Every market has vendors. Every market has customers. Every market wins awards. But not every market is guided by the very hands that sow the seeds, tend the fields, harvest the crops, and care for the animals. Since 1982, the Woodstock Farmers Market has been something special. For more than four decades, our market has served as a gathering place where farmers and community members come together to celebrate the bounty of northern Illinois. Generations of families have walk

Why Shopping Local Matters in McHenry County If you’ve ever visited the Woodstock Farmers Market, you’ve probably noticed something different about the experience. The person selling the tomatoes grew the tomatoes. The baker behind the table made the bread. The beekeeper harvested the honey. The farmer raising the livestock can answer your questions about how the animals were cared for. That’s because the Woodstock Farmers Market is a producer-only farmers market. What Is a P

Why the Woodstock Farmers Market Stays Open One of the questions we hear most often is, "Are you open if it rains?" The answer is simple: Yes! The Woodstock Farmers Market is a rain-or-shine market. While beautiful sunny Tuesdays & Saturdays are always welcome, Mother Nature doesn't always cooperate. But farming doesn't stop because of a forecast, and neither do the dedicated farmers, bakers, cheesemakers, beekeepers, and artisans who spend the week preparing for market. For

There are plenty of ways to celebrate the Fourth of July, but few are as charming as spending the morning on Woodstock’s Historic Square. On Saturday, July 4, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Woodstock Farmers Market will transform the Square into a celebration of local food, community traditions, and summertime joy. Whether you’re gathering ingredients for a backyard cookout, meeting friends for a morning stroll, or introducing your children to a small-town tradition, the market o

Fresh Pasta made in a commercial kitchen by Pasta Bar from McHenry, IL 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, an

This is one of the questions we hear most often, and the answer can be more complicated than it may seem. Every vendor’s story is different, but most reasons fall into a few common categories. Sometimes vendors move up or move on. For example.... One of our longtime and much-loved blueberry vendors was able to retire, sell their farm, and spend more time with family and friends. While we miss seeing them at the market, we’re thrilled they reached that milestone and are enjoy

Meet the 2026 Woodstock Farmers Market Vendors One of the most exciting parts of a new market season is welcoming back familiar faces, introducing new vendors, and celebrating the incredible people who grow, raise, create, bake, brew, craft, and produce the goods that make the Woodstock Farmers Market so special. We’re thrilled to announce our 2026 vendor lineup! This year’s market features an amazing collection of local farmers, food producers, artisans, makers, bakers, and

Beginning May 30th, join us for Moving at the Market; a short, low-impact guided movement session designed for every body and every level. 📍 Meet at the gazebo 🕣 Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. 🕤 Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. Led by the Woodstock Farmers Market’s own fairy godmother, Gail Wells, these gentle sessions are the perfect way to wake up your body, connect with community, and ease into a beautiful morning at the market. Come stretch, move, breathe, and then shop local with the fa

2026 Outdoor Market Dates (8AM-1PM) on the Woodstock Square Saturdays: May 2 – November 7 Tuesdays: May 5 – September 29 Story time with Read Between the Lynes Saturdays 10:30 weather permitting Musicians May Saturday/05/02 Pierce Crask Saturday/05/09 Aaron Kelly Saturday/05/16 Will Van Wig Saturday/05/23 Nate Bjorge Saturday/05/30 Courtney & Chris June Tuesday/06/02 Pierce Crask Saturday/06/06 Gabriel Douglas Tuesday/06/09 Courtney & Chris Saturday/06/13 Nate Bjorge Tues