Fresh Picks & Fall Vibes: The Portage Park Farmers Market Returns This Sunday — and There's a Costume Drive Coming Too
By Socialhood News · Portage Park ·
Summer isn't done with Portage Park just yet. This Sunday, September 6, the Portage Park Farmers Market is back for one of its final dates of the 2026 season — and if you haven't made it out to the market this year, this weekend gives you one of your last chances to stock up on local goods before the calendar flips to fall.
According to Time Out Chicago, the Portage Park Farmers Market runs on select Sundays throughout the season, with confirmed 2026 dates including September 6 and September 20, followed by October 4 and October 18 as the season winds down. That means Sunday's market isn't just a weekend outing — it's the opening of a four-week autumn stretch that will carry the community gathering tradition all the way into mid-October.
The market draws more than 50 vendors, according to Time Out Chicago, offering local produce, food, and a range of goods from area makers and growers. Beyond the shopping, the market has built its reputation as a full community experience: live music plays throughout the event, and a kids crafting area gives families with younger children a hands-on activity to enjoy while parents browse the stalls. For a neighborhood that takes its community spaces seriously, the market has become one of the most reliable spots on the Northwest Side to run into neighbors, discover a new favorite vendor, and spend a few hours outside before the Chicago cold sets in.
And there's already something to look forward to at the September 20 market. According to event listings, a Costume Drive for the market's upcoming Annual BOOOtique is scheduled for that Sunday, September 20, starting at 9:30 AM at the Portage Park Farmers Market location. The BOOOtique — a community Halloween costume event — is a beloved neighborhood tradition, and the September 20 drive is how it gets stocked. If you have gently used costumes sitting in a closet that could use a second life, the September 20 market is the place to bring them.
The farmers market is located at Portage Park, anchored by the park's green space at the intersection of Irving Park Road and Central Avenue on Chicago's Northwest Side. Whether you're a weekly regular or someone who's been meaning to stop by all summer, this Sunday is the moment. Bring a bag, bring the kids, and bring a neighbor — the season won't last forever.
Are you a Portage Park Farmers Market regular? Which vendors are your favorites, and what are you hoping to find this Sunday? Share your picks with the Socialhood community — and if you're planning to donate to the BOOOtique Costume Drive on September 20, let your neighbors know so they can do the same!
Sources:
1. https://www.timeout.com/chicago/shopping/portage-park-farmers-market
2. https://allevents.in/chicago/portage%20park