Temps are rising, and tbh, so are our appetites. Where can your pup get delicious noms, a little exercise, and all the sights and smells she can handle? Everypuppy who’s anypuppy knows that a trip to one of these Chicago farmers markets is just about as good as it gets. And while we as a city are heckin’ blessed to have tons of great markets to choose from, we rounded up some of the best dog-friendly markets near you.
Before Pup Visits Chicago Farmers Markets
A thought or two to lick by: some markets are bigger than others, so it be-woofs you to consider your dog’s temperament before bringing him to a crowded market. Leashes are required for all doggo visitors, and poop bags are a no-brainer, too.
Pssst…our exclusive Patio Leash™ is the pawfect length for keepin’ pup by your side while you’re out and about.
Chicago Farmers Markets Details
Glenwood Sunday Market
Sundays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., June 5–Oct. 23
Fresh local foods paired with the fight for social justice? Sign us pup! Glenwood Sunday Market is passionate about food access and your pup’s farmers market safety. These folks are basically experts in the field of dog-friendly farmers markets.
Logan Square Farmers Market
Sundays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., May 8–Oct. 30
Logan Square’s outdoor summer market is absolutely fantastic for dogs. Of course there’s tons of great food, produce, plants, flowers, coffee, beauty products, and really everything you could ever want, but there’s also plenty of open space nearby to get away or take a sit. There’s even a dog treat booth full of people who can’t wait to meet your friend. LINK is matched up to $25 as well. Um, and sometimes there are goats, which just felt really meaningful to add (BRB, Googling goat adoptions, one sec). Learn more about safety protocols here.
Portage Park Farmers Market
First, third, and fifth Sundays of the month (minus July 3), 10 a.m.–2 p.m., June 5–Oct. 2
The Portage Park Farmers Market has crepes, fruits, pastries, meats, cheeses, eggs, a knife sharpening, live music, and often, a dang balloon artist. There’s a dog park on the opposite corner of the park, and there are often doggy-specific vendors with tasty treats for your pal.
P.S. Looking to add to your pack? Chicago Animal Care & Control frequents the place with adoptable shelter buddies patiently waiting to be your furever crepe ‘n pastry inspector.
Wicker Park Farmers Market
Sundays, 8 a.m.–2 p.m., May 15–Oct. 30
Located in dog-friendly Wicker Park, this farmers market has a furbulous array of baked goods, fresh cheeses, meats, flowers, and doggo treats fur purchase. And it, too, is dog park-adjacent! Have yourselves a solid play at the fenced-in dog park, meander across the street to Big Star for tacos on the dog-friendly patio, or stroll over to The 606 for a solid Sunday walk.
61st Street Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., May 14–Oct. 29
The 61st Street Farmers Market features several produce, meat, and prepared food vendors, and possibly the world’s friendliest cheesemonger. Pups will love all there is to see and smell as they explore this one. They offer cooking classes, yoga in the park, live music, and sibling story time (pawfect for your chill pup and her smol human). The market also matches LINK up to $25 and is across the street from Woodlawn’s Experimental Station, home to Blackstone Bicycle Works and other furbulous projects.
Horner Park Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., June 4–Oct. 1
Horner Park supports environmentally sustainable agriculture and encourages social gathering over delicious tamales, cupcakes, fruits, veggies, meats, cheeses, coffee, energy bars, and more. And did we mention that it’s dog park adjacent? The new Horner Park Dog Park is one of the best (and largest!) in the whole city, so it’s got everything your pup needs to zoom before she drops. And there’s real grass. REAL GRASS!
Green City Market Lincoln Park
Wednesdays and Saturdays, 7 a.m.–1 p.m., May–Oct.
Green City Market is always filled with doggos—and since it’s next to two big fields and meandering paths through Lincoln Park, there’s lots of activity. There’s also live music in the field, where you can find lots of peeps hangin’ with their pups. This market is big with stroller fams, but whether your stroller has a human or a tiny fluffboi in it, you’re gonna have a good time.
Southport Low-Line Market
Tuesdays, 3–7 p.m., June 7–Oct. 11
If you’re looking for a midweek adventure, head under the Brown Line station on Southport Avenue. Though tiny, the Low-Line Market packs a punch and is pawfect for a quick shop to stock up on produce, meats, cheeses, and fresh flowers and plants. Because it’s under an El track, this gravel lot is not ideal for sound-averse dogs. Bring a canvas tote for your wares, and then get your shop on at dog-friendly stores like Primrose, Anthropologie, Alice & Wonder, and the crème de la crème: Bentley’s Pet Stuff. After you shop till you drop, grab a margarita and celebrate Taco Tuesday on Tuco and Blondie’s dog-friendly patio.
Get out there and enjoy the noms! Keep us in the loop, too—tag your farmers market pics @SidewalkDog on Instagram for a chance to be featured.
Featured photo: Zen Chung
Sidewalk Dog’s mission is to help dog parents spend more time with their puppers by discovering and sharing activities they can do and places they can go—together! Sniff out our award-winning newsletter and Instagram, and join our Dog-Friendly Chicago Facebook Group.