Zion Ali to Headline Hyde Park Farmers Market Grand Opening

On June 1 at 11:30AM, Chicago musician and youth advocate Zion Ali will light up the Hyde Park Farmers Market Grand Opening with a free, family-friendly performance. Located on 53rd Street between Lake Park Avenue and South Pavilion Court, the market kicks off its 2024 season by showcasing over 25 local vendors. From seasonal berries and heirloom tomatoes to vegan pastries and honey from neighborhood apiaries, the open-air market offers a true taste of South Side flavors. Ali announced the show in an Instagram post: “Mark your calendars! I’m bringing the good vibes to the Hyde Park Farmers Market Grand Opening on June 1st at 11:30AM! Fresh produce, fresh air, and a fresh performance from me—come catch the energy and celebrate community the right way!”

What To Expect At The Market

Beyond live music, visitors can join cooking demonstrations by local chefs, browse artisan crafts, and enjoy interactive family activities. Face-painting, pop-up wellness booths, and a hands-on composting station led by the Chicago Park District will run throughout the morning. Whether you’re sampling grass-fed cheeses or sipping fair-trade coffee, the market serves as a hub for community connection and small-business support. The market will operate every Saturday through October, making this June opener a must-attend for early-season picks. Ali’s set kicks off a summer-long live-music series featuring local artists, each bringing their own style to the community stage.

Community Tour Continues

This Hyde Park appearance follows a busy spring schedule for Ali. On May 13, he opened at the Promontory’s Something Real for the People event, delivering electrifying open mic freestyles to a late-night crowd. On May 23, he headlined the Faith in Action Festival at Foster Park, performing alongside free raffles, face painting, games, and local food trucks during a Chicago Police 6th District–hosted celebration. The very next day, Ali energized the Greater Bronzeville Community Action Council’s Student Recognition Breakfast at King College Prep High School, honoring students from Network 9 and 17 for academic growth and leadership.

Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, Ali infuses his performances with personal stories and spontaneous verses, inviting audience members to engage directly—a style that’s become his signature.

Whether you’re a longtime Hyde Park resident or a first-time visitor, Ali’s performance offers an ideal reason to meet neighbors and discover the market’s offerings. The event is free and open to all ages, with ADA-accessible pathways and bike racks on 53rd Street.

Artist Spotlight

Highlighted recently as a Spotlight Artist, Zion Ali champions “Music Empowerment Music,” blending soulful melodies, high-energy production, and uplifting lyrics. His tracks “Make It Through” and “Big Energy” enjoy airplay on WVON 1690AM, Power 92.3 FM, and V103 FM, with television segments on WGN-TV and ABC 7 News. He’s appeared on stages from the Rainbow PUSH Coalition’s benefit concerts to the Bud Billiken Parade, partnering with nonprofits such as the John Walt Foundation, Social Works, Think Outside the Block, Your Passion First, Building Brighter Futures Foundation, and Chicago Defender Charities.

Ali’s mission extends beyond entertainment: he creates platforms for youth leadership, creative expression, and social change. Fans can stream his latest music on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, or track upcoming events via his Instagram handle @zionaliofficial.

Bringing his dynamic set to Hyde Park Farmers Market unites local agriculture, small businesses, and artistic activism under one canopy. It’s a reminder that community celebrations—and fresh rhythms—go hand in hand.

Slip on your walking shoes, grab a reusable tote, and head to 53rd Street on June 1 for a morning of soulful beats and neighborhood vibes.

Reporter

Poulami Nag

 

Poulami is an associate editor. She did her MA in English from Miranda House, University of Delhi and has qualified UGC-NET. She also holds a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her journey as a content writer began in 2017 and since then, Poulami has garnered diverse interests along the way.

Read full bio of Poulami Nag