Few things signal the arrival of a proper Ontario spring like the opening of local farmers' markets. After months of winter, the opportunity to browse outdoor stalls filled with fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, and artisan products is one of the most enjoyable rituals of the season.
Markham and Richmond Hill are fortunate to have several excellent farmers' markets that serve the community from spring through fall. Whether you are a dedicated market-goer or someone who has been meaning to visit but never quite made it, this guide covers everything you need to know for the 2026 season.
Main Street Markham Farmers' Market
The flagship market in the area is the Main Street Markham Farmers' Market, which returns for the 2026 season on Saturday, May 16. The market runs every Saturday through October 10, rain or shine, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. That gives you a 22-week season of weekly access to some of the best local vendors in York Region.
Location
The market is held in the Guardian Pharmacy parking lot at the southwest corner of Main Street and Robinson Street in Unionville. The address for directions is 101 Main Street North. If you are coming by car, there is parking available along Main Street and in nearby lots, though arriving early is recommended on busy weekends as the area can fill up quickly.
What to Expect
The Main Street Markham Farmers' Market is well-attended by the community and features a curated selection of vendors offering a wide variety of products. Typical weekly offerings include:
- Farm-fresh produce from local Ontario farms
- Baked goods including breads, pastries, and specialty items
- Deli meats and artisan cheeses
- Coffee, tea, and specialty beverages
- Artisan crafts and home goods
- Original art and handmade products
- Community groups and local non-profit organizations
The market is organized by Main Street Markham, and the vendor mix is carefully curated to provide variety and quality. Priority is given to full-season vendors and those whose offerings align with what the community has requested. This means the lineup is not random; it is intentionally assembled to create a diverse and useful marketplace each week.
Combining with Main Street Unionville
One of the best features of the Main Street Markham market is its location. After shopping the market, you can walk directly onto Main Street Unionville and continue your morning at the shops, cafes, and galleries that line the historic street. Stop at one of the local coffee shops, browse the boutiques, and take a stroll through Toogood Pond Park, which is just a few minutes' walk away. It makes for an excellent Saturday morning outing.
Other Markets in the Area
Richmond Hill Farmers' Market
Richmond Hill typically operates its own seasonal farmers' market, though dates and locations vary by year. The market has previously been held at Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park, providing a convenient location for Richmond Hill residents. Check the City of Richmond Hill website for the latest 2026 season information, as dates are usually announced in late April or early May.
Stouffville Farmers' Market
Just a short drive east of Markham, the Stouffville Farmers' Market is one of the most established in the region. It offers a strong selection of local produce, meats, baked goods, and crafts. The market has a loyal following and is worth the trip if you are looking for a broader selection or want to explore beyond your usual area.
Thornhill Village Farmers' Market
For residents in the western part of Markham or Thornhill, the Thornhill Village market provides a convenient option. It tends to be smaller and more intimate than some of the larger regional markets, which can actually be an advantage if you prefer a less crowded shopping experience.
Indoor Markets and Year-Round Options
While the outdoor market season runs from May through October, several indoor options provide access to local and specialty food products year-round. T&T Supermarket, H Mart, and various Asian grocery stores along Highway 7 offer fresh produce and specialty items daily. While they are not traditional farmers' markets, they serve a similar function for residents who want fresh, diverse food options outside the summer season.
What Is in Season and When
Understanding Ontario's growing season helps you get the most out of your market visits. Here is a general guide to what you can expect to find at Markham-area markets throughout the season:
May and June (Early Season)
- Asparagus, the first major spring crop and one of Ontario's finest
- Rhubarb, excellent for pies and preserves
- Lettuce, radishes, and spring onions
- Fresh herbs including parsley, dill, and cilantro
- Greenhouse strawberries beginning to appear in late May
- Bedding plants and fresh-cut flowers
July and August (Peak Season)
- Ontario field strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries
- Sweet corn, one of the highlights of Ontario summer
- Tomatoes of every variety, from heirloom to cherry
- Peaches and nectarines from the Niagara Region
- Zucchini, cucumbers, peppers, and eggplant
- Fresh beans, peas, and beets
September and October (Harvest Season)
- Apples, the defining fruit of Ontario autumn
- Pumpkins and squash of every shape and size
- Root vegetables including carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes
- Late-season corn and tomatoes
- Pears, grapes, and plums
- Preserves, pickles, and canned goods prepared for winter
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Market Visit
- Arrive early for the best selection. The first hour after opening typically offers the fullest vendor displays and the freshest picks. Popular items, especially seasonal fruit and specialty baked goods, can sell out before noon.
- Bring your own bags. Reusable shopping bags and a wheeled cart or wagon are practical, especially if you plan to buy produce in quantity. Most vendors provide bags, but bringing your own is more convenient and environmentally responsible.
- Bring cash. While more vendors now accept cards, some still prefer cash. Having small bills makes transactions faster and easier for everyone.
- Walk the entire market before buying. Take a lap to see what is available before committing. This helps you compare quality and prices and discover vendors you might have missed on a quick pass.
- Talk to the vendors. Farmers and producers are usually happy to share information about their growing practices, suggest recipes, and recommend the best items of the week. These conversations are one of the things that make market shopping fundamentally different from grocery store shopping.
- Buy what is in season. Seasonal produce is fresher, more flavourful, and often less expensive than out-of-season items. Let the market guide your meal planning for the week.
- Plan your meals around your purchases. Rather than arriving with a rigid shopping list, be open to what looks best that week. If the tomatoes are exceptional, build your week's meals around them. This approach leads to better cooking and less food waste.
For Vendors: How to Apply
If you are a local farmer, baker, artisan, or community organization interested in selling at the Main Street Markham Farmers' Market, applications for the 2026 season are currently being accepted. Booth fees are $25 per week for a 10x10 space, with a 20 percent discount available for vendors who commit to the full 22-week season. Full-season vendors receive priority in scheduling and booth placement.
Food vendors are required to complete the Vendor Application Event Form and submit it to York Region Community and Health Services at least 10 days before their earliest market date. Full details and the application form are available on the Main Street Markham website.
A Saturday Morning Tradition
Farmers' markets are more than a place to buy groceries. They are community gathering spaces where neighbours meet, local businesses thrive, and the connection between the food on your plate and the people who grew it is direct and tangible. Markham and Richmond Hill are fortunate to have markets that take this role seriously.
Mark your calendar for May 16 and start your Saturday morning the right way.
For more local guides, community news, and business information across Markham and Richmond Hill, visit MarkhamBusiness.com.