Blackstone Bicycle Works celebrates 20 years of empowering youth on Chicago’s South Side through hands-on bike education and leadership development. From its roots as a retail shop to its youth-focused programming and advocacy, BBW fosters confidence, responsibility, and a culture of cycling beyond our shop walls.
61st Street Farmers Market: A Hub for Community Learning, Creativity, and Fun
As a hub of Woodlawn’s community, each week, 61st Street Farmers Market partners with local organizations and individuals to bring you market programming that fosters curiosity, education, artistic expression, and health.
The Wait is Over: The 61st Street Farmers Market Returns!
This Saturday, May 16, the 61st Street Farmer Market is officially kicking off our 19th outdoor season, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome you back!
We have an incredible lineup of 40 vendors ready for 2026, featuring a mix of fresh faces and longtime favorites. This year’s roster includes Earthlore Farm for delicious seasonal vegetables, Hook Point Fisheries for premium sushi-grade fish, J2K Capraio for artisanal cheeses and sausages, Mick Klug Farms for the freshest local fruits, and Montelimar for handcrafted baked goods.
A Sweet Sendoff: Joe’s Blues & the Last Indoor Market
As we close out our final indoor market this Saturday and prepare to head outdoors May 16th, we’re proud to spotlight a longtime favorite in our market family, Joe’s Blues, our blueberry farmer.
Obdulia Vega’s Journey from Market to Dream
For Obdulia Vega, the 61st Street Farmers Market is more than a place to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. It brings back childhood memories of growing up on a farm, strengthens her relationship with her daughter, Jocelyn Vega, and encourages her to try new foods she might not have otherwise considered. Most of all, it has helped spark her dream of opening a restaurant.
2025 Increasing Food Access Report is now Available!
The 2025 Increasing Food Access Report highlights a year of strong impact, deep partnerships, and continued innovation—expanding access to fresh, locally grown food while laying the foundation for a more resilient and equitable food system amid growing challenges ahead.
Zeitlin’s Delicatessen: Love and Bagels
Since joining the 61st Street Farmers Market in 2022, Zeitlin’s Delicatessen has become a Saturday morning staple. Market-goers line up in anticipation for a taste of their signature bagels, artisanal breads, and baked goods. While the line moves quickly, the craft behind the counter is the result of years of intentionality, family history, and culinary rigor.
Chef Didier Durand:From France with Love
Bonjour aux gourmands! This week, we celebrate the culinary delights of Chef Didier Durand who founded Cyrano’s On-The Go to share traditional French dishes across Chicago.
A Winter Delight:Asian Pears from Oriana’s Orchard
Have you ever tried Asian Pears? The varieties that Oriana's Orchard, a 61st Street Market stalwart, grows are special. Besides its fresh and delicious taste that you cannot get from any grocery store pears, there is the dedication and resilience of Oriana Kruszewski, the farmer and owner.
A Winter Delight:Asian Pears from Oriana’s Orchard
Have you ever tried Asian Pears? The varieties that Oriana's Orchard, a 61st Street Market stalwart, grows are special. Besides its fresh and delicious taste that you cannot get from any grocery store pears, there is the dedication and resilience of Oriana Kruszewski, the farmer and owner.
Our 2025 Impact
Experimental Station’s mission is to build independent cultural infrastructure by providing essential resources that respond to local needs. Our programs address food insecurity, strengthen Illinois’ food system, provide youth with enriching educational opportunities, foster creativity and the arts, and enhance community wellbeing.
Read our latest newsletter for more on our impact and the meaningful stories shaping our community.
