Nothing says winter is over like the start of farmers market season. Shopping at markets is a great way to support local businesses, find unique items, and buy fresh produce. We’ve provided a list of some of the best farmers markets in our area. With 21 counties, though, there is ample opportunity to find a market near you.

Western

Vine Street Market, O’Fallon – Located in the heart of O’Fallon, this market prides itself on farm to table efforts, and each vendor comes from within a 100-mile radius. The Vine Street Market has a little bit of everything – from fresh produce to fresh cuts of meat, live entertainment, morning yoga, and more. Be sure to check it out every Saturday from mid-May to mid-October.

Swansea - The farmers market located in Swansea happens weekly on Thursdays from May – October in the Rural King parking lot. Here you’ll find fresh produce, craft vendors, meat, and more from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Monroe County Farmer’s Market, Columbia & Waterloo - Located in Columbia on Thursday evenings from 3 – 6 p.m. and Waterloo on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. - Noon, you’ll find the Monroe County Farmers Market. This market features artisans and produce vendors, along with food trucks. The market starts in mid-April.  

Central

New Baden - The New Baden Farmers Market is held on the last Saturday of the month and runs from May through September. “The New Baden Farmers Market hosts over 60 unique local vendors and food trucks at our gorgeous community park once a month. We are all about community, so we also host a plethora of FREE family activities at each market! This summer you can look forward to a foam party, character meet and greets, balloon artists, petting zoo, touch-a-truck featuring our local first responders, bounce houses, Fredbird, and live music.” - Aimee Zurliene, Market Manager

Vandalia - If you’re looking for a market with a historic backdrop, then the Vandalia Farmers Market is the one for you. Located on 4th Street, next to the Vandalia Statehouse, this market runs the second Saturday of each month from June through October from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Carlyle – There’s more to summer in Carlyle than just going to the lake. The Carlyle Farmers Market is held from May through September and is one of the few markets in our region that happens during the evening. The vendors at this market are a ratio of 75% food/farm goods to 25% artisans. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

Eastern

Marshall - The Marshall Farmers Market starts on June 2nd and runs every Friday evening from 6 – 8 p.m. throughout the summer on the historic courthouse square. 

Cross Street Market, Robinson - Located at the awnings of Cross Street Station, Cross Street Market is held every Saturday from 8 a.m. – Noon from June through September.

Mount Carmel – Our final farmers market in this list is located in Mount Carmel, IL. The Wabash County Farmers Market is held on Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. May through September. They pride themselves on providing handmade and homegrown products. 

**This article comes from the 2023 Spring/Summer Tourism Times. To learn more about how to read the publication, click here. 

Photo credit: Ally Fink