When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
The Farmer at The Green
Why The Farmer at The Green is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Farmer at The Green is a standout farmers market located in downtown Chicago at 320 South Canal Street, making it an ideal spot for commuters, West Loop residents, and anyone seeking fresh and local food options. Now in its third season, this market runs every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the warmer months, from May 20 to September 23, 2025. What makes this market particularly special is its focus on supporting the local food system by showcasing seasonal produce and products from Chicago-based vendors and Midwest farmers. Its mission fosters community engagement and provides a lively, accessible venue to discover top-quality goods directly from farmers and producers.
Visitors can expect over 20 vendors offering a variety of specialties like fresh fruits and vegetables, artisan baked goods from Montelimar Bread Company, unique Japanese rice balls from Onigiri Kororin, and sweets such as Downstate Donuts. The Farmer at The Green also enhances the market experience with live music performances, tasty conveniences like $5 XL pizza slices from Canal Street Eatery, and a Market Loyalty Card program rewarding repeat customers with free coffee or pizza slices. Its convenient location just south of Union Station makes it easy to stop by during a lunch break or while running errands downtown, blending nutrition, community, and enjoyment seamlessly.
Here's what people think of The Farmer at The Green
As of recent, The Farmer at The Green holds a 5-star rating based on 5 reviews.
User reviews uniformly praise The Farmer at The Green, reflected in its perfect 5.0 rating. Customers consistently highlight the fresh, high-quality produce and the diversity of local vendors as key strengths, appreciating the market's role in supporting local farmers and artisans. Positive reviews emphasize the inviting atmosphere created by live music and the convenience of shopping in a downtown location close to public transit, which makes it an excellent lunchtime or after-work destination.
Many reviewers also commend the friendly, community-oriented vibe and the additional perks like the Market Loyalty Card, which encourages repeat visits and adds value for regular shoppers. The availability of diverse food options, from Japanese rice balls to baked goods and pizza, receives specific accolades for catering to varied tastes.
On the other hand, the few less positive comments mostly mention the limited operating hours and the market's seasonal nature as minor drawbacks, wishing for more extended or year-round availability. Some visitors have also noted that certain Tuesdays can get crowded during peak hours.
Overall, the reviews underscore The Farmer at The Green as a beloved, reliable market deeply integrated into the fabric of downtown Chicago, celebrated for its quality offerings, community spirit, and enjoyable environment. Its consistently high marks and enthusiastic customer feedback endorse it as a premier farmers market destination for residents and visitors alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Viridiana Garcia
The vendors are friendly and knowledgeable, and always happy to chat about their farms or products. Nice live music and food trucks, games and simply a fun outing.
Angel Coleman
A great variety every week, great people and music!! I’m here almost every Tuesday! Wish some vendors stayed but good stuff overall.
Cheyane Bligen
Love this farmer’s market!
Klark Critten
Taniya Bellamy
How to reach The Farmer at The Green
None
Website: None
Why The Farmer at The Green may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Farmer at The Green with your friends? This vibrant farmers market offers much more than just fresh produce—it creates a welcoming space perfect for socializing and connecting with your friends or family. Located conveniently in downtown Chicago near Union Station, it is easily accessible, making it an ideal spot for a casual meetup without the hassle of long travel. The market's bustling atmosphere, filled with the sights and scents of locally grown fruits, vegetables, artisan breads, and other handmade products, stimulates all the senses and sets the stage for a memorable gathering. Beyond shopping, the live music, friendly vendors, and unique food offerings, like $5 XL pizza slices, enhance the social experience, allowing your group to enjoy delicious eats while chatting and exploring together. Plus, the market’s mission to support local farmers cultivates a shared sense of community and purpose among visitors. Whether you want to browse, eat, or simply unwind while catching up, The Farmer at The Green offers a lively yet relaxed environment perfectly suited to a group outing.
What activities can you enjoy at The Farmer at The Green? First and foremost, this bustling farmers market features over 20 vendors offering a wide array of fresh, seasonal produce and artisanal products from Chicago-based and Midwest farmers. You and your friends can taste and buy goods you might not find anywhere else—like Japanese rice balls from Onigiri Kororin or baked treats from Montelimar Bread Company. Beyond shopping, the market hosts live music, providing a lively ambiance that makes mingling with your group even more enjoyable. You can also take advantage of the Market Loyalty Card, where repeated purchases earn rewards such as a free coffee or pizza slice, encouraging you to try more items and share those experiences. The variety of flavorful food options, including the popular $5 XL pizza slices from Canal Street Eatery, ensures no one leaves hungry. For groups interested in supporting sustainability and local food movements, the market offers a meaningful way to connect over shared values while enjoying quality products.
Why is The Farmer at The Green perfect for a group meetup? The market’s central downtown location at 320 South Canal Street places it within easy reach of public transportation hubs like Union Station, making it convenient for friends and family coming from different parts of the city. This accessibility removes stress around organizing meetups, allowing attendees to focus on socializing. The outdoor setup means there’s plenty of space to roam, explore stalls, and gather without feeling cramped, which is ideal when hosting groups of various sizes. The interactive nature of a farmers market—sampling, chatting with vendors, discovering new foods—adds a dynamic element to the outing that traditional cafes or restaurants might lack. Furthermore, the friendly and vibrant communal vibe fosters engagement not just with your group but also with the local community, enriching the overall meetup experience. With its Tuesday afternoon hours, it’s a pleasant weekday escape to inject freshness and fun into your usual meetup routine.
What sets The Farmer at The Green apart from other farmers markets? Unlike many markets, The Farmer at The Green uniquely targets downtown Chicago commuters and residents in the Loop and West Loop neighborhoods, which is reflected in its carefully curated vendor lineup and timing. The vendors emphasize local and locally made products, reinforcing a strong connection between the market and Chicago’s food ecosystem. This focus on local sourcing supports small farms and producers while fostering economic sustainability. Additionally, the market’s collaboration with sponsors like BMO and Canal Street Eatery highlights a commitment to quality and community investment, demonstrated through perks like affordable, oversized pizza slices and loyalty rewards. The market also operates on a set day each week, creating a reliable routine for groups to plan around. Its well-rounded balance of quality food, entertainment, and community focus makes it an experience that leaves groups feeling both entertained and fulfilled.
How can The Farmer at The Green enhance your social atmosphere? The market’s lively ambiance, thanks to the live music and vibrant array of stalls, naturally encourages interaction. This festive backdrop allows friends or family to bond over shared tastes and discoveries, turning simple shopping into a social adventure. The chance to try unique items and chat directly with producers adds educational and experiential layers to your visit, perfect for sparking conversations and expanding culinary horizons. The outdoor venue promotes a relaxed atmosphere where groups can spread out, enjoy fresh air, and create lasting memories without the confines of traditional indoor spaces. Plus, with the Market Loyalty Card to incentivize return visits and additional purchases, your group is encouraged to engage consistently, deepening enjoyment and connection. It’s an environment designed to elevate social meetups beyond just a simple gathering into a meaningful and joyful community event.
What practical amenities make The Farmer at The Green user-friendly for groups? The market’s weekday schedule — every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — fits well into lunch breaks or early afternoon plans, ideal for friends or coworkers meeting up for a midweek refresh. Its location near major transit options, including Union Station, means group members can arrive individually with ease and still enjoy a united experience. The array of food and drink options ensures everyone’s tastes are covered, whether your group prefers savory, sweet, gluten-free, or traditional items. With plenty of vendors, queues typically move quickly, so your gathering won’t be slowed down by long waits. Lastly, the loyalty program and reasonable pricing, like $5 XL pizza slices, help groups enjoy quality food affordably, making repeat visits both practical and appealing.
What seasonal highlights make The Farmer at The Green a perennial favorite? The market runs from late May through late September, capitalizing on the best of the Midwest’s growing season. This period offers a diverse and vibrant selection of produce, from early summer berries to late summer tomatoes and corn. Seasonal specialties mean your group can experience the freshest ingredients at their peak, inspiring new recipes or just delicious snacking during your meetup. The recurring schedule provides a reliable venue to make summer and early fall meetups a tradition. The seasonal showcases also include chef-prepared samples and specialties, sometimes featuring local twists that reflect Chicago’s culinary culture, adding excitement and novelty year after year.
Why is supporting The Farmer at The Green a meaningful choice for your group? Beyond personal enjoyment, frequenting this market contributes directly to sustaining local farms and artisans, helping preserve green spaces and agricultural traditions close to home. It fosters an economy that values small producers and local craftsmanship, promoting food quality and community resilience. Your group’s patronage also raises awareness about sustainable food practices and the importance of eating seasonally, sparking conversations about health and environmental responsibility. By choosing The Farmer at The Green as your gathering spot, you align with a movement that values community connection, local heritage, and fresh, wholesome ingredients. It’s a considerate and rewarding way to share time with loved ones while making a positive impact.
How can you maximize your meetup experience at The Farmer at The Green? Arrive early to beat the crowd and experience the vendors’ full range of offerings. Bring your own reusable bags to collect your finds sustainably. Plan to try something new with your friends—whether a unique fruit, a handcrafted pastry, or a specialty prepared item—to transform your visit into a discovery adventure. Use the Market Loyalty Card to encourage multiple purchases and deepen your interaction with the market’s community. Finally, consider combining your visit with a walk around the nearby West Loop or a casual sit-down at adjacent cafés or parks to extend the social experience beyond the market itself.
In summary, The Farmer at The Green offers a unique, engaging, and community-focused venue that is perfect for group meetups. Its blend of convenience, fresh local products, lively atmosphere, and meaningful social and environmental impact makes it a top choice for friends or family looking to connect over great food and a shared experience. Whether you are a regular or new to farmers markets, this downtown Chicago gem provides a delightful backdrop for memorable social gatherings.