Maxwell Street Market, Chicago’s longest-running open-air market, first debuted back in 1912.
Maxwell Street Market opened at full capacity on Sunday. The historic free market on Chicago’s Near West Side features live music, food vendors, and a wide array of eclectic bric-à-brac. Though last year it returned in a scale back form, it was canceled completely in 2020 and this is the first time the market has opened at full capacity since the COVID-19 pandemic first hit Chicago.
Having first opened in 1912 locals have browsed the market’s motley mix of ornaments and trinkets hoping to come across a bargain for 110 years. The long-time fixture has become a cherished Chicago tradition and is a testament to the city’s authentic and creative routes offering a little bit of everything at the market.
While the majority of the city’s fabric is defined by international commercial enterprises and shopping, in general, is now dictated by online 24-hour delivery services, every Sunday for a few hours, Maxwell Street Market briefly restores shopping to its historic form of browsing and bargaining.
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/ziyJjcq1Ha— Chicago DCASE (@ChicagoDCASE) March 28, 2022
Shoppers can expect everything from clothes to crockery, and, of course, live music and some of the best street food in the city. Brimming with an eclectic array of handmade crafts, arbitrary items, and undetected treasures, the free market offers a wholesome Sunday Funday browsing the wide range of knickknacks with friends or family.
Having opened for the season on April 3rd, the market is now open at 800 South Des Plaines Street every Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm through December 18.
More information can be found at Chicago.gov.
[Featured image from Chicago.gov]