galena Boulevard. This market is open on Wednesdays from July 12 to September 27 from 12 PM to 5 PM. Aurora’s markets have been in operation since 1912, making them the oldest farmers markets in Illinois.

Farmers Market at St. John’s, Naperville

St. John’s Episcopal Church hosts a farmers market in the church parking lot at 750 Aurora Avenue every Wednesday June through mid-September from 3 PM to 7 PM. This market goes beyond the fruit and veggie offerings with more than 20 vendors selling a range of products from organic pork to fresh fish, kettle corn, honey, pies, cheese, and more. Bonus point: Craft tables for kids make this market family-friendly for a full morning or afternoon of shopping.

Naperville Farmers Market, Naperville

Open every Saturday morning from 7 AM to noon from June 4 to October 29, the Naperville Farmers Markets is the go-to weekend destination for area residents looking to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables from local vendors. The market operates at the Fifth Avenue Station, 200 East Fifth Avenue in Naperville and features seasonal produce along with handcrafted cheeses, fresh flowers, honey, baked goods, and fresh fish.

Oswego Country Market, Oswego

Oswego Country Market, located in downtown Oswego on Main Street, offers visitors a chance to buy locally grown products from dozens of vendors. This market, which takes place on Sundays from June 4 to September 24 from 9 AM to 1 PM, features produce, plants, specialty foods, meat and dairy products, breads, cookies, crafts, pet treats, and more. Last year’s market included such handcrafted goods as botanicals, pop-can jewelry, and tabletop beanbag games.

Sugar Grove Farmers Market, Sugar Grove

The village of Sugar Grove is a charming community just west of Aurora with a population of about 4,000 and its own farmers market. Both the small-town atmosphere and the farmers market draw rave reviews from visitors. This farmers market takes place on Saturdays from June through September from 8 AM to 12 PM. Visitors can purchase produce, dairy products, and other locally grown goods from regional vendors in the parking lot of the Sugar Grove Municipal Center.

Wheaton’s French Market, Wheaton

Downtown Wheaton is home to the town’s French Market, which sets up at Main Street and Liberty Drive. Visitors can stock up on locally grown fruits and vegetables, flowers, handcrafted items and more on Saturdays from 8 AM to 2 PM. Patrons have praised the hot doughnuts, heirloom tomatoes (we’ll pass on one reviewer’s advice to arrive early before they sell out!), and homemade dog treats.

Winfield Farmers Market, Winfield

Situated west of Wheaton, Winfield is a small but vibrant village knows for its lively business districts and bucolic neighborhoods. The Winfield Farmers Market takes place on Wednesdays from June to late October from 7 AM to 1 PM at Prairie Trail Center Shopping Plaza, located at Geneva Road and County Farm Road. Visitors can buy fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and more at this market. From berries to zucchini, fresh-picked produce from Illinois and Michigan farms is the star attraction here.