Kingston Farmers Market Guide: Complete 2026 Vendor, Hours, and Tips
Saturdays in Kingston have a scent. It's a mix of fresh bread, cut flowers, and the faint lake breeze coming off the waterfront.
The Kingston Farmers Market isn't just a place to buy groceries. It's a ritual. A gathering. A weekly reminder that this city has been trading goods on this spot since before Canada was a country.
Operating since 1801 (yes, really), the market has outlasted wars, pandemics, and the invention of supermarkets. It's still here, still thriving, and still the best place to spend a Saturday morning.
Whether you're a lifelong local or a first-time visitor, here's everything you need to know about the Kingston Farmers Market in 2026.
Market Overview
Location: Market Square, Downtown Kingston (216 Ontario Street)
2026 Schedule:
Summer Market (May-October):
- Tuesdays: 9 AM - 2 PM (smaller market)
- Thursdays: 9 AM - 2 PM (smaller market)
- Saturdays: 8 AM - 3 PM (FULL MARKET, don't miss)
Winter Market (November-April):
- Saturdays only: 9 AM - 2 PM
- Location: Market Square (outdoor) plus some indoor vendors at the Memorial Centre
Admission: Free
Payment: Most vendors accept cash, cards, and debit now. Some still prefer cash. Bring some just in case.
The 2026 Reality
The market has evolved:
- More prepared foods (eat-on-site options)
- More artisans (not just food)
- More tourists (summer Saturdays are busy)
- More dogs (leashed and welcome)
- More musicians (busking is thriving)
But the core is the same: farmers who grew it, bakers who baked it, makers who made it.
Getting There
Address: 216 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2Z3
Parking:
Paid lots:
- Market Square Parkade (entrance on Brock Street)
- City Hall lot (Ontario Street)
- Portsmouth lot (near waterfront)
Street parking:
- Meters available (free on Sundays only)
- Time limits vary
- Pay by app available
Saturday parking reality:
- Gets busy after 9 AM
- Arrive early or expect to walk
- Consider parking a bit further and walking in
Transit:
Kingston Transit:
- Multiple routes stop near market
- Get off at "Downtown" or "Market Square" stops
- Saturday service runs regular schedule
Biking:
Bike racks available near market entrance.
Bring a lock. Bike theft is real.
Walking:
If you live downtown or near downtown, walk. It's part of the experience.
What to Bring
The Market Bag:
- Reusable bags (multiple, you'll buy more than expected)
- Cash (small bills, change)
- Water bottle
- Coffee money (there's great coffee)
- Empty stomach (the food is the point)
Optional:
- Wagon (if buying lots of produce)
- Dog (leashed, be prepared for crowds)
- Kids (family-friendly)
- Camera (it's pretty)
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Summer Market (May-October)
Saturdays are the main event.
Arrive at 8 AM for the best selection. Arrive at 10 AM for the best energy. Arrive at noon for the best deals (vendors don't want to pack things up).
What you'll find:
Produce:
- Seasonal vegetables (June: strawberries, July: berries, August: tomatoes, corn)
- Local fruit (apples in fall)
- Herbs and plants
- Maple syrup (year-round)
Meat and Fish:
- Local beef, pork, chicken
- Fresh fish (from Lake Ontario and beyond)
- Eggs (real farm eggs, orange yolks)
Baked Goods:
- Bread (fresh, warm, crusty)
- Pastries (croissants, scones, danishes)
- Pies (sweet and savoury)
- Cookies (dangerous to buy, impossible to resist)
Prepared Foods:
- Breakfast sandwiches
- Crepes
- Coffee (multiple vendors)
- International foods
- Street food vibes
Artisan Goods:
- Soap and candles
- Jewelry
- Pottery
- Woodwork
- Art
- Clothing and textiles
Flowers and Plants:
- Cut flowers
- Potted plants
- Hanging baskets
- Herbs for gardening
Tuesdays and Thursdays (Smaller Markets)
Same location, smaller vendor count. Good for:
- Mid-week produce restock
- Less crowded
- Easier parking
- Still excellent quality
Winter Market (November-April)
Saturdays only, 9 AM - 2 PM
Don't let winter stop you. The market happens year-round.
Winter market reality:
- Smaller vendor count (but dedicated regulars)
- More indoor options at Memorial Centre on some dates
- Cold? Yes. Worth it? Yes.
- Hot coffee and fresh bread taste better in winter
What's available in winter:
- Root vegetables (potatoes, carrots, squash)
- Greenhouse produce
- Preserves and canned goods
- Meat and eggs
- Baked goods
- Cheese
- Maple syrup
- Artisan goods
Dress warmly. Bring cash. Buy soup.
Featured Vendors (2026 Favourites)
Note: Vendors change. These are established regulars, but always walk the whole market.
Produce:
Market Garden Farms:
- Family farm
- Beautiful produce
- Know their stuff
Sunrise Gardens:
- Organic options
- Friendly farmers
- Great tomatoes
Thompson Farms:
- Berries in season
- Apples in fall
- Local institution
Baked Goods:
Bread by Us:
- Sourdough (arrive early, sells out)
- Croissants
- Community favourite
Pan Chancho Bakery:
- Kingston institution
- Pastries and bread
- Also have a store on Princess
Coffee and Cravings:
- Cookies and squares
- Dangerously good
Meat and Fish:
Ganonoque Meat Market:
- Quality meats
- Friendly service
- Worth the trip (but they come to you)
Kingston Fish Market:
- Fresh fish
- Knowledgeable staff
- Sustainable options
Prepared Food:
Chez Piggy:
- Market stand with their classics
- Sandwiches and treats
Olivea:
- Italian specialties
- Take-home meals
Mio Gelato:
- Yes, gelato at the market
- Yes, even in winter
Artisan:
Kingston Soap Works:
- Local soaps
- Smell amazing
- Great gifts
Pottery by Pat:
- Functional pottery
- Beautiful glazes
- Local artist
Seasonal Highlights
Spring (May-June):
- Asparagus (finally)
- Rhubarb
- Seedlings and plants
- First strawberries (late June)
Summer (July-August):
- Peak season
- Tomatoes (heirlooms, cherries, all of them)
- Corn (sweet, local)
- Berries (raspberries, blueberries)
- Peaches (from Niagara, but here)
- Flowers everywhere
Fall (September-October):
- Apples (dozens of varieties)
- Squash (all shapes, all sizes)
- Pumpkins
- Preserves and canning supplies
- Last chance for fresh local
Winter (November-April):
- Root vegetables
- Greenhouse greens
- Meat and eggs
- Preserves
- Cheese
- Maple syrup
Market Tips and Etiquette
For First-Timers:
- Walk the whole market before buying (avoid impulse regrets)
- Bring cash (cards work, but cash is faster)
- Talk to farmers (they love questions)
- Try samples (when offered)
- Go early for best selection
- Go late for best deals
The Unwritten Rules:
- Don't haggle with farmers (it's not a garage sale)
- Don't block the aisle with strollers (crowded Saturdays)
- Don't touch produce without asking (let them handle it)
- Do bring your dog (but keep them close)
- Do say hello (it's friendly here)
Dog Etiquette:
- Leashed always
- Bring water (some vendors have bowls)
- Watch for dropped food (they will find it)
- Be mindful of crowds (small dogs get stepped on)
Kid Etiquette:
- Kids love the market
- Let them interact with vendors
- Sample stations are kid magnets
- Bathrooms at City Hall (east side)
Beyond the Market
Market Square itself is worth hanging around:
City Hall:
- Beautiful building
- Free to explore (respectfully)
- Photo opportunities
Confederation Park:
- Next to market
- Green space
- Benches for people-watching
Waterfront:
- Steps away
- Walk along the water
- Boat watching
Princess Street:
- Shops and cafes
- Extend your morning
- More people-watching
Market-Adjacent Breakfast Spots
When you need more than market samples:
Pan Chancho:
- 44 Princess Street
- Bakery and cafe
- Lines can be long (worth it)
Chez Piggy:
- 68 Princess Street
- Iconic Kingston restaurant
- Brunch is legendary
The Common Ground:
- 206 Ontario Street
- Coffee and light bites
- Cozy vibe
Northside Espresso:
- 184 Princess Street
- Great coffee
- Simple breakfast
What to Do After the Market
Make a Saturday of it:
Option 1: Waterfront Walk
- Stroll west along the water
- Reach Portsmouth Harbour
- Turn around, come back
- 45-60 minutes round trip
Option 2: Princess Street Shopping
- Explore local shops
- Independent bookstores
- Clothing boutiques
- Art galleries
Option 3: Museums
- Kingston Pen tours (seasonal)
- Pump House Steam Museum
- Marine Museum
Option 4: Lunch
- Many restaurants open by 11:30
- Try something new
- Reserve for popular spots
Option 5: Take Your Haul Home and Cook
- Best way to enjoy market produce
- Simple preparation lets ingredients shine
Why Fliku Connects to the Market
The market is about local. Fliku is about local.
- Find used kitchen gear to cook your market haul
- Buy and sell with verified Kingston neighbours
- Support the local economy year-round
[Join Fliku Kingston - local marketplace, local community]
FAQ: Kingston Farmers Market
Q: When is the Kingston Farmers Market open?
A: Year-round. Summer (May-Oct): Tues, Thurs, Sat. Winter (Nov-Apr): Saturdays only.
Q: What are the hours?
A: Summer Saturdays 8 AM-3 PM. Winter Saturdays 9 AM-2 PM. Tuesday/Thursday 9 AM-2 PM.
Q: Is the market outdoors?
A: Yes, year-round. Some winter dates have indoor options at the Memorial Centre.
Q: Is it expensive?
A: Some items cost more than grocery store. Quality is better. Some items are cheaper. Bring a budget.
Q: Can I use debit or credit?
A: Most vendors accept cards now. Some still cash-only. Bring cash to be safe.
Q: Is the market dog-friendly?
A: Yes, leashed dogs welcome. Busy Saturdays can be overwhelming for nervous dogs.
Q: Where do I park?
A: Market Square Parkade, City Hall lot, street parking. Arrive early Saturday.
Q: What's the best time to go?
A: 8 AM for best selection. 10 AM for best energy. Noon for best deals.
Q: Is the market accessible?
A: Yes, paved surfaces. Busy but manageable for wheelchairs and strollers.
Q: Can I buy gifts at the market?
A: Absolutely. Artisan vendors have unique, local gifts.
The Bottom Line
The Kingston Farmers Market is more than a place to buy food. It's a community hub. A weekly tradition. A connection to the people who grow and make what you consume.
Go early. Stay late. Talk to strangers. Buy too much. Eat something hot. Walk it off along the waterfront.
This is Kingston at its best.
See you Saturday at the market. I'll be the one with too many bags and a coffee in hand.
