Wilmette French Market Opens Saturday For 2024 Season

WILMETTE, IL — As area residents say "bienvenue" to warmer weather, Wilmette can also welcome back the return of its downtown farmer's market.

The Wilmette French Market kicks off Saturday and runs weekly until Nov. 2, bringing a slice of Paris to edge of the Metra station from 8 a.m. to noon.

Marketgoers can expect a vibrant atmosphere all season long, with live music, local and regional gourmet foods, and unique treasures that vary weekly as vendors change throughout the season.

Wilmette's farmer's market has been operated by Bensidoun USA since 2003. The Bensidoun family, which has managed open-air markets in France for four generations, expanded to the United States in 1996 and now operates dozens of markets in the Chicago and New York areas.

The French Market is free and open to all, with the exception that only service dogs are permitted on the premises.

Village officials also encouraged people who are planning to attend this year's Saturday morning markets to shop at other merchants in the village and "enjoy the distinctive shopping experience provided in downtown Wilmette."