Blog

Hello Sunshine!

It’s finally starting to feel like spring for real, and we are so here for it! 🌸 With sunnier days and warmer temps rolling in, we’re getting more and more excited for all the summer vibes to come.

Last week marked the kickoff of our Outdoor Farmers’ Market, and we couldn’t be happier to see happy faces out enjoying fresh air, fresh produce, and all the local goodness the season brings. 🍓🧺🌱

And yes despite the construction happening around the Market, we are open and ready to welcome you with open arms (and delicious food)! 🛍️💛

Whether you’re soaking in the sunshine, stocking up on market finds, or grabbing a bite from your fave vendor, there’s plenty to look forward to this week. Keep reading for all the delicious details! 👇💛

FRIDGE MAGNETS!

Handmade, VERY cute, and way more fun than your average fridge magnet 💅✨

These polymer clay cuties are crafted by hand right here in the Market, part of a whole lineup of earrings, accessories, and one-of-a-kind gifts.⁠ Come by, and snag something that’ll make your fridge (or your lobes 👂) a little more fabulous.⁠

MATCHA AT THE MARKET CAFE!

Looking for a springtime sip that’s as calming as it is energizing? Try the Market Café’s creamy, dreamy matcha latte, the perfect pick-me-up to power your market stroll. ✨

Bonus tip: Add a shot of lavender for a floral twist that takes this green tea classic to a whole new level of refreshing. 🌸💜 It’s the ultimate combo of earthy and aromatic, like spring in a cup!

Swing by the Market Café and treat yourself to your new favourite drink! 💚🥤

NEW HORIZONS BAND - LSOT AT C PERFORMANCE

Join us upstairs on the Mezzanine for a great performance by The New Horizons Band- Lost at C Saturday, April 26th at 11am.

Lost at C is an extension of the New Horizons Band program offered through the Don Wright Faculty of Music at Western University in London, Ontario.

The band was formed in January 2016 by members of the New Horizons program who wanted to perform music from the jazz, big band, and old-time rock and roll genres.

 

MEMBERS / REPERTOIRE:

Lost at C members are an eclectic group of individuals ranging in age from the early 20’s to late 70’s- but with one common bond – we all enjoy playing music we grew up with or have come to know and enjoy. Our repertoire includes a wide range of musical styles – everything from classic jazz and big band numbers to old time rock and roll. From time to time the group will also perform some seasonal pieces.

OUTDOOR FARMERS MARKET

Our Outdoor Farmers Market is back for the season 8am to 1pm! As a reminder it will be taking place over on Market Lane (ally way between the Market and Dundas St) while the square is under renovations! Below you can check out what vendors will be here this Saturday, April 26th!


Live music from Brent Jackson 9am to 11am and Saveria D’lppolito 11am to 1pm.

SATURDAY COOKING DEMO

This Saturday, our cooking demonstration in the Market Kitchen is hosted by Jaime Pena where he will demonstrate how to make Feta Fettuccini!


Registration is now required for all classes and will open on the second Thursday prior to the event date (i.e. registration opens today for Kimi’s Full on Beans class next Saturday, May 3) Click here to register –> https://forms.gle/aK5PfPb6FB4BVHS39


SATURDAY DEMO SCHEDULE

  • Saturday, May 3 | Kimi Abdullah – Full on Beans
    • registration now open
  • Saturday, May 10 | Polina Shadman – Saffron Lemon Seabass & Herbed Rice
    • (registration opens May 1st @ 11am)
  • Saturday, May 17 | Nancy Salamanca – Strawberry Pecan Salad
    • (registration opens May 8th @ 11am)
  • Saturday, May 24 | Kimi Abdullah – Snacks on Snacks
    • (registration opens May 15th @ 11am)
  • Saturday, May 31 | Jaime Pena – Spanish Omelette 
    • (registration opens May 22nd @ 11am)

SAMPLING SUNDAY

This Sunday, we’re serving up something boldly flavourful and totally irresistible, the Smoked Pillow from Brazil! 😍🔥

Crafted using the same traditional method as the beloved Coxinha, this savoury treat is stuffed with rich, double-smoked sausage and wrapped in a golden, crispy shell that crunches with every bite. Think smoky, savoury, and seriously satisfying. 💥

Craving something new or already obsessed with Brazilian cuisine? The Smoked Pillow is your ticket to a flavour-packed adventure. 🎉 Come grab a free sample while they last, sampling starts at noon!🌎💛

NEW HOURS

🌟 We’re making changes to better serve YOU! Starting May 1st, our new Market hours will give you more time after work to grab groceries or enjoy a delicious bite to eat. 🍏🍴
Check out the new schedule and plan your next visit!
  • Mondays Closed
  • Tuesday to Saturday 9am-7pm
  • Sunday 10am-5pm
We can’t wait to see you!

SPRING WEEKEND MARKET

Our 🌸SPRING WEEKEND MARKET🌸 is taking place Saturday, May 3 & Sunday, May 4, upstairs on the Mezzanine. Some of your favourite vendors are coming together to put on a special spring market with lots of special surprises. You will not want to miss this!

Bring on Spring! 💐🔆🌺🌈☀️💕

🌸 Amazing local artisans!

🌸 Free cup of Tea!

🌸 Beautiful flower stems for the first 100 people!

🌸 Floral photo op!

🌸 Live music!

All first come, first serve, BUT the joy will be endless 💕

Attending Vendors

  • Big D’s Pickle Shack
  • Dog Gone Gear
  • Gnolia Designs
  • Itsy BItsy Bead Co
  • June Flower Co
  • Mystik Art
  • Oh That’s Neat
  • Olliviatuckco
  • Sensalik Jewelry
  • That Scrunchee Life
  • Trina Brooks – author

Saturday, May 3, 11am to 7pm / Sunday, May 4, 10am to 4pm

NEW HOURS FAQS

Wondering why the Market hours have changed and what the means? Check out the list of common questions below!


Why are you closed on Mondays now?

  • We’ve made the decision to close on Mondays to give the local business owners at the market a well-deserved day off and to improve the overall market experience. Unlike big-box stores with rotating staff, our vendors are independently owned businesses. They’re often hands-on every day, managing their shops and serving customers. By closing on Mondays, we’re giving them a chance to recharge, so they can continue bringing you the best products and service throughout the rest of the week. Plus, this change allows us to focus on behind-the-scenes operations, ensuring the market runs smoothly and efficiently for both vendors and visitors. Based on the third party survey results, our new hours will also offer more evening shopping opportunities, making it even easier to stop by after work!

Can I still order or pick up items on Mondays?

  • No, the market itself will be closed on Mondays, but some businesses, such as Waldo’s and [X, Y], will still be operating. We recommend contacting them directly for their specific hours and availability. Otherwise, we encourage you to plan ahead by visiting or placing orders during our open hours from Tuesday to Sunday.

What if I have a question or need assistance on Monday/is the office open on Mondays?

  • While the market itself is closed on Mondays, our office will be open from 9 AM to 5 PM. You’re welcome to call or reach out by email, and we’ll be happy to help.

Will special events still happen on Mondays?

  • No, events and activities will be scheduled during our open hours from Tuesday to Sunday.

Event Rentals/can I book the kitchen or lounge or mezz on Mondays?

  • Yes, you can book the kitchen, lounge, or mezzanine on Mondays for private meetings or group gatherings. However, there will be no events in these spaces on Mondays as the market will be closed. To inquire about availability and details, please reach out to our office.

Will the parking lot still be open on Mondays?

  • Yes! The parking lot is accessible 24/7, 365 days a year, so you can still park there on Mondays.

Will you ever go back to being open on Mondays?

  • For now, the Monday closure is a permanent change. It allows the local business owners to have a much-needed day off, so they can keep offering you the best products and services throughout the rest of the week.

Why not just shorten the hours on Monday instead of closing?

  • While shortening the hours on Monday was considered, closing for the full day gives the local business owners a proper break. Since they run their own shops, having one full day off makes a bigger difference for their work-life balance. Plus, based on results from a third-party survey conducted over the past year, we learned that many of you prefer later shopping hours. With our new schedule, you can now shop after work from Tuesday to Saturday!

Customer Convenience

  • We absolutely value our customers, and your feedback from our recent survey! That’s why we’re open six days a week with extended hours from Tuesday to Sunday. The decision to close on Mondays was made with the long-term sustainability of our local businesses in mind. This change gives the local business owners a dedicated day to rest, which ultimately means they can continue offering great service the rest of the week.