Urbana's Market at the Square
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Urbana's Market at the Square

4.6
·477 reviews·Urbana, United States

A vibrant Saturday farmers market and a relaxed Thursday night market offering local produce, crafts, food trucks, and live music.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Saturday mornings

Peak freshness for produce

CrowdHigh
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Urbana's Market at the Square

Urbana's Market at the Square

Best Time

Saturday mornings

Peak freshness for produce

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant Saturday farmers market and a relaxed Thursday night market offering local produce, crafts, food trucks, and live music.

4.6
(477 reviews)

"Great food, great music and fun stuff to buy!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Don't Miss Granny Cakes!

Their pound cakes are incredibly moist and flavorful. A true local gem you won't regret trying!

🌶️ Stango Cuisine's Kick

Try their chicken hand pies and the potent ginger juice for a delicious and energizing treat.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 477 reviews

Type

Market

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Granny Cakes

Granny Cakes

Moist and flavorful pound cakes that are a must-try for any sweet tooth. A local favorite for a reason!

Stango Cuisine Hand Pies

Stango Cuisine Hand Pies

Exquisite chicken hand pies and potent ginger juice that will invigorate your senses. A savory and spicy delight.

Local Produce & Artisan Goods

Local Produce & Artisan Goods

Discover a vibrant array of fresh vegetables, fruits, baked goods, pottery, and unique crafts from local farmers and artisans.

Thursday Night Market Vibes

Thursday Night Market Vibes

Enjoy sunset views, live music, local art vendors, and delicious food trucks for a relaxed evening atmosphere.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Urbana's Market at the Square has two distinct experiences: the bustling Saturday farmers market and the more relaxed Thursday night market. Plan your visit accordingly to catch the vibe you're looking for. The Saturday market is a prime spot for fresh produce and local goods, while the Thursday night market offers art, food trucks, and live music.

Vendor Variety & Value

While many vendors offer fantastic local products, some can be a bit pricey. It's worth exploring to find your favorites, but keep an eye on your budget. Don't miss out on unique finds like Granny Cakes or Stango Cuisine's hand pies, but be aware that some items might be more of a splurge.

Best Times

When
Saturday mornings
Why
Peak freshness for produce
Crowd
High
When
Thursday evenings
Why
Art, music, and food trucks
Crowd
Medium
When
Early morning (Sat)
Why
Beat the crowds & best selection
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A beautiful night at Urbana’s Night Market at The Square ✨ Thank you, @urbanaartsandculture and @urbanamarket for bringing an amazing vibe to our community!
mayordeshawnwilliams
31 likes • 676 views

🎯 Don't Miss Granny Cakes!

Their pound cakes are incredibly moist and flavorful. A true local gem you won't regret trying! Reddit

🌶️ Stango Cuisine's Kick

Try their chicken hand pies and the potent ginger juice for a delicious and energizing treat. Reddit

Thursday nights in September just got better. ✨ Catch some sunset views and chill vibes 6-9pm at Urbana's Night Market at the Square - local art vendors, food trucks, and live music. Relax, wander, and enjoy the end of summer. Hope to see you there! Located on the corner of Vine and Illinois in downtown Urbana. #UrbanaNightMarket #Nightmarket Video by @vmullenmedia
urbanaartsandculture
202 likes • 3.9K views
Visit us @urbanamarket Urbana’s Market at the Square today (October 25) til noon
oakcrestalpacas
5 likes • 63 views

☀️ Beat the Heat

Bring a hat and sunglasses, especially on hot days, as there's limited shade. Consider visiting earlier. [^review]

🎶 Thursday Night Fun

Enjoy live music, art vendors, and food trucks for a relaxed evening vibe. Instagram

It was great seeing the Centennial Orchestra at Urbana’s Market at the Square today!
unit4schools
27 likes • 1.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Don't Miss Granny Cakes!

Their pound cakes are incredibly moist and flavorful. A true local gem you won't regret trying! Reddit

🌶️ Stango Cuisine's Kick

Try their chicken hand pies and the potent ginger juice for a delicious and energizing treat. Reddit

☀️ Beat the Heat

Bring a hat and sunglasses, especially on hot days, as there's limited shade. Consider visiting earlier. [^review]

🎶 Thursday Night Fun

Enjoy live music, art vendors, and food trucks for a relaxed evening vibe. Instagram

💰 Price Check

Some vendors can be pricey, so browse around to find the best value for your budget. [^review]

🌱 Plant Power

Look for native plants and elderberry from vendors like The Wild Midwest. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(477 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally praise Urbana's Market at the Square for its excellent selection of local produce, baked goods, and artisan crafts, highlighting vendors like Granny Cakes and Stango Cuisine. However, some reviews point out a lack of seating and shade, and a few have noted negative experiences with staff behavior, suggesting a need for improved customer service training.

"I love this farmers market, its nicely organized. You can find veggies, fruits, bread goods, coffee, pottery and more. I really look forward visiting every Saturday morning during the summer and fall. 🌞🍁
Take into consideration that during the hottest days it might feel overwhelming because there is no place to sit down or rest under the shade, other than the businesses tents, bring hat and sunglasses 🕶️ 🎩
I mark 3 starts because it needs to have more resting areas, tables and chairs for people to enjoy calmly their coffee and pastries 🥐"

Elsa Tejero

"So I came here a year or so ago and had a really bad time with one of the staff literally following me around being super creepy. So I didn’t go for a whole year. But I went back the other week, and a (different) staff member was yelling at this small child. Had this 5 year old by the arm, yelling at him, and the kid was sobbing. I don’t know why the staff here are so obnoxious, but they really need some training on how to be good for the community which comes here. I have to assume that being given a hi viz vest made them power hungry or something.

Again, the actual farmers market is nice, even if it could really use some benches/shade/trash cans. The vendors are amazing, and sweet, and sell some nice stuff. But damn if the experience isn’t wrecked by bad staffing."

Rory Foulger

"lots of good vendors, albeit some of them are very overpriced. i liked strolling through every weekend for the season and seeing what's available. i do wish we had a hummus/dip vendor though. and some yogurt/cheeses."

Jungeun

What People Like

Fresh local produce
Delicious baked goods
Unique artisan crafts

What People Dislike

Limited seating/shade
Inconsistent staff behavior

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Urbana's Market at the Square is located at the corner of Vine and Illinois in downtown Urbana. It's easily accessible by car, with nearby parking options. Public transportation is also a viable option, with several bus routes serving the downtown area. Instagram

Yes, there is parking available in the vicinity of the market. However, it can get busy, especially on Saturday mornings, so arriving early is recommended. Some street parking and nearby lots are available.

Absolutely! The market is in a central downtown location, making it very walkable and bikeable for locals. There are usually bike racks available for cyclists.

Several MTD (Mass Transit District) bus routes stop near Lincoln Square, which is where the market is held. Check the MTD website for the most up-to-date route information and schedules.

The market area is generally flat and accessible. Vendors are set up on paved surfaces, making it navigable for wheelchairs and strollers. However, specific vendor booth accessibility can vary.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Urbana's Market at the Square is free! You can wander through the stalls and enjoy the atmosphere without any admission fee. Instagram

The main farmers market runs on Saturdays from 7 am to noon, typically from April through November. The Thursday Night Market runs from 6-9 pm during September. Instagram+1

The Saturday farmers market season generally runs from April through November, offering fresh produce and goods throughout the warmer months. Instagram

Yes, the Thursday Night Market features live music and art vendors, creating a unique evening experience. Instagram Special seasonal events might also occur.

While specific pet policies can vary, generally well-behaved dogs on leashes are permitted at many farmers markets. It's always a good idea to check with market organizers or observe other attendees' practices.

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Vendors

You'll find a wide variety of vendors, including farmers selling fresh produce, bakers with delicious goods, artisans offering crafts and pottery, and food trucks with diverse culinary options. [^review] Instagram

Many visitors rave about Granny Cakes for their pound cakes and Stango Cuisine for their chicken hand pies and ginger juice. Reddit Keep an eye out for fresh juices and pastries too! [^review]

Absolutely! The market is a fantastic place to source fresh, seasonal produce directly from local farmers. Look for items like peonies in season. Instagram

Yes, especially during the Thursday Night Market, you can find local art vendors. The Saturday market also features artisans selling pottery, jewelry, and other handmade items. Instagram

Many vendors do accept credit cards, but it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller purchases or if a vendor's card reader is down. Some may also accept mobile payment options.

📸 📸 Photography

Capture vibrant shots of colorful produce displays, unique artisan crafts, bustling crowds, and the general lively atmosphere. The Thursday Night Market offers great sunset backdrops. Instagram+1

Early Saturday mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, making for cleaner shots. Thursday evenings provide a warm, golden hour glow with the added element of live music and art. Instagram

Generally, yes, but it's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their specific products, especially if they are busy. Instagram

The market itself, with its tents and diverse offerings, is a great subject. The surrounding downtown Urbana architecture can also provide a nice backdrop. The Lincoln Square building is a prominent feature.

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide scenes and details. A prime lens can be good for portraits of vendors or close-ups of food. A smartphone camera is also perfectly capable of capturing great shots. TikTok

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