
Urbana's Market at the Square
A vibrant Saturday farmers market and a relaxed Thursday night market offering local produce, crafts, food trucks, and live music.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak freshness for produce

Urbana's Market at the Square
Best Time
Peak freshness for produce

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant Saturday farmers market and a relaxed Thursday night market offering local produce, crafts, food trucks, and live music.
"Great food, great music and fun stuff to buy!"

🎯 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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
Enjoy sunset views, live music, local art vendors, and delicious food trucks for a relaxed evening atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Vendor Variety & Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
☀️ 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.
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!
🌶️ Stango Cuisine's Kick
Try their chicken hand pies and the potent ginger juice for a delicious and energizing treat.
☀️ 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.
💰 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.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
The Saturday farmers market season generally runs from April through November, offering fresh produce and goods throughout the warmer months.
Yes, the Thursday Night Market features live music and art vendors, creating a unique evening experience. 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]
Many visitors rave about Granny Cakes for their pound cakes and Stango Cuisine for their chicken hand pies and ginger juice. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
👫 Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Saturday Farmers Market Experience
While the market offers an abundance of delicious food and unique items, it's important to note that comfort can be a factor, especially during warmer months. Some reviews mention a lack of ample seating or shaded areas, which can make lingering to enjoy a coffee or pastry a bit challenging on hot days. Bringing a hat, sunglasses, and perhaps a portable stool can enhance your experience. Despite this, the quality of the products and the lively atmosphere make it a beloved weekly ritual for many. [^review]
Key takeaways for a great Saturday visit include arriving early for the best selection, especially for popular items like peonies when in season, and being prepared for crowds. While many vendors accept cards, having cash on hand is always a good backup. The market is a fantastic place to discover new flavors and support the local economy, making it a quintessential Urbana experience.
Urbana's Night Market: A Different Vibe
The culinary offerings at the night market are diverse, with food trucks serving up a variety of cuisines to satisfy different cravings. Coupled with live musical performances, the Thursday night market creates a vibrant yet laid-back ambiance. It's an excellent way to experience the local culture and enjoy an evening out in downtown Urbana.
Planning your visit to the night market involves checking the schedule for specific musical acts and ensuring you arrive with an appetite. It's a more intimate setting than the Saturday market, making it easier to browse the art and chat with vendors. The Thursday Night Market is a testament to Urbana's dynamic community spirit, offering a different, yet equally engaging, way to enjoy the Market at the Square.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit