Springfield, IL (CAPITOL MEDIA GROUP) – Illinois Product Farmers Market Opens 2026 Season at State Fairgrounds.

The Illinois Product Farmers Market officially opened its 2026 season Thursday evening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

Hosted by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the weekly market features Illinois-grown and Illinois-made products from farmers, food producers and small businesses across the state.

The event took place at The Shed on Central Avenue and included live music, food vendors, family activities and prize drawings throughout the evening. Elected officials joined organizers for the official ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m.

Market manager Nicole Moore said the opening night was designed to offer something for all ages.

Moore said the market serves as more than just a place to shop for groceries.

“This is really a place for community, really a place for people to come after work on Thursday nights, get their groceries, grab some dinner, bring their family out, or just come out with some friends as a social event,” Moore said. “It’s the best of all worlds and there’s something here for everyone.”

Organizers say the market’s mission is to connect consumers directly with local farmers and producers while supporting Illinois agriculture and small businesses.

“We feel it’s very important to provide local to the community as well as Springfield as a whole,” Moore said. “The vendors here can answer any kind of questions on how to prepare the food, where it comes from, how to grow it.”

Among the returning vendors is Leon Stutzman, owner of Twin Willow Farms, whose family is participating in the market for its third summer.

“We’re here at this market every Thursday afternoon,” Stutzman said.

Stutzman said the market has helped local producers build relationships directly with customers.

“A lot of people nowadays want to meet the people that raise their food, or make their food, or process their food,” he said. “The local farmers market gives the local producers a place to start building their business to where they can direct market to the consumer.”

He also praised the atmosphere and organization of the event.

“This is a good market for us,” Stutzman said. “I like working with the staff here. They’re really good to work with, they’re very accommodating, and I like the setting here.”

The Illinois Product Farmers Market will continue every Thursday through the end of September, except during the Illinois State Fair in August.