Maxwell Street Market has been organized for more than a century. This year, the summer market started on May 18, 2025, the first Sunday out of a total of 6 Sundays from May to October. Visitors can browse a wide selection of goods, from home décor to handmade crafts. Local businesses and longtime vendors will also be part of the festivities, offering food and retail options.
Highlights
- Maxwell Street Market 2025 is organized between South Halsted Street and South Union Avenue.
- The market will be full of new and resale finds, along with food and entertainment options.
- Starting from May, the market will be held on selected Sundays for 6 months. The first kicked off on May 18, 2025.
Iconic Maxwell Street Market Has Kicked Off on the Near West Side
Maxwell Street Market blends music, culture, and community in a festive, open-air setting. The stretch between South Halsted Street and South Union Avenue becomes an eclectic market gathering every year for six themed Sundays.
- Location: Maxwell Street – Between S. Halsted St. & S. Union Ave on the Near West Side
- Dates: May 18, June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14, and October 5, 2025
- Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
People can find items for home décor, clothes, accessories, crafts, and more at the market, and can feast at some of the best local restaurants over there. Live entertainment accompanied during market hours adds to the lively atmosphere for marketgoers.
Here is a list of local food options that have been tied up with the market for a long time and are also known as “Maxwell Street Originals.”
- Express Grill
- Hashbrowns
- Jim’s Original Hot Dog
- Lalo’s Mexican Restaurant
- Bar Louie
A Look Back at the Opening Day
This year’s Maxwell Street Market started on May 18, 2025. As the opening day of the market kicked off with the theme “Spring Garage Sale,” an entertainment lineup took place at the event, alongside shopping and food.
- 10–11 a.m. – DJ James Porter
- 11 a.m.–noon – Ivy Ford Trio
- Noon–12:30 p.m. – DJ James Porter
- 12:30–1:30 p.m. – Vino Louden Duo
- 1:30–2 p.m. – DJ James Porter
- 2–3 p.m. – Mike Wheeler and Larry Williams
History of the Maxwell Street Market
In the late 19th century, the Maxwell Street Market was started by Jewish sellers in Chicago. Many entrepreneurs and small businesses have come to this street market since then, offering an eclectic mix of goods. Initially, Klezmer music was the highlight of this market, but as the times changed, so did the music.
Historic walking tours are also organized this year by the Maxwell Street Foundation. These tours of about 40 minutes will be free of charge and provide insight into the market’s rich history.
Maxwell Street Magic Continues: What’s Ahead for the Next 5 Sundays
Maxwell Street Market has already witnessed a successful start on Sunday, May 18. The entertainment lineup for June’s market has also been released.
- 10–11 a.m. – DJ James Porter
- 11 a.m.–noon – Marty “Big Dog” Mercer Duo
- Noon–12:30 p.m. – DJ James Porter
- 12:30–1:30 p.m. – Omar Coleman, Westside Soul
- 2–3 p.m. – Harmonica Hinds Duo
Sunday, June 8, 2025, is themed to celebrate the Chicago Blues. The Maxwell Street Blue Series will bring the blues back to the West Side.
For the rest of the days, the themes have been decided, however, the lineups will be announced later. The themes for each week are as follows:
- Sunday, July 13 – Summer Dance at Maxwell Street
- Sunday, August 10 – Dog Days of Summer
- Sunday, September 14 – Kids’ Edition
- Sunday, October 5 – Happy Birthday, Maxwell Street!
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events produces Maxwell Street Market. Those who wish to become vendors at the market can submit their application here. As the admission is free, everyone is encouraged to visit this vibrant hub of commerce and culture.
