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.
Welcoming the Obama Presidential Center: A New Neighbor with a Shared Mission
Yesterday, we witnessed the historic grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center. As today marks its official opening day, we are excited to see how this new global center of hope, progress, and community will positively impact our neighborhood and city.
Fresh Food Access Maxxing With Link Match this Farmers Market Season
Farmers market season is here… The locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables… the fun, friendly outdoor space… the delicious food from local vendors…
While we are excited about all that, we at Link Up Illinois are particularly thrilled that this year, we are partnering with over 120 farmers markets across Illinois to provide SNAP recipients with access to fresh fruits and vegetables through Link Match.
New Vendor: Meet Kaya Grill & Gyoza!
Ever wonder how a single bite can take you on a trip around the world? Meet Chef Royce Lowery and Danielle Mitchell, founders of Kaya Grill & Gyoza, one of our market’s new and exciting vendors!
E-Tegami Chicago
We’re excited to welcome back E-tegami Chicago and its founder, Danielle Stolz, for another season of creative fun at the 61st Street Farmers Market!
Chicago Grows Food
Chicago Grows Food has partnered with the 61st Street Farmers Market since 2023 to pass out hundreds of free grow kits, seeds, seedlings, and educational materials.
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.
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.