Your Guide to South Eastern Ontario’s Markets, Pop-Ups and Local Finds

Laurie Weir

Spring isn’t subtle around here. The birds get louder, the sidewalks get busier, and suddenly your weekend calendar fills with markets, pop-ups, and roadside stands offering strawberries or sourdough. All across South Eastern Ontario, open-air stalls and small-town storefronts are packed with fresh finds, handmade goods, and plenty of reasons to linger.

Spring is about supporting makers who know your name, grabbing a butter tart that tastes like home, and stumbling across something beautiful you didn’t plan on buying, but absolutely needed.

Market Days Are Back and They’re Better Than Ever

Farmers’ markets, pop-ups and weekly events are filling baskets and hearts across the region.

There’s something irresistible about a spring market — the mix of fresh air, handmade goods and maybe a butter tart or two that makes the whole experience feel like a win. From fresh-cut flowers to woodcrafts, beeswax wraps to pickled asparagus, here are the stops to mark on your GPS.

Your spring market checklist:

Kingston Public Market—Market Square, open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Situated in the heart of downtown, the market is a picturesque gathering place for both the local community and visitors to Kingston.  

Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market—Kingston, Sundays, May to October, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and November to April, Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This market is 100 per cent producer run and you will always find the best produce of the season for purchase.
 Pro tip: Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome.

Frontenac Farmers’ Market—Harrowsmith. Watch for music and special events each week. Open Fridays from 3 to 7 p.m. May through October.

Front Street Farmers’ Market—Trenton, open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Victoria Day weekend in May to Thanksgiving in October. Watch their socials for more on their events.

Farmers and Crafters’ Market—Prescott. On Saturdays at the market, you will find fresh local produce, baked goods, and handmade treasures. Free parking is available. If you’re around on June 13-15, hop on/off the trolly car as the town will feature Kingston’s red iconic trolly. You can also check out the charm of the waterfront at the Prescott Pop-Ups are vibrant hub for artisan vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly fun all summer long.

Kemptville Farmers’ Market, Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. This is a vendors’ market featuring locally grown and produced goods including eat, herbs, flowers, and snacks, baked goods. Find some cool arts and crafts and that perfect gift for all occasions.

The Glengarry Market—Alexandria. This is a bustling community hub where over 50 local vendors come together to offer everything from farm-fresh produce and artisanal sourdough to handcrafted soaps and unique crafts. It's a one-stop destination that celebrates the rich tapestry of local talent and flavours, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the heart of the community.

Loyalist Trading Co.—Odessa. This is a delightful fusion of country charm and artisanal flair. With its famous rooftop goats and a treasure trove of Canadian-made products—from gourmet preserves to handcrafted gifts—it's a must-visit destination that offers a whimsical shopping experience like no other.

The Eddie’s Hotel & FarmWellington Market, is a stylish new home for this PEC favourite. Set against the backdrop of Prince Edward County's rolling landscapes, The Eddie Hotel & Farm transforms every Saturday into a bustling marketplace. With over 40 local vendors, live music, and a garden bar, it's where the community gathers to celebrate the region's rich tapestry of flavours and crafts.

Picton Town Hall Farmers’ Market—A market that provides access to locally produced and grown products while supporting local growers and producers in ways that encourage ecological and community sustainability.

Vankleek Hill Farmers’ Market—One of the few year-round markets in Ontario, this volunteer-run gem operates every Saturday morning and moves outdoors in spring. Expect fresh produce, meats, baking, preserves and artisan goods — with live music and snacks to keep you lingering longer.
 Spring Tip: Check out the plant tables before they get picked over.
 Pro Tip: Bring cash and containers — some of the best deals come in bulk.

West Zwicks Island Park Pop-Ups—Belleville, Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (May 29 to Sept. 1). Follow them on Instagram and Facebook. This waterfront pop-up village features a diverse array of vendors, including food trucks, artisan shops, and recreational activities like mini-golf. Visitors can enjoy a variety of cuisines—from Haitian and Jamaican to Ukrainian and Greek—as well as unique offerings like eco-friendly products and paint-your-own pottery experiences.

Hollow Square Market, Newburgh. This market features over 20 local vendors offering a variety of handmade goods, fresh produce, and baked treats. With its bi-weekly schedule on Saturdays, it provides a charming setting for visitors to explore unique crafts and support local artisans. Special guests this summer (July 26 and 27) are canine dock jumping events. Opens June 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cornwall Kinsmen Farmers Market—Sunday from May 25 to October 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at St. Lawrence College in Cornwall. This all-local, producer-only market features over 40 vendors offering a diverse array of products, including fresh produce, meats, baked goods, preserves, and artisan crafts. The Cornwall Night Market is set to return for its fourth year on Friday, June 13, from 4 to 10 p.m. in Downtown Cornwall. This vibrant evening event transforms the downtown area into a bustling marketplace, featuring over 50 local vendors offering a diverse array of products, from handmade crafts and vintage finds to delicious food and unique gifts. Attendees can also enjoy live music from a DJ, extended hours at downtown shops and patios, and a lively community atmosphere.

Brockville Tuesday Night Twilight Market—Set in the shadow of the iconic Brockville Railway Tunnel, this monthly evening market transforms the Tunnel Plaza into a buzzing community hub. On the third Tuesday of each month from May to September (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.), you'll find more than 35 local crafters, makers, and food vendors showcasing everything from handcrafted jewellery and woodwork to small-batch baked goods and international eats. Live music sets the mood, while food trucks serve up street food classics.
Spring Tip: Get there early for the best vendor selection — the good stuff goes fast.
Pro Tip: Pack a folding chair and stay for the live music. There’s no rush in Brockville at twilight.

Makers at the Mill — Odessa: Historic Babcock Mill is a great spot for a new market, and it brings fresh energy to Odessa. Running from May 25 to October 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the market features local artisans, fresh produce, and handcrafted goods. It's a delightful blend of history and community spirit.
Spring Tip: Arrive early to explore the mill's surroundings and enjoy the best selection from vendors.
Pro Tip: Bring a picnic blanket—there’s ample green space to relax and soak in the atmosphere.

Napanee Farmers Market, Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy a fun outing with friends and family. This market is making a vibrant return to Market Square behind Town Hall, operating every Saturday from June 14 through October 25. This revitalized market features a diverse array of local vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and handcrafted items, all set against the charming backdrop of downtown Napanee.
Spring Tip: Arrive early to explore the best selections and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Pro Tip: Bring reusable bags and some cash, as not all vendors may accept cards.

Plan your weekends with these must-visit pop-up shopping events

·    Long Sault Farmers Market—Fridays, June to October, 2 to 6 p.m.

·    Maxville Community Market—(Watch for info)

·    Martintown Farmers Market—Sundays, June to September, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

·    Morrisburg Farmers Market—Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

·    Iroquois Farmers Market—Saturdays, May to October, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

·    Williamsburg Country Market—Sundays, May to October, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., located in front of Jays Tire & Automotive in Williamsburg, Ontario. This market offers a variety of goods from local vendors. Local Produce, handmade/homemade goods and more.

·    Gananoque Farmers Market—Thursdays, June to October, 4 to 7 p.m.

·    The Mensen Farm—Delta, soon to open for the season with fresh spring produce (think strawberries and asparagus!)

·    Wendy’s Country Market—Lyndhurst, open daily, with farm fresh produce, and organic options, supporting other producers from within a 100-mile radius.  

·    Miller’s Bay Farm—Lombardy; this is a market garden and berry patch to open soon for the season. Drop in for fresh produce. Open daily (except Sunday).

Spring Tip: Markets are like snowflakes — no two weekends are the same. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram for weekly vendor lineups and specials.
 Pro Tip: Always buy the last butter tart on the table. That’s not luck — it’s fate.

Where to shop local and Canadian-made across the region

Where makers meet shoppers and spontaneity meets style.

If you’ve never impulse-bought a soy candle shaped like a mushroom while listening to live music beside a food truck, have you ever truly embraced spring shopping?

From goats on the roof to gourmet jams: quirky spots to check out

Quinte West Waterfront Pop-Ups—May to August, lakeside vibes plus artisan goods.

Fawn Over Market— This is where style meets substance in Carrying Place. There are polished displays, unique finds, and great gift options.

Downtown at Dusk—Belleville (June 20) – late-night shopping, street performers, food trucks, and solstice energy

Art in the Saw Mill—South Frontenac – special event Aug. 2-3. Celebrating local talent with original art, jewelry, home décor and fresh coffee and snacks.

Spring Tip: Bring a tote bag and a backup. You’ll fill both.
Pro Tip: Ask vendors what they bought just for that day. That’s your exclusive score.

These Ontario farmers’ markets offer more than just produce

These venues are full-on experiences.

The Local Store—Picton. Housed in a barn with serious County charm, this shop features over 160 Ontario artisans; everything from pottery and preserves to locally made greeting cards. There are often tastings, workshops, or a friendly dog sleeping under a display table.

Spring Tip: Go upstairs. The art section is quiet, gorgeous, and reasonably priced.
Pro Tip: Ask if the artist is in. They often are and they love talking shop.

Martello Alley—Kingston
An outdoor artist collective that’s part art market, part fairytale laneway.
Spring Tip: Bring your camera. It’s very Insta-worthy.

The Glengarry Market - 100% local vendors from SD&G, Cornwall, and the surrounding area, with over 50 different vendors from tea to artistry! A hub for buying gifts and supporting regional farmers.

Dragonfly Clay—Cornwall. The owner offers creative workshops, exhibitions and handmade pottery in a stunning heritage space.
Pro Tip: Sign up for a mug-making class and stop gifting people generic kitchenware forever.

Find handmade gifts and farm-fresh food at these local favourites

Streetwear, linen layers, and locally made accessories — spring fashion starts here.

Echo Clothing Co.—Brockville. Stylish, size-inclusive, and filled with pieces that feel Canadian in all the right ways.
Spring Tip: Ask about capsule wardrobe suggestions.

Agent 99—Kingston. Sustainable fashion meets street-style attitude.
Pro Tip: Great spot for bold prints and Canadian brand exclusives.

Luna Boutique—Picton
Light, breathable layers and jewellery that says “I support local and look good doing it.”
Spring Tip: Their spring scarf collection is low-key stunning.

Flutter N’ Fly Makers’ Cove—Brockville
Rotating artisan collections with accessories, fashion, and homewares. This is a place to go for unique finds.
Pro Tip: Many makers are in-store — ask them about their process.

Why shopping at rural markets is worth the drive this season

When shopping local also means snacking local.

Tincap Berry Farm—Brockville. Watch for seasonal hours of operation. This is where you can find delicious berries, veggies, jam and all-over good vibes. Spring Tip: Their strawberries are a delicious and hot commodity.

Hagerman Farms—Picton. This beloved farmstand offers baked goods, produce and small-batch dairy products.
Pro Tip: Their variety of tarts rival Grandma’s, but please, don’t tell her.

Broue & Chew Road Trip—Prescott-Russell
A region-wide edible adventure. From cider and cheese to chocolate and charcuterie, it’s the perfect excuse for a weekend drive. Open seasonally.

Downtown detours you’ll be glad you took

Picton Main Street—From curated consignments to county-made gifts, this is a boutique browser’s dream.

Downtown Belleville—Fashion-forward with vintage flair, and home to the wildly stylish Boretski Gallery.

Downtown Kingston—Great eats, boutique shops, quirky finds for the intrepid shopper and foodie.

Brockville—Historic cores with seasonal events and some hidden gems to discover as you shop.

Spring Tip: Give yourself time to wander. The best finds are the ones you didn’t plan for.
Pro Tip: Hit a café patio after shopping and eavesdrop on the locals. You’ll learn something.

Behind every tent, stall, and checkout square is a neighbour building something cool — a dream, a side hustle, a full-blown market empire. When you shop locally, you keep communities thriving and creativity close to home.

So go ahead, pick up the jam, the soap, the scarf you’ll wear all season. It’s spring. Wander a little.

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