The 107th season of the Aurora Farmers Market will open with some of the area’s favorite farmers and vendors at a new, more convenient location in downtown Aurora.
This season, the market is going “Back to Our Roots” in the heart of downtown where it began more than a century ago.
The new location – directly across from City Hall and Water Street Mall – at 65 Water Street is situated along the Fox River and provides ample space for visitors to shop, nearby on street and deck parking and easy access to downtown restaurants, stores, museums and the library.
The location was chosen due to its proximity to convenient parking and other downtown amenities. There are three free surface lots within one block of the new market location, as well as free on-street parking and an above ground parking deck that is free for the first hour, and only up to $5 per day.
The market will also provide a number of parking spots adjacent to the market for accessible parking needs.
“We are so excited about returning to our roots and bringing the Aurora Farmers Market back into the heart of downtown,” said Farmers Market Manager Karla Thomas.
“Our new location in the recently redesigned surface lot across from City Hall is an ideal setting for our vendors and visitors of the market. There are so many amazing things do in downtown and now patrons can easily expand their trip to the farmers market into a full Saturday experience for the family,” Thomas said.
The Saturday morning downtown market will be open for business every Saturday beginning June 8 through October 12 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Returning popular farmers include Theis Farm Market, Lopez Farms, Blue Freedom, Broadview Organic Farms, Toms Organic, Van Laar’s Fruit Farm and Six Generations Farming’.
Popular, local vendors Wurst Kitchen, Dick’s Mini Donuts, Gandi the Juice Guru, The Cheese People, Frosted Fig, Draper’s Raw Local Honey, and Alice’s Corner are also returning for the 107th season of Illinois’ oldest farmers market.
In addition, visitors will enjoy new kids’ activities, yoga classes, pound fitness classes, music and more.
The new location will offer additional seating opportunities within the market and in the adjacent Water Street Mall as well as a grassy area.
“With the Farmers Market moving back to the core of downtown Aurora, it’ll become a Saturday morning activity rather than an errand. The market will be a place to connect with the community as well as to enjoy a pastry along the beautiful Fox River. We’re exceedingly happy about the move and the additional foot traffic it will bring to downtown businesses and museums,” said Aurora Downtown Manager Marissa Amoni.
Amoni said that Thomas along with the city’s Special Events team has put much thought into the location change, and patrons should be confident that shopping at the downtown market will be a positive experience.
“It’ll be something to look forward to on a weekend morning,” she said.
Vendors interested in applying for either of the markets should visit: https://www.aurora-il.org/FormCenter/Special-Events-10/Aurora-Farmers-Market-Interest-Form-75