Third Place Commons (aka “the Commons”) is a community-supported nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering real community in real space by hosting hundreds of free events each year and presenting the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market from May to October.

Read our mission, vision, and core values here.

More About the Commons

Friends of Third Place Commons is a community-supported 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1999 to manage the Commons for the community. Adjacent to Third Place Books on the upper level of the Town Center at Lake Forest Park, the Commons is a large and flexible community space that encourages both spontaneous and organized activities. Features include seating for restaurants, free Wi-Fi, a safe place for kids and families to spend time, a semi-private meeting room, and a stage.

Every year, Third Place Commons hosts hundreds of free public programs for people of all ages, interests, and abilities. With year-round performances by and for young ones and seniors alike, live music and an open dance floor every Friday and Saturday night, educational opportunities for adults, and regular group meet-ups like book clubs and foreign language conversation groups, the Commons is a lively and welcoming place for everyone.

The Lake Forest Park Farmers Market is the largest program of Third Place Commons. From Mother’s Day through the third week of October, farmers and artisan food processors set up in the parking lot in front of the Professional Building every Sunday morning. Since the market opened in 2005, it has grown into one of the most successful suburban markets in the region, with close to 40 vendors each season and thousands of shoppers each week. We typically present two special events each summer, a Crafts Day and a Family Day at the market, as well as two harvest/holiday markets in the late fall.

Third Place Commons works in the community through vital partnerships with other nonprofit organizations and agencies. With the help of generous donors, we sponsor a food assistance program through the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market. We work with several of our partners to distribute Market Bucks to individuals and families who may otherwise lack access to fresh and nutritious food.

Read the full history of Third Place Commons here.