Complete Fox Valley & McHenry County Farmers Market Guide 2026
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The Jones Team
REALTORS® | Fox Valley Specialists
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🌿 Fox Valley & McHenry County · Summer 2026
Kane County
McHenry County
Fresh & Local
Open Jun–Oct
Your Complete Farmers Market Guide 2026
16 markets, 7 days a week, two counties of fresh-picked goodness. Whether you're a Saturday-morning-at-the-crack-of-dawn shopper or a Wednesday-evening-stroll kind of person, there is a farmers market near you with your name on it. And probably your neighbor's peaches, too.
16
Markets
7
Days Covered
2
Counties
$0
Admission
📍 Geneva Sundays · French Market
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📍 Batavia Sat mornings + Wed evenings
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📍 Elgin + St. Charles Fridays
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📍 Woodstock Named #1 in IL
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📍 Crystal Lake Two separate markets!
"There are two types of people in the suburbs: those who go to farmers markets and those who wish they went to farmers markets. This summer, be the first type."
You don't need to drive an hour to find gorgeous local produce, homemade jams, farmstead cheese, fresh-cut flowers, and hot coffee from a vendor who actually knows where their beans came from. Fox Valley and McHenry County have 16 active farmers markets running from May through October — some in charming downtown squares, some on scenic riverwalk plazas, one right next to a Metra stop (genius), and one at an arts center with live music on the side.
We've pulled them all together, organized by day of week, so you can find your market and make it a ritual. Use the filter below. Pick a day. Go. Buy more than you planned. No regrets.
🗓️ Filter by Day — What's Open When You're Free?
🛒 All Markets (showing all 16)
Click a day above to filter. All markets are free to browse. Call ahead or check websites before holiday weekends.
Tuesday
McHenry County
Woodstock
Woodstock Farmers Market — Tuesday Edition FREE
The Tuesday edition of Woodstock's celebrated Square market — same award-winning experience, mid-week timing. Perfect for those who can't do Saturdays. Named the #1 farmers market in Illinois by the American Farmland Trust. On the gorgeous Historic Woodstock Square.
Wednesday
Fox Valley
Batavia
Batavia Wednesday Evening Market FREE
Batavia's after-work market on the scenic South Riverwalk. Eight Wednesday evenings through the summer — a perfect add-on to a dinner in downtown Batavia or a walk along the Fox River. Different from the Saturday morning market; different location too.
Wednesday
McHenry County
Wonder Lake
Wonder Lake Farmers & Makers Market FREE
A community-focused Wednesday evening market blending fresh produce with local artisan makers. Great mix of agricultural goods and handcrafted items from the Wonder Lake area. Afternoon to early evening timing makes it an easy after-work stop.
Thursday
McHenry County
McHenry
Pearl Street Market + Concert FREE
McHenry's Thursday night market comes with a bonus: live acoustic music after the market. Food vendors, libations, and a rotating lineup of bands make this one of the most entertaining market experiences in the area. Think of it as dinner + a show, but outside.
Friday
Fox Valley
St. Charles
St. Charles Outdoor Farmers Market FREE
St. Charles's outdoor market runs along scenic Riverside Avenue from June through October — close to the Fox River and the charming downtown shopping district. Known for its excellent selection of organically grown, pesticide-free, and hormone-free products sourced right from Kane County farms.
Friday
Fox Valley
Elgin
Downtown Elgin Market FREE
Elgin's Friday afternoon market runs into the early evening — a smart layout for the after-work crowd. First Fridays (Jun 5, Jul 3, Aug 3) extend until 8 PM. Locally grown produce, meats, bread, olives, spices, and specialty items. Walkable to Elgin's growing downtown dining scene.
Friday
McHenry County
Marengo
Marengo Makers Market FREE
A monthly Friday evening market at the intersection of farmers market and local craftsmanship. Artisans, crafters, and local farmers share the space — making this one of the most diverse vendor mixes around. Only three dates, so plan ahead and don't miss it.
Friday
McHenry County
Fox Lake
Fox Lake Friday Night Live — Farmers & Artisans Market FREE
Fox Lake packages its Friday night market with the Friday Night Live concert series — browse local vendors at the renovated waterfront Lakefront Park, then stay for live music. Unique goods, fresh offerings, food trucks, and spectacular lake views. The best-scenery market on this list.
Saturday
Fox Valley
Batavia
Batavia Saturday Morning Market FREE
Batavia's original Saturday morning market on the riverfront. One of the longest-running and most dependable markets in the Fox Valley — fresh produce, local farmers, great energy right in the heart of beautiful downtown Batavia. Pro tip: pair it with coffee and a walk across the Fox River bridges.
Saturday
McHenry County
Woodstock
Woodstock Farmers Market — Saturday Edition FREE
This is the one. Named the #1 farmers market in the entire state of Illinois by American Farmland Trust. On the gorgeous, postcard-perfect Woodstock Square. Expect a sprawling mix of produce, local meats, artisan cheeses, baked goods, handmade crafts, and vendors who know their stuff. Worth the drive.
Saturday
McHenry County
Huntley
Huntley Farmers Market FREE
Huntley's downtown market covers all the bases — fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and regional treats in the heart of Huntley's charming commercial district. The market also runs winter indoor editions for the truly dedicated. Convenient, well-organized, and a great community anchor.
Saturday
McHenry County
Crystal Lake
Downtown Crystal Lake Farmers Market FREE
Crystal Lake's downtown market features organic produce, homemade treats, and handmade goods from regional artisans. A well-curated market in the heart of a walkable downtown — easy to pair with a coffee stop or a browse through the adjacent shops. Note: Crystal Lake actually has TWO markets (see The Dole on Sunday).
Saturday
McHenry County
Johnsburg
Remington Farm Farmers Market FREE
Head straight to the source — this market is held at an actual working farm. First Saturday of each month, May through October. Local produce, arts and crafts, and the kind of fresh-off-the-farm experience that farmers markets are supposed to be. New vendors always welcome.
Saturday
McHenry County
Spring Grove
Spring Grove Farmers Market FREE
A charming monthly market in small-town Spring Grove with a bonus: live music every week. Coffee and snacks from Erika's Odd Coffee are a staple. Third Saturday of each month — a perfect reason to explore a McHenry County gem that most people haven't discovered yet.
Sunday
Fox Valley
Geneva
Geneva French Market FREE
Hands down one of the most beloved markets in the Fox Valley. Three times the size of Batavia, more upscale than most, with fresh produce, specialty foods, flowers, French bread, artisan jewelry, clothing, and table linens. The name isn't for show — vendors have been known to speak actual French. Right next to the Metra station.
Sunday
McHenry County
Crystal Lake
Open Air Farmers Market+ at The Dole FREE
This is not your average farmers market — The Dole's Sunday market adds live acoustic music, local artists, food trucks, and a full bar (yes, really) to the usual produce-and-crafts formula. Year-round, too. It's part market, part Sunday afternoon experience. Hands-down the most unique concept on this list.
Sunday
McHenry County
Cary
Cary Farmers Market FREE
Run by the Rotary Club of Cary-Grove, this Sunday market is conveniently located near the Cary Metra station — which means you can train it in from Chicago, shop the market, and train back with bags full of local produce. Fruits, meats, cheeses, jams, and baked goods. Very community-driven, very Cary.
No markets found for that day — try another!
📋 At a Glance
All 16 Markets — Quick Reference
Save this. Screenshot it. Tape it to your refrigerator. You're welcome.
| Day | Market Name | Location | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue | Woodstock Farmers Market | Woodstock Square | 8 AM–1 PM | Jun–Sep |
| Wed | Batavia Evening Market | S. Riverwalk Plaza, Batavia | Evening | 8 dates Jun–Aug |
| Wed | Wonder Lake Farmers & Makers | Thompson Rd, Wonder Lake | 4–8 PM | Jun–Sep |
| Thu | Pearl Street Market + Concert | Veterans Memorial Park, McHenry | 7–9:30 PM | Summer 2026 |
| Fri | St. Charles Farmers Market | Riverside Ave, St. Charles | 8 AM–1 PM | Jun–Oct |
| Fri | Downtown Elgin Market | Spring St, Elgin | 3–7 PM (8 PM 1st Fri) | Jun 5–Sep 25 |
| Fri | Marengo Makers Market | Hale St, Marengo | 5–8 PM | Jun 26, Jul 31, Aug 28 |
| Fri | Fox Lake Friday Night Live + Market | Lakefront Park, Fox Lake | 7–9 PM | Summer Fridays |
| Sat | Batavia Saturday Morning Market | N. River St, Batavia | 8 AM–12 PM | May 16–Oct 17 |
| Sat | Woodstock Farmers Market 🏆 | Woodstock Square | 8 AM–1 PM | May–Nov |
| Sat | Huntley Farmers Market | Coral St, Huntley | 8 AM–1 PM | May 28–Oct 8 |
| Sat | Downtown Crystal Lake Farmers Market | E Woodstock St, Crystal Lake | 8 AM–1 PM | Jun–Oct |
| Sat | Remington Farm Market | Chapel Hill Rd, Johnsburg | 8 AM–2 PM | 1st Sat, May–Oct |
| Sat | Spring Grove Farmers Market | Blivin St, Spring Grove | 9 AM–1 PM | 3rd Sat, May–Oct |
| Sun | Geneva French Market | Metra Lot, Geneva | 9 AM–2 PM | Apr 12–Oct 25 |
| Sun | Open Air Market+ at The Dole | Country Club Rd, Crystal Lake | 10 AM–2 PM | Year-round |
| Sun | Cary Farmers Market | Main St, Cary (near Metra) | 9 AM–1 PM | Jun–Sep |
Market Pro Tips
20 years of open houses and farmers markets have taught me a thing or two.
Go Early, Stay Longer
The best vendors sell out fast — especially anything with "artisan" or "farmstead" in the name. Get there within the first 30 minutes for first pick. Then stay and enjoy the atmosphere.
Bring Cash
Most vendors take cards now, but some of the best ones still prefer cash. Hit an ATM before you go. There's always that one peach vendor you'll kick yourself for missing.
Bring Your Bags
A collapsible tote or basket is your best friend. You'll always buy more than you planned. This is a law of farmers markets everywhere. Embrace it.
Check Before You Go
Summer weather in Illinois is... creative. Most markets operate rain or shine, but some cancel during severe weather. A quick check of the market's social media saves a soggy trip.
Dogs Are Usually Welcome
Most outdoor markets are pet-friendly — but leashed and well-behaved. Check each market's rules first, especially at indoor or covered venues. Your golden retriever is probably more popular than the peaches anyway.
Market = Neighborhood
If you're considering a move to one of these communities, the Saturday farmers market is one of the best ways to get a feel for who lives there and what the vibe is. We've been telling buyers this for years.
🏡
The Jones Team — On Farmers Markets & Real Estate
"Here's something I genuinely believe: the best way to test drive a neighborhood before buying isn't an open house — it's a Saturday morning at the local farmers market.
You want to see who lives in Woodstock? Walk the Square on a Saturday morning. You want to understand why people in Geneva are obsessed with Geneva? Go to the French Market in June and you'll have your answer in about seven minutes. Batavia's Saturday market along the Fox River will tell you more about the character of that community than any real estate listing ever could.
These markets aren't amenities. They're culture. They're infrastructure. They're the thing you'll miss when you move somewhere that doesn't have one — and the reason you'll stay once you find a community that does.
If you're considering a move to Fox Valley or McHenry County, let's start with a Saturday morning. We'll show you what we love about this area — and probably come home with fresh peaches."
— The Jones Team | REALTORS® | Baird & Warner | Fox Valley Specialists
Ready to Shop Local & Live Local?
These markets aren't just events — they're a lifestyle. Let The Jones Team help you find a home in the community where your favorite Saturday morning ritual is waiting.
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