Chicago City Markets are Opening Across the City for Summer Season
These essential businesses will increase neighborhood access to fresh and healthy food, while taking necessary precautions for the safety of customers and vendors
Jamey Lundblad Jamey.Lundblad@cityofchicago.org
Christine Carrino Christine.Carrino@cityofchicago.org
CHICAGO, IL — Considered essential businesses, the Chicago City Markets managed by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) will open in June and July to increase neighborhood access to fresh and healthy food. DCASE will take necessary precautions to encourage social distancing and to protect customers and vendors. Chicago City Markets will be located in Austin, Bronzeville, Division Street, Englewood, La Follette Park, Printers Row, Pullman, Roseland and West Humboldt Park. At this time, the locations at Daley Plaza and Federal Plaza remain tentative for the 2020 season.
These city-run markets serve communities with limited access to fresh produce and areas designated low-income, low-access by the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA). All markets accept LINK through a partnership with Link Up Illinois, an Experimental Station program. The Link Match incentive (previously known as double value) gives a matching $1 coupon for each dollar up to $25 spent with a Link card.
As markets reopen, the health and safety of our customers, staff and vendors remains our highest priority. Face coverings are required at all times. Vendor booths will be spaced six feet (about two meters) apart and shoppers must enter and exit at clear access points and maintain appropriate physical distancing in lines and while shopping. Only vendors may handle produce, and they are required to wear gloves. No food may be prepared, sampled or eaten on site.
All shoppers, vendors and staff are also asked to follow all recommendations from the Chicago Department of Public Health -- wash their hands or use hand sanitizer frequently, avoid touching their faces with unwashed hands and cover their noses and mouths when sneezing or coughing. Anyone who is feeling unwell should stay home.
Additionally, DCASE is helping to facilitate the reopening of independently run farmers markets citywide. Under the guidance of the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), all markets, whether on private or public property, are required to register and seek approval before opening. Markets must follow social distancing protocols to allow customers to shop for food without extraneous congregating. The City of Chicago may do spot checks of markets to ensure that guidelines are followed. Applications and guidelines are available at chicagocitymarkets.us.
Regrettably, since the City of Chicago has cancelled all permitted special events through Labor Day (September 7), Maxwell Street Market will remain closed through this date.
The Chicago City Markets are produced by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and sponsored in part by Humana. For more information, visit chicagocitymarkets.us and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @ChicagoCityMarkets.
For more information and updates on the City’s response to COVID-19, text COVID19 to 78015, email coronavirus@chicago.gov or visit chicago.gov/coronavirus.
2020 Chicago City Markets
City-run community and farmers markets are listed below.
Independently-run markets are listed at chicagocitymarkets.us.
Schedule is subject to change.
WEDNESDAYS
Pullman City Market
11100 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
July 1–October 28, 7am–1pm
La Follette Park City Market
1333 N. Laramie Ave.
July 29–September 16, 2–7pm
Roseland City Market
138 W. 109th St.
@ Lavizzo Elementary School
August 26–October 28, 11am–3pm (New Hours)
THURSDAYS
Austin Town Hall City Market
5610 W. Lake St.
July 16–September 17, 1–6pm
SATURDAYS
Division Street City Market
100 W. Division St.
June 20–October 31, 7am–12pm
Printers Row City Market
700 S. Dearborn St.
July 18–October 24, 7am–12pm
West Humboldt Park City Market
in partnership with NHS Chicago
3601 W. Chicago Ave.
June 13–October 3, 10am–2pm
Englewood City Market
1219 W. 76th St.
@ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Roller Skating & Bowling Center
July 18–September 19, 10am–2pm
SUNDAYS
Bronzeville City Market
4700 S. King Dr.
July 12–September 13, 12–4pm
City Markets at Federal Plaza (Tuesdays) and Daley Plaza (Thursdays) remain tentative at this time. Maxwell Street Market will remain closed through Labor Day weekend (Sunday, September 6, 2020).
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Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy. This includes fostering the development of Chicago’s non-profit arts sector, independent working artists and for-profit arts businesses; providing a framework to guide the City’s future cultural and economic growth, via the 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan; marketing the City’s cultural assets to a worldwide audience; and presenting high-quality, free and affordable cultural programs for residents and visitors. For more information, visit chicago.gov/dcase.