About the Farmers’ Market

A Grey County Tradition Where Local Food, Makers & Community Come Together

The Owen Sound Farmers’ Market is one of Ontario’s longest-running and most beloved farmers’ markets. Operating in the heart of downtown Owen Sound, the market is a year-round Saturday morning tradition that brings together local farmers, food producers, artisans, and residents in a lively celebration of Grey County’s agricultural richness.

With deep historic roots and a strong modern following, the market continues to play a vital role in supporting local agriculture and strengthening community connections.

A Market with Deep Historical Roots

The Owen Sound Farmers’ Market traces its origins back to the mid-1800s, making it one of the oldest continuously operating markets in Ontario. From its earliest days, the market served as a central gathering place where rural producers and town residents met to exchange goods, news, and conversation.

Over generations, the market has evolved, but its purpose remains the same: supporting local food production and fostering strong connections between growers and the community they serve.

A Year-Round Saturday Gathering

The market operates every Saturday morning, year-round, offering residents and visitors a dependable place to shop local and connect with producers in every season. Located beside Owen Sound City Hall, the market’s indoor-outdoor format allows it to adapt throughout the year while maintaining a welcoming and accessible environment.

For many families, a visit to the market is a weekly ritual—part shopping trip, part social gathering.

Celebrating Local Food & Handmade Goods

Vendors at the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market reflect the diversity and strength of Grey County agriculture and craftsmanship. Market offerings typically include:

• Fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables
• Meat, eggs, dairy products, and fish
• Baked goods, preserves, honey, and maple syrup
• Flowers, plants, and herbs
• Handmade crafts, artwork, textiles, and specialty items
• Ready-to-eat foods and locally roasted coffee

Each purchase directly supports Ontario farmers, growers, and small businesses.

A Community Space, Not Just a Marketplace

More than a place to shop, the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market is a social hub. Conversations flow easily between vendors and shoppers, musicians often add to the atmosphere, and familiar faces return week after week.

The market plays an important role in strengthening local food systems, encouraging sustainable practices, and reminding visitors of the value of knowing where their food comes from.

A Market That Reflects Its Community

Rooted in tradition yet firmly part of modern Owen Sound, the farmers’ market remains a cornerstone of downtown life—one that nourishes both the body and the community.

About the Community

Owen Sound: A Harbour City Where Nature, Culture & Rural Roots Meet

Situated on the southern shores of Georgian Bay, Owen Sound is a dynamic and scenic community known for its waterfront beauty, cultural depth, and close connection to the surrounding rural landscape. As the largest urban centre in Grey County, Owen Sound blends small-city energy with a strong agricultural and natural heritage.

A City Shaped by Water, Trade & Agriculture

Owen Sound’s development was closely tied to its natural harbour, which made it a vital transportation and trade centre in the 19th century. Grain, timber, and agricultural products moved through the port, linking local farms to broader markets and helping the community grow.

While shipping has changed over time, the city’s relationship with agriculture remains strong—supported by nearby farms, markets, and food producers.

A Landscape of Waterfalls, Escarpment & Shoreline

Owen Sound is surrounded by some of Ontario’s most striking natural features, including:

• The shores of Georgian Bay
• Scenic harbourfront trails
• The Niagara Escarpment
• Famous waterfalls such as Inglis Falls
• Conservation areas and forested hiking routes

This connection to nature shapes both daily life and visitor experiences in the city.

A Creative, Engaged & Welcoming Community

Owen Sound is widely recognized for its arts, culture, and community involvement. Residents support:

• Galleries, theatres, and live music venues
• Local shops and downtown businesses
• Festivals, events, and cultural celebrations
• Farmers’ markets and local food initiatives
• Volunteer organizations and service clubs

The result is a community that feels vibrant, creative, and deeply connected.

Agriculture Remains Close to the City

Surrounding Owen Sound is a productive agricultural region known for:

• Beef and dairy farming
• Mixed livestock operations
• Market gardens and greenhouse production
• Specialty food producers and artisans

This rural backdrop plays an important role in the city’s identity and economy and is celebrated weekly at the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market.

A Natural Companion to the Farmers’ Market

Together, Owen Sound and its farmers’ market reflect shared values:

• Support for local agriculture
• Community connection
• Sustainability and stewardship
• Creative expression
• Pride of place

A Community Where Land, Water & Local Life Connect

Whether strolling the harbourfront, exploring nearby waterfalls, enjoying downtown culture, or spending a Saturday morning at the farmers’ market, Owen Sound offers an authentic Grey County experience—where natural beauty, agricultural roots, and community spirit come together naturally.