top of page
Header

MARKET

Is the Market open all Year?

St. Jacobs Farmers' Market is open every Thursday and Saturday all year round. Tuesday Markets also run in the summer from mid-June to end-of-August. The Outdoor Market runs all year but most vendors and farmers return in April and stay until October

Which payment methods do vendors accept?

Most vendors accept debit, credit, and cash. However, some outdoor vendors and farmers are cash-only, so it’s always a good idea to bring a few bills! We also have an ATM's onsite in case you need cash as well.

Are pets allowed at the Market?

As much as we all love our furry friends; creating a welcoming and safe market environment for everyone is our top priority. We kindly ask that you leave your pets safe and cozy at home. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

What should I bring with me to the Market?

Our Market is always happening, rain or shine! Be ready for the outdoors with a water bottle, sunscreen, and umbrella.
As Canada continues to phase out single-use plastic, it’s a great idea to bring small produce bags (mesh and cotton), containers, and reusable shopping bags.

If I have a question at the Market, who can I ask?

Our Market Office located in the Peddler's Village is our central info hub and has friendly Market staff who can answer all of your questions – they’re also happy to just chat and say hello! You can also visit the office for first aid, ice, cooler and other bags, lost and found, gift certificates, and more!

Is the Market Wheelchair accessible?

All three market buildings are wheelchair and walker accessible. If you need a wheelchair and did not bring one; we do have wheelchair and mobility rentals located in Peddler's Village.

Where are good places to park?

​Market Road Antiques has a large parking lot that is seldom filled – even on Saturdays.  If you are looking to primarily shop the outdoor market or get in and out quickly this is often the best parking option. ​

Other lesser-known parking options include:

The east end of the St. Jacobs Outlet Mall parking lot – close to the Stockyards Retail Store. The dirt parking lot behind the Ontario Live Stock Exchange – best accessed via Farmers’ Market Road 

VENDORS

Where can I find out which vendors will be at the Market? Is there a Market map?

Check our Vendor Directory page! It has Market Maps and lists of all vendors at the Market. Please note that while these lists are as accurate as possible, vendor changes are always happening.
You can also always visit the Market Office to obtain a physical map copy and ask Market Staff about where to find a vendor.

I want to get in touch with a vendor. How can I do that?

Visit our Vendor Directory Page and click on the vendor you are looking for. Each vendor has a profile with info on the vendor, contact information, and web links.

What are “Daily” vendors?

As a Daily Vendor you will need to be at the Market Office (located in Peddlers Village) no later than 1 hour before Market opening (7am on Tuesday/Thursday, & 6am on Saturday).  At that time, we will call vendors up based on their product listing (premium pass holders followed by farmer, food and then retail – this includes artisans). When called you will pick a number from the daily pool and be assigned a space when your number is called. Once you have your space you can go and set up. If you arrive late, you will be assigned a space after those who arrived on time.  Vendors arriving late run the risk of not being permitted to vend at all so make sure to arrive on time!

How do I know where my Produce comes from?

As the largest year-round farmers’ market in Canada there are often many choices when selecting fresh fruits and vegetables.  The Vendor Management team takes care in selecting farmers and produce vendors who pride themselves in providing the highest quality of local and regional produce at any given time.  While not all produce vendors grow the items they sell, they are required to only sell Ontario grown fruits and vegetables when they are in season in Ontario.  All vendors are required to identify the province/country of origin for every item and many vendors purchase items direct from local farms to help out their neighbours who may not be able to come to Market themselves. 

 

The best way to know where your food is coming from is to engage in conversation with the vendors – they are always willing to tell their story and talk about their food.

Where can I find out what is in season?

We always like to advertise and promote what's in season on our socials, website and at the market but for a up-to-date list, Click Here

EVENTS

Does the Market run special programming and events?

We enrich our Market with night events, market day activities, and night markets events all year long! Check our Events Page to see what’s going on this week.

VENDOR OPPORTUNITES

How can I become a vendor?

Please visit our Become A Vendor page or stop by our Market Office and fill out an application. We accept applications  year-round.

How can I become a busker?

Please visit our Busker page or stop by our Market Office and fill out an application. We accept applications  year-round.

What is your process for charities and community partners to come out for a day?

As a community market, the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market has 3 outdoor spaces available at no cost to local registered charities or community groups who are interested in providing information to the Public regarding their organization.  Each space is a 10x10 area within the Outdoor Market that provide excellent visibility to any organization. 

Anchor 1

MARKET ROAD ANTIQUES

Are you open holidays?

Yes! We are open 362 days a year. The only days we are closed are Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. We may have slightly altered hours during Easter.

Do you provide shopping bags?

No, we are no longer providing single-use shopping bags. We highly recommend bringing your own reuseable bags, boxes or storage containers to pack your purchased treasures.


In store, we have branded canvas totes available for $2.50 each. On occasion, we may also have cardboard boxes available.

 Is pricing negotiable?

All prices are set as firm. Market Road Antiques does not own any of the items in store. They are all provided by our vendors who rent the individual booths and display cabinets. Our vendors are required to put their best offer on their price tags. The staff will not negotiate pricing on the vendors behalf. The staff will also not contact vendors to negotiate pricing.

Do you have sales?

Yes! Market Road Antiques has 2 different store-wide sales. The first is our Winter Warm Up Sale that runs the entire month of February. The second is the Black Friday sale which typically runs for 2 weeks in November. Each vendor chooses which discount to offer during these times.
Vendors are also permitted to put a sale on their booth at any other time during the year. Keep an eye out for colourful signs above the booth or display case that will indicate a booth is having a sale.

BECOMING A VENDOR

Becoming a Vendor - FAQ

What types of Vendors are welcome at the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market?

The St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market offers vending opportunities to a variety of producers, retailers and services with a focus on local and handcrafted. We accept year-round applications for all vending opportunities however target intake months for the outdoor market is January through March for the Peak Season Market.

What is the difference between the Indoor and Outdoor Market?  

With over 500 vending spaces there is always an opportunity to become a part of the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market community. 

​

Our Indoor Market consists of 3 main buildings and a variety of smaller outbuildings.  These spaces are considered to be more of a permanent option and offer the vendors the luxury of not having to set up and tear down each Market day.  Indoor vendors are required to commit to being open and staffed for every Market day.  

​

Our Outdoor Market offers vendors a little more flexibility with a variety of vending opportunities to fit everyone’s schedule. Vendors can choose to commit on a casual basis as a daily vendor or lock in for an entire season and take advantage of our bulk rates.

Do I have to be a registered business? 

You do not need to be a registered business to join our Market. You will need insurance and must meet the requirements for the Waterloo Region Public Health Department if you are selling food.  All vendors are responsible for adhering to any government mandated regulations and requirements which may be required to operated their specific business (ie. Manufacturer’s License to sell Ontario Beer, Wine and Spirits, Second Hand Shop or Dealers License, etc..)

What type of Insurance do I need? 

All vendors are required to provide the Market with a certificate of insurance policy at a minimum amount of $2,000,000.00. This can be emailed prior to vending or provide the office with a copy on your first day.  

​

Two insurance companies that are used by many of our vendors are as follows (that also include daily rates):

P.A.L Canada - https://www.palcanada.com/index.php/en-us/policies/event-participants/exhibitor

Duuo - https://duuo.ca/event-insurance/ 

What do I need for Public Health approval?

Waterloo Region Public Health requires that all food and drink items prepared for sale off site are prepared in a commercial kitchen.  Any items cooked, baked or packaged in a home kitchen will not be approved.  Before applying please ensure you have access to a commercial kitchen to not hold up the process.

​

Waterloo Region Commercial Kitchens:

Bakin Me Crazy Commercial Kitchen - https://bakinmecrazybakery.square.site/about 

The Wooden Boat Food Company - https://www.wbfood.ca/kitchen-rental

Fireloo - https://fireloo.com/

​

Every operator of a food service booth must ensure that there is at least one food handler, or supervisor, on the premise during operation, who has completed food handler certification training.

​

Once you have been approved by the Vendor Management Committee you will receive the Public Health application with further instructions.

How do I know what spot to choose for my business? 

Vendor placement will depend heavily on whether or not you are applying for an indoor or outdoor space.  

​

Indoor vending spaces will be assigned as spaces come available.  The Vendor Management team will review the needs of the area available and contact appropriate vendors as required.  

​

Our Outdoor Market is broken down into sectors based on vendor types and spaces are assigned as such.  First time vendors will be guided through the selection process by our knowledgeable staff to ensure they have an optimal Market experience.

I have submitted my application and have been wait listed, how  long do I have to wait for a  spot? 

How long you are on the wait list is dependent on the type of product you are selling and the need for it at the Market.  Vendors who are selling similar type items that are already available at the Market may spend more time than others on the Wait List.  

​

Please note, vendors who have been placed on the wait list should re-apply each year to ensure the Market knows you are still interested.

wood

Farmers' Market

Thursday  8:00am - 3:00pm

Saturday  7:00am - 3:30pm

Market Road Antiques

Monday - Sunday  10:00am - 6:00pm

Outlet Mall

Monday - Friday  10:00am - 7:00pm

Saturday  9:00am - 6:00pm

Sunday  11:00am - 5:00pm

Stockyards

Brewery & Restaurant

Sunday - Thursday  11:30am - 9:00pm

Friday - Saturday  11:30am - 10:00pm

Subscribe to our newsletter • Don’t miss out!

Thanks for subscribing!

bottom of page