For over 100 years, the Maxwell Street Market has been the perfect symbol of tradition and authenticity in commerce in the city of Chicago. Its eclectic array of live music, street merchants, and food vendors gather together every weekend in a free open-aired market on the Near West Side to showcase everything from trinkets, clothing, cuisine, and more.
It was fully cancelled in 2020, as was most of the city. In 2021 it came back in a smaller, limited-capacity form. But now, it’s back fully. Beginning last Sunday, and every Sunday from 9am to 3pm, the Maxwell Street Market will be open to Chicagoans at 800 S Des Plaines St just south of Harrison.
The first ever Maxwell Street Market, centered at Maxwell and Halsted Streets and stretching from Roosevelt Road to 16th Street, was an impromptu market that debuted in 1912…or, the same year the Titanic sank. It was a multicultural phenomenon for the era and was dubbed by some as “The Ellis Island of the Midwest.” Today, shoppers can expect small novelty items and ornaments, incredible street food from a variety of different cultures, handmade crafts and toys.
Chicago's historic @MaxwellMkt returns Sunday April 3 9a-3p!
From clothes and toys to some of the city's best street food, you never know what deals you're gonna find so be sure to join us for the opening of the Market's 110th season!
Visit https://t.co/ctQgVXbgUK for more info. pic.twitter.com/ziyJjcq1HaAdvertisement— Chicago DCASE (@ChicagoDCASE) March 28, 2022
It’s the perfect place for any occasion. Bring the family after Sunday morning service? Perfect. Newly dating and looking for a weekend activity different than the usual? Perfect for that too. Maybe you just want to go solo and interact with the vendors for a nice stroll. It’s completely the atmosphere for that too. Simply put, it’s one of the best free things you can do in the city when the weather is nice out.
For more information and the in-depth history on the Maxwell Street Market you can visit the city’s website. Its full triumphant return is certainly something Chicagoans have looked forward to for two years now. It opened on April 3rd for the year and will run though December 18th.
Featured Image Credit: Enjoy Illinois