Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced today that the iconic Maxwell Street Market will return to its original location on Maxwell Street for the 2024 season. The market, a beloved tradition in Chicago for over a century, will commence operations on Sunday, May 26, with six market days scheduled on the last Sunday of each month through October 27. The only exception is the August date, which has been rescheduled to September 1. Operating hours are from 9 am to 2 pm.

Mayor Brandon Johnson stated, “The Maxwell Street Market has been a Chicago tradition for more than a century. It not only promotes entrepreneurship but also provides critically important opportunities for small businesses including craftspeople, artists, farmers, restaurateurs, and re-sellers. Our hope is that the move back to its original neighborhood will spur memories of the historic Maxwell Street Market, bring back that entrepreneurial spirit, and ensure its longevity for generations to come.”

DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth added that they intend for the Maxwell Street Market to further enhance this already bustling neighborhood. She expressed excitement at welcoming new and returning visitors with an exciting lineup of vendors and entertainment.

The original Maxwell Street Market began as an open-air market established in the late 19th century by newly arrived Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. It was officially recognized by the City of Chicago in October 1912. Over time, as the neighborhood evolved so did the market. In particular, during the 1930s and '40s it became known as a place where many Black musicians who had migrated to Chicago began developing a new musical genre—electrified urban Blues or "Chicago Blues". These performances came to be identified with Maxwell Street Market.

In 1994, due to expansion plans by the University of Illinois at Chicago, the city moved Maxwell Street Market a few blocks east to Canal Street and renamed it New Maxwell Street Market. In 2008, it was relocated to S. Desplaines and became well known for its Mexican and Latinx street food. The 2024 edition will bring the market back to its original location.

Visitors to the Maxwell Street Market can expect an eclectic mix of foods and finds—including handmade crafts, resale housewares, clothing, and much more. This year’s edition will also feature live entertainment and programming from cultural partners, incorporating nearby businesses and restaurants with longstanding ties to the neighborhood.

Vendor applications for Maxwell Street Market’s 2024 edition are now open at MaxwellStreetMarket.us. Parking is available for vendors and customers at nearby lots and parking structures. The area is also easily accessible by public transit via the Blue Line’s Halsted Street station, as well as the #8 Halsted Street bus and the #12 Roosevelt Street bus.

For more information, visit MaxwellStreetMarket.us or join the conversation on Facebook at Maxwell Street Market, and on Instagram at @ChicagoDCASE (#MaxwellStreetMarket).

Maxwell Street Market is produced by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and sponsored in part by Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).