ICYMI, from July 15th to 21st, Toronto came alive with the sights, sounds, and flavours of Public Markets Week 2025, a vibrant city-wide celebration organized by MarketCityTO. The week was packed with events, workshops, tours, and community gatherings that spotlighted the power of public markets to nourish, connect, and uplift our neighbourhoods.

This year’s events kicked off in style at the Leslieville Farmers’ Market, where Mayor Olivia Chow joined community members to officially proclaim Public Markets Week in Toronto and connect with vendors while supporting local with a little seasonal shopping. The ringing of the market bell really set the tone for a joyful and action-packed celebration across the city.

With this year’s #LoveLocal theme, the spirit of the week was felt across all 160+ public markets. From a bustling pop-up at Union Station to storytelling circles at Lawrence Heights and cultural showcases at Malvern Eats, residents and visitors came out in full force to support local vendors, artists, and food producers. St. Lawrence Market invited leaders from the food, farming, and public market sectors to participate in two engaging and important talks on supporting regional and national food systems to wrap up Public Markets Week. Over 15 participating markets hosted special programming throughout the week, including family-friendly activities, live music, cooking demos, cultural food tastings, and arts and culture based performances.

"We are so greatful to have been able to participate in the #LoveLocal campaign. As a small non profit we are always trying to do more, to deepen peoples connection to good seasonal food, to connect with our neighbouring food system activists, and to enage better and more deeply with our community. This campaign encouraged and allowed us to do all three things at once, and it was really such a pleasure." - PMW Market Activation / Event Participant

"Thee medicine bag workshop became a powerful space for cultural sharing, connection and healing - allowing participants to engage with Ojibway traditions and leave with something meaningful." - PMW Market Activation / Event Participant

Many of the events—including guided market tours and hands-on workshops—were sold out, a true testament to the growing excitement and appreciation for Toronto’s public markets. “I felt like a tourist in my own city in the best way. It was great to learn more about a neighbourhood I wasn't as familiar with and I loved trying food from local businesses. I can't wait for Market Week next year!” - Eglinton Way Farmers’ Market & Neighbourhood tour participant

Social media was abuzz as attendees shared their favourite finds and moments using the hashtag #LoveLocal #ILoveTorontoMarkets. Our Instagram (@marketcityto) captured the joy—colourful market stalls, warm vendor smiles, beautiful creations, and delicious eats that brought people together.

"#LoveLocal brought a spark of creativity with live music and screen printing workshops, that turned shoppers into participants and our market into a true community celebration." - PMW Market Activation / Event Participant

"The Love Local program was a success with our market. The attendees and vendors enjoyed the live music as well as the additional kids activities.This was a great initiative to help local events add more secondary aspects to the overall market." - PMW Market Activation / Event Participant

We extend a heartfelt thank you to all the community partners, vendors, volunteers, and market-goers who made this week unforgettable, and a special thank you to our sponsor, the City of Toronto’s Economic & Culture Division, for their generous support in making Public Markets Week 2025 possible.

Public markets are more than just places to shop—they’re spaces of connection, culture, and care. Public Markets Week may be once a year, but many of Toronto’s markets run year-round. Explore those near you with our Public Markets Map of the city and mark your calendars for Public Markets Week 2026 - expected to take place from June 14th to 20th, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you again.

Stay connected with us through our seasonal newsletter and Instagram for more ways to support and celebrate your local markets year-round.