Our outdoor Woodstock Farmers Market is very pet friendly, and we love seeing well-behaved furry friends enjoying the market alongside their humans.

All pets are welcome at the outdoor market provided they are leashed, under control, and comfortable in a busy environment with crowds, music, children, strollers, and other animals. For the safety and comfort of everyone, owners are responsible for their pets at all times.

To help maintain a clean and healthy market environment, we ask that pets remain outside of vendor tents where food is being sold and that owners promptly clean up after their animals. Please take extra care around food booths and products, as health and sanitation standards are especially important in a food-focused market.

What about the indoor market?

The indoor Woodstock Farmers Market is subject to different health regulations. Because the indoor market is regulated similarly to a grocery store or other food retail environment, pets are not permitted inside.

The only exception is for trained service animals as defined by applicable laws and regulations.

We appreciate your understanding as we work to balance a welcoming atmosphere with the health and safety requirements that help make the Woodstock Farmers Market a great experience for everyone.

Plenty! While we’re proud to be one of Woodstock’s favorite Saturday and Tuesday traditions, the Farmers Market is just one part of what makes our community special.

Woodstock is a vibrant, historic destination filled with independently owned shops, restaurants, cafés, galleries, entertainment venues, parks, and unique places to stay. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or making a weekend of it, you’ll find plenty to explore both on the Historic Woodstock Square and throughout the surrounding area.

The Square itself is rich in history and charm. Visitors can catch a performance at the historic Woodstock Opera House, one of the oldest continuously operating theaters in Illinois, or stroll the streets made famous as the filming location for the beloved movie Groundhog Day. Fans of the film can visit many recognizable locations throughout downtown and experience the setting that transformed Woodstock into the fictional Punxsutawney.

Many market visitors enjoy spending time browsing local boutiques, grabbing a meal or coffee from a nearby business, visiting local parks and trails, attending community events, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of one of the Midwest’s most picturesque town squares. The area also offers a variety of lodging options, including charming bed and breakfasts, hotels, and locally operated vacation rentals.

For the most up-to-date information on things to do, places to stay, local events, shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation, we recommend visiting Real Woodstock and Naturally McHenry County. These organizations maintain excellent guides to help visitors discover everything our community has to offer.

The Woodstock Farmers Market is a wonderful way to start your day—but we hope you’ll take some time to explore the local businesses, historic landmarks, cultural attractions, and hidden gems that make Woodstock and McHenry County such memorable places to visit.

The Woodstock Farmers Market is always free to attend! Come stroll the Square, enjoy live music, visit with local farmers and makers, soak in the atmosphere, and spend as much—or as little—as you’d like.

Each vendor accepts payment directly at their booth. Most vendors accept cash, credit cards, and touchless payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, though payment options may vary by vendor.

For added convenience, the Market Information Booth offers EBT, credit, and debit card processing. Simply swipe or tap your card once at the booth to purchase market tokens, which can then be used with participating vendors throughout the market. It’s a great way to shop without needing to make multiple card transactions.

If you have questions about payment options, stop by the Market Information Booth and we’ll be happy to help!

Lost & Found

If you’ve lost an item at the Woodstock Farmers Market, please stop by the Market Information Booth during market hours. Found items are held at the Information Booth for the duration of the market whenever possible.

Items of significant value, such as car keys, wallets, credit cards, identification cards, and similar valuables, will be turned over to the appropriate local authorities after the market concludes.

Other lost-and-found items may be transferred to the Woodstock Opera House Lost & Found, a public facility located on the Historic Woodstock Square. If you’re searching for an item after market hours, we recommend checking with the Opera House or contacting the market for assistance.

Minor First Aid

The Market Information Booth carries basic first-aid supplies for minor needs, including bandages and similar items. If you need assistance, please stop by the booth and a market volunteer will do their best to help.

Please note that the Woodstock Farmers Market does not have medical personnel on site. In the event of a serious injury, medical emergency, or situation requiring immediate attention, call 911 right away.

Can I set up a petition table, information booth, or community outreach table at the market?

Can I walk around with a petition or sell raffle tickets?

All organizations, businesses, nonprofits, and individuals wishing to have a presence at the Woodstock Farmers Market must complete the appropriate application process and receive approval before participating. All approved participants are required to follow market rules, guidelines, and policies.

Because applications are reviewed carefully to ensure they align with the mission and goals of the market, approval can take time. We encourage interested groups to plan well in advance and not wait until the last minute to apply.

The Woodstock Farmers Market does not permit petitioning, signature gathering, political campaigning, unauthorized solicitation, or panhandling within the market during market hours. Individuals or groups engaging in these activities without approval will be politely asked to leave.

While the market takes place on public property, the market area itself is operated under a private rental agreement during market hours. As a result, market management reserves the right to enforce market policies and participant requirements.

Our goal is to maintain a welcoming, family-friendly, food-centered market experience where shoppers can connect directly with farmers, food producers, and approved community organizations. Limited space may be available for approved local nonprofit organizations whose missions complement the market and serve the community. As a general rule, the Woodstock Farmers Market does not host organizations promoting political campaigns, ballot initiatives, religious recruitment, fundraising drives, or other activities that fall outside the market’s primary focus on local food, agriculture, and community connection.

If you are interested in participating as a nonprofit or community organization, please review the online applicaiton for current application information and eligibility requirements.

Can I perform music or have my group perform at the Woodstock Farmers Market?

The Woodstock Farmers Market is proud to feature live music as part of the market experience. Our musicians help create the warm, welcoming atmosphere that shoppers and vendors enjoy each week.

At this time, our musician roster is full. We typically schedule performers well in advance and often book our music lineup up to a year ahead. When we are seeking new musicians, bands, or musical acts, an application will be posted on our website. We encourage interested performers to watch our website and social media channels for future opportunities.

What about community groups, theater productions, dance teams, and youth performers?

Yes! While our musical performance schedule is generally filled well in advance, we regularly look for opportunities to showcase local performing arts groups.

Community theater productions, dance studios, youth programs, school groups, and similar organizations may be able to present a short performance, demonstration, or preview of an upcoming production. These showcases are typically around 15 minutes in length and provide a wonderful opportunity to share your work with the community while adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the market.

If your group is interested in performing, please reach out through our website’s contact form or contact the Market Manager directly at marketmanager@woodstockfarmersmarket.org to discuss possibilities and availability.

We love highlighting the incredible talent, creativity, and community spirit that make Woodstock such a special place to live, work, and gather.

The Woodstock Farmers Market, both indoors & outdoors, is handicap accessible, and we strive to make the market welcoming and enjoyable for all visitors.

Accessible parking spaces are available at both locations, outdoors find them along the perimeter of the Historic Woodstock Square. Because the market is located in a historic downtown district, visitors should be aware that some surfaces, including brick areas, may be uneven in places. We encourage guests who use mobility aids or who have concerns about footing to exercise caution while navigating the market.

Seating is available throughout the inside of the Square, making it easy to take a break, enjoy a snack, or listen to the live music. However, seating can fill up quickly on busy market days. If you plan to spend an extended time enjoying the entertainment, you may wish to bring a portable chair or other seating for your comfort.

Where are the public restrooms?

Public restrooms for outdoor market visitors are located inside the Old Courthouse at 101 N. Johnson Street, adjacent to the Historic Woodstock Square.

Visitors may access the restrooms by using the front entrance stairs. An accessible entrance is also available at the rear of the building, where a handicap-accessible elevator provides access to the restroom facilities.

If you need assistance locating the restrooms or accessible routes, please stop by the Market Information Booth and we’ll be happy to help.

Why Doesn’t the Woodstock Farmers Market Allow Cottage Food Vendors?

One of the questions we occasionally receive is why the Woodstock Farmers Market requires prepared food vendors to work from licensed commercial kitchens rather than under Illinois’ cottage food laws.

First, it’s important to recognize that cottage food businesses play an important role in our local food system. They provide an accessible entry point for entrepreneurs, allow people to test new products, and help small businesses get started. Many successful food businesses begin this way.

However, the Woodstock Farmers Market has chosen to require that prepared food vendors operate from licensed commercial kitchens. This decision is rooted in our commitment to food safety, transparency, and maintaining a market that can reliably serve thousands of customers each week.

Please see our blog post on this subject for a more detailed explanation.