Carleton Place Farmers Market 2026: Saturdays at Market Square

Fresh produce, baked goods & handcrafted treasures since 1991 — rain or shine

📍 Get Directions Market Hours

Every Saturday from May to Thanksgiving weekend, Market Square in downtown Carleton Place fills with local farmers, bakers, and artisans — a tradition running strong since 1991, with themed feature Saturdays like a Butter Tart Festival and Pickle Fest sprinkled through the season.

🥕 Fresh local produce 🍞 Baked goods & preserves 🎁 Handcrafted treasures 🎵 Live music

💡 Popular baked goods sell out early — vendors like the market’s sourdough bread stall regularly clear out well before noon, so aim for an early arrival if you’re chasing something specific.

Why Go Market Hours Feature Days Vendors Getting There Tips FAQ

✨ Why This Market Is a Carleton Place Institution

Most weekly markets are a few years old at best; the Carleton Place Farmers Market has been running since 1991, which puts it among the longer-standing markets in the Ottawa Valley. That longevity shows in the small details — a genuine mix of full-season regulars, part-timers, and occasional vendors who clearly know each other and their customers, and a market square that feels lived-in rather than freshly assembled.

Market Square itself is a purpose-built outdoor pavilion right in downtown Carleton Place, which gives the market a genuine sense of place rather than a parking-lot pop-up feel. Visitors regularly point to the atmosphere as much as the shopping — live music, buskers, and a community-event energy that makes it easy to spend an hour browsing even if you only came for one thing.

The market also leans into its calendar with themed Saturdays throughout the season — a Butter Tart Festival, a Pickle Fest, a Harvest Fest — giving regulars a reason to keep checking back even after the routine sets in, and giving first-time visitors a good excuse to time a trip around something specific.

🗓️ Market Days & Hours

The 2026 season runs every Saturday from May 9 through October 10, rain or shine.

Rain or shine means exactly that — the market runs regardless of weather, so dress for the forecast rather than expecting a cancellation notice.

🎉 Feature Saturdays Through the Season

Beyond the regular weekly market, several Saturdays get a themed spin — worth building a visit around if the timing works.

May 9 — Opening Day & Mother’s Day Weekend June 20 — Father’s Day Celebration July 18 — Butter Tart Festival August 22 — Pickle Fest September 19 — Harvest Fest October 10 — Thanksgiving & Closing Weekend

🧺 Meet the Vendors

A mix of full-season regulars, part-timers, and occasional sellers make up the lineup — here are a few of the market’s longtime staples.

Flying Moon Farm — produce, preserves & baked focaccia My Little Hobby Farm — sourdough bread & plants Beckwith Berries — strawberries & seasonal fruit Nikki’s Nook — handmade resin décor & jewellery

🚗 Getting There & Parking

The market sets up at Market Square, 7 Beckwith Street, right in downtown Carleton Place.

By car: Carleton Place is about 30 minutes west of Ottawa via Highway 7 and Highway 15. Free parking is available right at Market Square, with easy loading for anyone stocking up on groceries.

💡 A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Go

🍞 Go early for baked goods. Popular items — especially fresh sourdough — routinely sell out well before the market closes at 12:30.

💵 Bring cash as a backup. Most vendors take cards these days, but a small independent market moves faster with cash on hand.

🐕 Keep dogs on a short leash. The market gets busy in a compact space, and past visitors have noted excitable dogs can crowd the aisles — a firm leash makes the morning easier for everyone.

🌧️ Dress for the weather, not around it. The market runs rain or shine — an umbrella or light jacket in the bag is a smarter bet than checking for a cancellation notice.

🎉 Check the calendar for feature days. The Butter Tart Festival and Pickle Fest Saturdays draw bigger crowds than a typical weekend — plan parking and arrival time accordingly.

❓ Common Questions