Urbana's Market at the Square
1 / 12

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
Loading map...
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

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.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

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

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Urbana's Market at the Square can be a fun outing for families, especially on Saturday mornings. Kids will enjoy the colorful displays of fruits and vegetables, and the opportunity to try unique treats like pastries and fresh juices. [^review] The open space allows for some freedom to explore, though keeping a close eye on little ones is advised due to crowds. Consider bringing snacks and drinks, and be prepared for limited seating if you plan to linger. The Thursday Night Market might be more relaxed for families with younger children, offering a less intense atmosphere with music and art. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

While some vendors at Urbana's Market at the Square can be pricey, it's still possible to enjoy it on a budget. Focus on purchasing seasonal produce directly from farmers, which often offers better value than pre-packaged goods. [^review] Pack your own reusable bags to avoid any bag fees. For a budget-friendly meal, explore the diverse offerings from the food trucks on Thursday nights, or look for vendors selling simpler baked goods. Instagram The atmosphere and live music on Thursdays are free to enjoy, making it a great low-cost evening activity.

👫 Couples

Urbana's Market at the Square offers a charming experience for couples. Saturday mornings are perfect for browsing local produce, picking up ingredients for a shared meal, and perhaps enjoying a coffee and pastry together. [^review] For a more romantic evening, the Thursday Night Market is ideal, with its live music, art displays, and diverse food truck options providing a relaxed and enjoyable date night atmosphere. Instagram Strolling hand-in-hand, discovering unique crafts, and enjoying the community vibe makes for a memorable outing.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Saturday Farmers Market Experience

Urbana's Market at the Square truly shines on Saturday mornings, transforming into a vibrant hub for local agriculture and artisanal goods. From early spring through late fall, you can expect a dazzling array of freshly harvested produce, from crisp greens and juicy berries to seasonal favorites. Beyond fruits and vegetables, the market is a treasure trove for baked goods, with vendors offering everything from crusty breads to decadent pastries. Many visitors specifically seek out treats like the renowned pound cakes from Granny Cakes. Reddit It's an ideal spot to connect with the community and support local farmers and small businesses. Instagram

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,Instagram 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. Instagram

Urbana's Night Market: A Different Vibe

As the sun begins to set, Urbana's Market at the Square transforms into a more relaxed and artistic affair with the Thursday Night Market. This event offers a delightful change of pace, focusing on local art vendors, food trucks, and live music. It's the perfect opportunity to unwind after a busy week, enjoy some sunset views, and soak in a chill community atmosphere. Instagram The curated selection of art and crafts provides a unique shopping experience, distinct from the agricultural focus of the Saturday market.

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2