Outdoor Fall Markets & Harvest Festivals Around Kitchener-Waterloo
There’s just something magical about fall in Kitchener-Waterloo — that crisp air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the smell of fresh cider and baked goods wafting through the air. If you’re looking to get outside and soak up the season, fall markets and harvest festivals are where it’s at! Whether you’re hunting for local produce, handmade gifts, or that perfect pumpkin-spiced treat (we see you, donut lovers), here are a few must-visit spots that capture all the cozy charm of the season.
Kitchener Market: The Heart of Local Harvest
There’s no better place to start than The Kitchener Market, a downtown staple that comes alive with fall colours and local flavour. The outdoor stalls are bursting with apples, squash, and every root veggie you can imagine. You’ll also find local artisans, bakers, and makers showing off their seasonal goods — everything from handmade candles and knitted scarves to jars of local honey.
Don’t forget to stop for a snack! The market’s food vendors serve up everything from hearty soups to warm pastries that taste like autumn in a bite. And if you go on a Saturday morning, you can often catch live music or family-friendly events happening right in the square.
📍 300 King St. East, Kitchener
🕒 Saturdays 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market: A Fall Classic
No KW fall season is complete without a trip to the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market — it’s practically a local tradition. The market is a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm, with rows of local produce, baked goods, crafts, and antiques.
This time of year, you’ll find wagon rides, seasonal produce galore (hello, apple cider and pies!), and local crafters selling handmade gifts that make perfect early holiday finds. Plus, the warm, bustling vibe and the friendly vendors make it an experience as much as a shopping trip.
📍 878 Weber St. North, Woolwich
🕒 Thursdays & Saturdays 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Fall Craft Fairs & Pop-Up Markets
If you’re more into the artisan side of things, local fall craft fairs and pop-up markets are popping up everywhere this time of year. Keep an eye out for community events at spots like:
Victoria Park Pavilion – often hosts seasonal makers’ markets with local artisans and baked treats.
The Old Post Office in Cambridge – features rotating local pop-up vendors.
Neighbourhood markets like the ones at Belmont Village or Uptown Waterloo, which mix food, crafts, and live entertainment.
These smaller markets are perfect for finding unique holiday gifts while supporting local creators — all while enjoying the last of the mild fall weather.
Make a Day of It
One of the best parts of KW’s fall market season is how easy it is to turn it into a full day out. Start your morning at a market, grab a latte from a local café (like Smile Tiger, Settlement Co., or Seven Shores), and take a stroll through a nearby park to admire the fall colours.
If you time it right, you might even catch one of the local harvest festivals happening at nearby farms — complete with live music, corn roasts, and wagon rides. Because let’s be honest, nothing beats that blend of cozy sweater weather and local community spirit.
From bustling farmers’ markets to charming craft fairs, KW’s outdoor market scene is one of the best ways to celebrate fall. You’ll leave with full bags, full bellies, and that unmistakable feeling that comes from supporting local — and soaking up every last drop of autumn before the snowflakes start to fall.