Below, we have compiled a list of some of the top farmers’ markets and artisan/maker markets for you to explore in Toronto this summer.
Artisan/Maker Markets
As part of Pedestrian Sundays, Kensington Market is turning its streets into a large outdoor art fair this summer. Known for its artist community, Kensington Market is the perfect spot for artists and art lovers to gather. During the market you can meet local artists, buy original art and help support a creative community. There will be an array of mediums to discover from paintings and ceramics, to jewellery and much more.
Dates: May 27th, June 24th, July 29th, August 26th, September 30th, October 28th
Time: Noon – 7pm
Location: Kensington Market – 77 Nassau St.
At the core of the King West Summer Pop-up is the phrase “support local by shopping local”. This two-day event is a collective of Toronto’s finest makers, designers and brands. Offering unique handcrafted goods including accessories, home décor, plants, beauty products, and artisan sweet treats. A few of the sustainable goods being showcased include organic coconut candles, handmade fair trade chocolates, sandals made from upcycled inner tubes and cork-based yoga matts. Admission is free.
Dates: Saturday, June 2nd and Sunday, June 3rd
Time: Saturday 11am – 6pm, Sunday 11am – 5pm
Location: 105 Portland St.
Every weekend from May to October you can find a beautiful selection of local craft and food at the Waterfront Artisan Market. Local artisans and crafters display works of art and handmade jewellery, while chefs and bakers put out an assortment of sweet and savory treats. With roughly 75 vendors to discover, you will be sure to find some great local treasures.
Dates: Every Saturday & Sunday – May 19th to October 7th
Time: Saturday 11am – 8pm, Sunday 11am – 5pm
Location: HTO Park – 339 Queens Quay W.
Shop thoughtfully designed handmade goods at The Citizens Collective. This semi-annual pop up market distinguishes itself by not only showcasing local handmade goods, but also goods that are made in collaboration with master artisans’ abroad. Through this, Toronto makers are able to help support artisans in various parts of the world and encourage their craft. Talented local makers and well-traveled brands form a collection of home wares, clothing, accessories, artwork and more to discover. Admission is free.
Date: Saturday, June 9th
Time: 11am – 7pm
Location: 9 Ossington Ave.
This bi-annual market brings together Toronto’s best green living and lifestyle products and services. It is a collection of eco, handcrafted, sustainable and local vendors and artisans all under one roof. Showcasing lifestyle, gift, beauty, baby and local food vendors. Shopping locally and sustainably has never been so easy. Admission is free.
Date: Sunday, July 22nd
Time: 10am – 5pm
Location: The Great Hall – 1087 Queen St. W.
Farmer's Markets
6. Evergreen Brick Works Farmers’ Market
The Evergreen Brick Works is a hub for sustainability, so it is no surprise that it is also home to Toronto’s largest farmers’ market. Open year round, the market offers a variety of local, sustainable and artisanal produce and products. With a focus on promoting seasonal foods, their curated group of regional vendors are sure to be offering you the very best seasonal selection. If you’re going for a visit, be sure to make a day of it! There is plenty to do and see at the Brick Works, including nature trails, public art and various activities for the whole family.
Dates: Every Saturday - Year Round
Time: 8am – 1pm
Location: Evergreen Brick Works - 550 Bayview Ave.
7. The Leslieville Farmers’ Market
A community event, the Leslieville Farmer’s Market is a great place to gather on Sunday. Wander through vendor stalls and gather your selection of fresh, local and sustainably grown food. Find everything from fresh produce, to baked goods and ethically raised beef. Live bands, kids programs, a community garden and a large selection of prepared foods means it’s the perfect spot to picnic and hang out.
Dates: Every Sunday – May 20th to October
Time: 9am – 2pm
Location: Jonathan Ashbridge Park – 20 Woodward Ave.
8. Trinity Bellwoods Farmers’ Market
During the week, be sure to stop at the Trinity Bellwoods Farmers’ Market for fresh, local, sustainable, naturally grown and certified organic agriculture. With a focus on promoting eating and cooking at hearth and home, you will be sure to find the very best ingredients to make a delicious home cooked meal. Although, they also have a selection of already prepared food if you’ve had a long day and just want to pick something up.
Dates: Every Tuesday – May 8th to October 30th
Time: 3pm – 7pm
Location: Trinity Bellwoods Park – 790 Queen St. W.
This farmers’ market is open year-round and organized by the Stop Community Food Centre. This charity organization, teaches about gardening and food in an effort to bring people together and build communities. Vendors offer local, sustainable, organic and artisanal products. Here you can support local growers while taking in the community atmosphere and listening to some great live music.
Dates: Every Saturday – Year Round
Time: 8am – 12:30pm
Location: Artscape Wychwood Barns – 601 Christie St.
10. Toronto Botanical Garden Organic Farmers’ Market
The Toronto Botanical Garden not only showcases one of the most beautiful gardens in the city, it also hosts a local organic farmers’ market every Thursday. Located outdoors in the summer months, you will find a variety of fresh, local and organic food here. Just a few of the things these vendors are stocked with, include: produce, free-range eggs, grass-fed beef, honey, all-natural beauty products, kombucha and gluten free baked goods.
Dates: Every Thursday – Year Round
Time: 2pm – 7pm
Location: Toronto Botanical Gardens – 777 Lawrence Ave. E.
11. The Distillery District Sunday Market
For a bespoke curated market, be sure to head over to the Distillery District on Sunday’s. This weekly market serves up artisan food and gifts, all made within 100 miles of the Distillery District. They offer an array of products from organic preserves, cheeses, cured meats and artisan chocolates to fresh flowers, enamel pins and handmade earrings.
Dates: Every Sunday – May 27th to October 14th
Time: Noon – 5pm
Location: Distillery District – 55 Mill St.
Specialty Market
The Toronto Flower Market is a haven for growers, florists, gardeners and all flower lovers. It is a community event that celebrates and supports Ontario-grown flowers and plants. Being the only market in Toronto dedicated to flowers, you will be sure to find an abundance of floral options. Vendors offer everything from wild, field-grown varieties, to seedlings to plant in your own backyard, to pre-made bouquets.
Dates: Saturday – May 12th & 26th, June 9th & 23rd, July 14th, August 18th, September 15th, October 6th & 20th
Time: 10am – 3pm
Location: Shaw Park at CAMH – 1001 Queen St. W.
Vanessa Martellacci is a sustainable fashion advocate and founder of Tavistock & Green, a vintage and preloved e-commerce shop opening July 2018. Find her on instagram @vanessamartellacci.