Downtown Kankakee Farmers Market

Kankakee Farmers Market

Farmers' Market The Kankakee Farmers' Market is now in its 11th year in Downtown Kankakee. From humble beginnings the market has grown to a premier market featuring of over 20 vendors with a variety of fresh produce, plants, flowers, breads, meats, baked goods, olives, cheeses, concessions and other specialty items. In addition to being a place to buy fresh local food the market has become a central gathering place for the Kankakee area on Saturday Morning as relaxing live music and friendly conversation creates a welcoming atmosphere. We invite you to join us each week or as often as you can.

Market Facts:

  • The Kankakee Market is one of the only in the state of Illinois to have shopping carts available to use.
  • The market draws vendors from the rural areas around Kankakee, others from Chicago and farmers bring fruit from Michigan.
  • The University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners program provides expert volunteers to answer garden related questions at the market weekly.
  • Most weeks the Kankakee Market features local music. A schedule of musical acts to see will be located on this site for the 2009 season when the schedule is set.
  • The Kankakee Market started in 1998. To this day our farmers have a strong voice in the direction of the market.
  • The Kankakee Market is one of only two (that we know of) to have a live radio program broadcast from a Farmers' Market. It can be heard spring and summer Saturday Morning's from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
  • The Kankakee Farmers' market is operated by the Kankakee Development Corporation with the cooperation from the City of Kankakee and a host of community minded people and organizations.

Upcoming 2010 Market Season

Some Special Dates for Farmers' Market 2010. Check back often for more details!

  • April 24 - First Day of Spring Market (hours 8am-noon)
  • April 24 - First Day of Spring Market (hours 8am - noon)
  • May 22 - First Day of Summer Market (hours 7am - noon)
  • June 5 - Chamber of Commerce Day
  • June 19 - Health Fair
  • June 26 - Salute to Ag
  • July 10 - Library Family Fun Day
  • July 17 - Community Foundation Day
  • August 7 - Pro Chef Challenge
  • August 15 - Sweet Corn
  • August 22 - Amateur Chef Challenge
  • September 11 - Seniors' Day
  • September 18 - Memory Walk
  • September 25 - Zonta Empowerment Walk
  • October 16 - Final Market

2009 Market Season

April 25, 2009 through October 17, 2009

Pictures from the Amateur Chef Challenge held Saturday, August 22nd.
Check out the write up at MyKankakeeCounty blog for more pictures and find out who won!