UPDATED JUNE 2024
Farmers’ markets are abundant in Waterloo Region, and are almost as plentiful as the vegetables, fruits and other products that fill their vendor’s stands! They’re a great way to take home the fresh produce that is plentiful in this area, and an even better way to meet the people responsible for growing your food.
Year Round Farmers’ Markets
The St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market is Canada’s largest year-round farmers’ market. You’ll find hundreds of local vendors inside its three main buildings along with the outdoor vendor stalls that increase in number as the growing season progresses. Some items are brought to market by the truckload; other arrives by horse & buggy from local Old Order Mennonite farms. You’ll find fresh local fruits and vegetables, quality meats and cheeses, locally-produced maple syrup, honey, preserves, baking, authentic cuisine from many cultures, imported produce, various gluten-free and organic options, local crafts, housewares, wearables, and more.
The St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market is open Thursdays 8 am – 3 pm, and Saturdays from 7 am – 3:30 pm. During the summer, they add in their Tuesday Market Day that runs 8 am to 3 pm.
The Kitchener Farmers’ Market has been a hub in downtown Kitchener for over 150 years. You’ll find approximately 80 vendors selling a wide variety of foods and goods including fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, craft beers and ciders as well as a number of specialty vendors. During the warmer months, a number of vendors move outside to the covered parking lot off of Eby Street. Many Saturdays the Market also hosts live music and other family-friendly events.
The Kitchener Market is open Saturdays 7 am – 2 pm year-round. The Food Hall at the Kitchener Market is open Tuesday to Friday from 8 am – 3 pm for delicious, home style breakfast and lunch options.
The Cambridge Farmers’ Market has been in operation since the 1830’s making it one of the oldest markets in the country. Featuring 25 year-round vendors and 30 seasonal vendors offering a variety of items including meats and seafood, baked goods, maple syrup and honey, eggs, ethnic foods and homemade crafts. The Market also has a number of outdoor vendors during the warmer months as well as vendors that visit the market on a rotating basis.
The Cambridge Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from 7 am – 1 pm year round. They also offer an Online Shop for customers who want to guarantee their favourite products will be waiting for them at the market.
Seasonal Farmers’ Markets
The Uptown Waterloo Night Market happens Thursday evenings from 7 – 10 pm at the Waterloo Public Library (Main Branch), in the upper parking lot, from July 7th to August 25th.
Preston Towne Market happens Wednesdays June 19 – August 28 from 9 am – 2 pm in Central Park, Cambridge
Hespeler Village Market takes place Friday evenings June 7 – September 27 from 3 – 7 pm in front of Old City Hall.
Elmira Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from 8 am – 1:30 pm May – October at 384 Arthur St. South, Elmira.
The Ayr Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday from May until October 5 from 8 am – 1 pm in front of the Ayr Community Centre.
The Wellesley Farmers’ Market takes place from Saturdays from August 17 – October 12 from 9 am – Noon at 1004 Catherine St., Wellesley in the Pavillion.
Online Farmers’ Market
Bailey’s Local Foods dubs itself as Kitchener-Waterloo’s online Farmers’ Market. Buy local online and pick up your order at a convenient location. Produce is available year round.
FARM TO FORK in Waterloo Region
Want to find out more about Waterloo Region’s farm to table food scene? Check out Waterloo Region’s FARM TO FORK TV series and go behind the scenes of the Region’s food culture to find out more about our farms and the producers who are growing the variety of farm-fresh goodness you’ll discover in our local markets!