Discover Open Farms in Frontenac and Kingston
Mark September 5, 6 & 7, 2025 on your calendar and connect with the farms, businesses and community organizations in Frontenac & Kingston.
Have you ever wondered where the food you eat is grown? Open Farms is an opportunity to experience and learn directly from the people who grow and produce the food we enjoy. Explore destinations within Frontenac County and Kingston where local experts will welcome you with meaningful experiences and one-of-a-kind stories.
Open Farms is a collaboration with farms, businesses, community groups, Frontenac County, South Frontenac Township and Tourism Kingston. Over the weekend, you will be able to connect and explore farmers' markets, taste some local flavours and learn how important agriculture is to our region. It is a weekend packed with opportunities to explore, connect, support local and learn.
The weekend is family-friendly, allowing a variety of fun opportunities for kids to explore and learn about the region's farms, farmers' markets, and the community connection. The Open Farms website has all the details to plan your adventure, including prices for ticketed events.
Farmers Markets
Farmers' Markets are the heart of the farm-to-table scene, operating weekly, with a variety of producers. There are five farmers' markets across Frontenac County and Kingston.
On Fridays, the Frontenac Farmers Market runs in Harrowsmith from 3-7 pm. This market hosts the Open Farms Kick Off Event, welcoming farmers, producers, and the community to join the celebration with a ribbon cutting, live music and lots of local food.
Take a short trip to Wolfe Island on Saturday for the Market at Wolfe Island Commons, or stay on the mainland and visit the Kingston Public Market, which happens on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Maybe a Sunday market is more your style. The Memorial Centre Farmers Market operates year-round with a variety of local vendors.
Hands-on education
Looking for a fun and educational day out? Head over to Food Less Travelled in Verona, where you’ll have the chance to meet friendly farm animals, play games, and learn about livestock in a hands-on, engaging way. While you're there, explore their store filled with lots of local products.
For even more family fun, don’t miss the Frontenac Plowing Match, and Sunday in the County, the featured event of Open Farms this year, just outside Sydenham. Discover the art and importance of plowing while enjoying a full day on the farm. There will be exciting activities, delicious eats from local food trucks, hands-on cooking demos that highlight seasonal ingredients, live music and wagon rides through the fields that the whole family will love. It’s a wonderful way to connect with local agriculture and experience farm life up close. Whether you’re a lifelong local or simply curious about country living, this relaxed and welcoming day offers something for everyone.
Local Taste
Open Farms is serving up a variety of culinary experiences that highlight local flavours, perfect for foodies. Chefs, producers, and food artisans are coming together to showcase their local in-season flavours. Black Dog Tavern and The Secret Garden are focusing on local products for their menus, and the Donald Gordon Conference Centre is hosting farm-to-table meals. These meals are crafted, highlighting the local flavours and products.
Guided food tours are taking place downtown Kingston, where you will stop at restaurants and specialty food retailers to explore local products. It’s a great way to connect with community chefs and hear their stories — also, an opportunity to discover new places to eat.
Wanting to get hands-on? Join a family cooking class where you will have the chance to work with local ingredients to prepare your very own pizza and salad.
Experience Open Farms
Open Farms is more than just a weekend event; it’s a celebration of the deep connection between farming, food and community in Frontenac and Kingston. Plan your weekend by visiting www.openfarm.ca
Remember to pack your sun hat, sunscreen, refillable water bottle, and sturdy shoes when heading out on your Open Farms adventure, as some events take place in a farmer's field.
Join us in celebrating the people, places, and stories that make farming such a vital part of Frontenac County and Kingston.
READ ALSO
