Fresh produce, homemade treats and a sense of community filled the parking lot Wednesday morning as the Palos Heights Farmers Market opened for the 2026 season.
Residents gathered at 12217 S. Harlem Ave. in Palos Heights to shop from local vendors offering fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods and handmade items during the market’s first day of the season. Families strolled through the booths, greeted familiar faces and discovered new vendors while enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Longtime vendor Candi Skinner of Lyon’s Fruit Farm said the Palos Heights Farmers Market is one of the highlights of her year.
“I love the people,” said Skinner, of South Haven, Michigan. “It’s a good wholesome neighborhood with a lot of familiar faces.”
The weekly market returned with a mix of longtime favorites and unique products from small businesses and artisans. Vendors this season include 40 Life Candles, A Blend Above, A Taste of Martha’s Kitchen, Aracely’s Bakery, Aracely’s Tamales, Blissfully Rooted, Cannella Custom Jewelery, Chicago Green Chile Company, The Emerald Cup, Empanadus, Evanly Cheesecakes, Fig N Date, Gigawatt Coffee Roasters, Hiemenz Nursery, Illinois Treasurer, Jewels 2 U, Kathy’s Doll Kreations/Dress My Goose, Laurie’s Creations, Little Wolf Foods, Lost and Found Boutique, Lyons Fruit Farm, Miracle Microgreens, Nuts to Go, Olivaceto, The Original Rainbow Cone, Pampered Chef, Stamper Cheese, Taqueria Mi Taquito, Tastefully Simple, Trinity Woodworks/It’s All Greek to Me Bakery, Tupperware, The Urban Mutt, Wonder Pork and Zeldenrust Farm Market.
New this year, the market will also feature live musical entertainment on the first Wednesday of each month. The entertainment lineup includes Joe Orozco on June 3, DJ Don Gray on July 1, the Black Willow Brass Quintet and Dave Gorka during National Farmers Market Week on Aug. 5, Madman Solo on Sept. 2 and Dave Gorka on Oct. 7.
Special events planned throughout the season include food drives hosted by Palos United Methodist Church on June 17, Aug. 19 and Oct. 7, along with a kids scavenger hunt running from June 3 through Aug. 19. Illinois Tollway representatives also are scheduled to appear on the second Wednesday of each month.
Organizers encouraged residents to make a day of it by bringing the whole family to enjoy the community-centered event. The market aims to provide a space where neighbors can connect while supporting local growers, bakers and makers.
The Palos Heights Farmers Market will continue every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 14.
