TODAY PUBLICATIONS | FOOD & COMMUNITY | SEPTEMBER 2026
Where to go, when to shop, how to save, and how shoppers and vendors can get ready for next season.
Farmers markets are one of the easiest ways to buy fresh food, meet the people who grow it, and keep money in your local economy. The U.S. Department of Agriculture marked National Farmers Market Week on August 2–8, 2026, and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins called on Americans to back local farmers and ranchers, saying “every purchase at a farmers market is an investment in American agriculture.” Summer may be over, but mid-September through November brings the harvest peak: apples, pumpkins, squash, pears and late greens.
Key Dates to Remember
- Aug 2–8, 2026: National Farmers Market Week, held every year in the first full week of August (Farmers Market Coalition).
- Sept–Oct: Peak fall harvest in most regions. This is the best time for apples, squash and storage crops you can buy in bulk.
- Late Oct–Nov: Many outdoor seasons end. Chicago’s Daley Plaza closes Oct 22, Madison’s Saturday market Nov 14, and Green City Market’s outdoor season Nov 21.
- Nov–Apr: Holiday and indoor winter markets take over in many cities, such as the Dane County Holiday Market.
- Aug 1–7, 2027 (expected): Next National Farmers Market Week, following the first-full-week rule. Confirm with the Farmers Market Coalition closer to the date.
Featured Markets: Days, Hours and Seasons
| Market | City | Days & Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Union Square Greenmarket | New York, NY | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat · 8 a.m.–6 p.m. | Year-round |
| Ferry Plaza Farmers Market | San Francisco, CA | Tue & Thu · 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Sat · 8 a.m.–2 p.m. | Year-round, rain or shine |
| Dane County Farmers’ Market | Madison, WI | Sat · 6:15 a.m.–1:45 p.m. (Capitol Square) | Apr 11 – Nov 14, 2026; indoor winter market follows |
| Green City Market – Lincoln Park | Chicago, IL | Wed & Sat · 7 a.m.–1 p.m. | Outdoors through Nov 21, 2026 |
| Daley Plaza Farmers Market | Chicago, IL | Thu · 7 a.m.–2 p.m. | May 21 – Oct 22, 2026 |
| Wicker Park Farmers Market | Chicago, IL | Sun · 8 a.m.–2 p.m. | May 3 – Oct 25, 2026 |
Find a Market Near You
The USDA’s Local Food Directories let you search farmers markets, on-farm stores, CSAs and food hubs by ZIP code. You can find more background in the USDA’s Farmers Market Directory. Many local tourism and news sites also publish seasonal lists, like WTTW’s 2026 Chicago-area guide.
Make Your Food Dollars Go Further
Many markets accept SNAP/EBT, and a growing number offer matching programs that double your benefits for fruits and vegetables. In Michigan, Double Up Food Bucks matches eligible purchases dollar for dollar, up to $50 a day. Illinois markets offer Link Match, and similar programs run in Iowa, New York, Oregon and other states. Stop by the market info booth to swipe your card and pick up tokens. The USDA’s Farmers Market Programs page explains WIC and senior nutrition benefits.
Smart Shopper Tips
- Go early for the best selection, or late for end-of-day deals. Popular items like berries and eggs often sell out by mid-morning.
- Bring small bills, reusable bags and a cooler, especially if you’re buying meat, dairy or seafood.
- Ask questions. Farmers will tell you how they grow their food, how to store it and how to cook it.
- Buy in bulk in the fall. Tomatoes for sauce, apples for storage and squash will keep well into winter.
Planning Ahead for the 2027 Season
For shoppers: Most outdoor markets in the Midwest and Northeast open between April and early June. Subscribe to your favorite market’s newsletter or social feed now so you hear about opening day, and think about joining a CSA over the winter, since many sell out their shares early.
For vendors and market managers: Many markets take vendor applications in the winter, before the season starts. Use the off-season to renew permits and liability insurance, review your state’s cottage food rules, and apply for SNAP authorization through USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. Get your branding and promotion ready too. Markets and vendors that start advertising early get the most visitors on opening day.
Promote your market, farm or food business with Today Publications. We can help you reach local shoppers before the 2027 season starts. Visit todaypublicationsfd.net to get started.
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Sources: USDA press release (Aug 2026) · GrowNYC · Foodwise · DCFM · Green City Market · CBS Chicago · Double Up Food Bucks
