Honestly, if you're living in or around DeKalb, you’ve probably seen the signs for the local market. It’s one of those things that’s just there—part of the background noise of summer in Illinois. But there's a reason the DeKalb IL farmers market has hit its 30th season. It’s not just a place to buy a $5 head of lettuce that actually tastes like something; it’s basically the heartbeat of downtown for a few hours every Thursday.
I've talked to people who live three blocks away and have never stepped foot in Van Buer Plaza during market hours. They think it's just for "foodies" or people with way too much time on their hands. They’re wrong.
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The Logistics: When and Where to Actually Go
Let's get the boring stuff out of the way first. You can’t just show up on a Saturday morning and expect to see tents. This isn't your typical weekend market.
The DeKalb IL farmers market runs on Thursdays. Specifically, from early June (June 5th in 2025) through mid-September. It’s a midday thing, running from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Location-wise, it’s tucked into Van Buer Plaza, which is right at the corner of Second and Locust streets. If you’re looking for a landmark, it’s the brick area directly across from the historic Egyptian Theatre.
A Quick Note on Parking
Parking downtown can be a headache, but for the market, it’s usually manageable if you aren’t trying to park right on top of the vendors. There are free public lots within a two-block radius. Most people just grab a spot on the street or in the lot behind the theater. It’s a brick plaza, so it’s totally fine for strollers or wagons. Just don’t bring a giant SUV and expect to parallel park it in ten seconds.
What’s Actually There? (Hint: It’s Not Just Kale)
You’ve got about 25 to 30 vendors on any given week. Sure, you have the "growers"—the people bringing in the sweet corn, the heavy tomatoes, and those massive bundles of sunflowers. But honestly, the variety is what keeps people coming back.
- The Food Trucks: This is the secret reason most office workers downtown leave their desks at noon. You can grab lunch from local trucks while you shop.
- The "Extras": We’re talking local honey, small-batch olive oils, fresh-baked bread that hasn't been sitting in a plastic bag for a week, and handmade soaps.
- The Live Lunch Music Series: This is a big deal. The Egyptian Theatre sponsors a live music set right in the plaza from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. It’s usually local singer-songwriters or small bands. It makes the whole place feel less like a grocery chore and more like a block party.
One thing that’s actually pretty cool is the accessibility of the food. They participate in the Link & Link Match program. Basically, if you have a Link card, you can get extra tokens to spend on fresh produce. It makes high-quality food actually affordable for people who are usually priced out of "organic" or "local" spaces.
The "Corn Fest" Gap
There is one weird quirk you need to know so you don't show up to an empty parking lot. Every year, the market takes a break for Corn Fest. In 2025, that means there is no market on August 21st. The whole area gets taken over by stages and carnival rides, so the farmers take a week off.
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Why a Thursday Market Even Exists
Most people ask why it isn't on a Saturday. Well, the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, which runs the show, sort of leans into the weekday vibe. It’s designed to capture the lunch crowd and the people who want to stock up for the weekend without fighting the Saturday morning crowds at the big-box stores.
It also helps the farmers. Many of these vendors hit the massive Chicago suburban markets on Saturdays and Sundays. By being a Thursday market, DeKalb gets the "first pick" of the mid-week harvest.
Real Talk: Is it More Expensive?
Look, if you compare a farmers market tomato to a "discount" tomato at a massive supermarket, you might pay an extra dollar. But here is the thing: the supermarket tomato was likely picked green in another state and ripened in a truck. The one at the DeKalb IL farmers market was probably in the ground 24 hours ago.
You’re also not just buying a vegetable. You’re keeping your money in DeKalb County. According to the Farmers Market Coalition, growers who sell locally create significantly more jobs per dollar of revenue than those who sell into the giant wholesale commodity chain. It’s basically a micro-stimulus package for the local economy every Thursday afternoon.
How to Do the Market Right
If you want the best stuff, get there at 10:00 a.m. sharp. The popular bakers and the flower vendors often sell out of the "good stuff" by noon.
- Bring Cash and Cards: Most vendors take cards now, but the Wi-Fi in the plaza can be spotty. Cash is always faster.
- Check the Music Schedule: If you want to sit and eat, check the Egyptian Theatre’s website for the Live Lunch lineup. Some weeks it’s a quiet acoustic guitar; other weeks it’s a full brass quintet.
- Talk to the Farmers: Seriously. Ask them how to cook that weird-looking squash. They usually have the best recipes because they actually eat the stuff they grow.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning to check out the DeKalb IL farmers market, here is exactly how to prep for your first trip:
- Check the Weather: It’s an open-air plaza. If it’s 95 degrees, bring a hat; if it’s drizzling, most vendors still show up, but the music might get moved or canceled.
- Identify Your "Must-Haves": The honey and the fresh-ground coffee beans go fast. Make those your first stop.
- Plan Your Lunch: Check the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce social media pages the morning of. They usually post which food trucks will be there so you can decide between tacos or BBQ before you arrive.
- Grab a Chair: While there is some seating, it fills up. If you want to enjoy the full hour of music, keep a folding chair in your trunk.
Supporting the local food system in DeKalb isn't just about being "green" or trendy. It’s about making sure these small farms and local makers actually stay in business so the downtown area remains a place worth visiting.