Featured Post

The Bronte Farmers’ Market: A Summer of Local Finds, Village Connections and Community Impact

Our 2026 summer Bronte Farmers’ Market season wrapped up on August 30, and what a season it was! Over nine weeks, including one weather-related cancellation on August 2, we welcomed approximately 12,000 visitors and 70 vendors, with an average of 45 vendors each week.

There’s still one more market to look forward to! Join us on Sunday, October 25, for Haunts & Harvest, our special fall edition featuring a festive Halloween twist.

While the numbers tell part of the story, the Market is about so much more – supporting small businesses, discovering something new, connecting with neighbours and giving people another reason to spend time enjoying everything Bronte Village has to offer.

Each year, the Bronte BIA surveys both visitors and vendors to learn what they enjoy most and how we can continue to make the Market better. This year’s feedback offers plenty to celebrate – along with some helpful ideas for the seasons ahead.

A Market Worth Coming Back For

Our visitors told us that the Market is making a positive impression.

Among survey respondents:

  • 85% said they were likely or very likely to recommend the Market to others.
  • 92% said the Market contributes to a sense of community.
  • 92% were satisfied with the Market’s atmosphere and variety of vendors.
  • 83% visited the Market more than once during the season.

These results reflect what makes the Market special: a welcoming place to browse, meet friends, discover local products and enjoy a little more time in the Village.

Whether it’s picking up something delicious for the weekend, finding a unique gift or simply enjoying a stroll through Bronte Market Square, the Market gives residents and visitors another reason to make Bronte part of their Sunday plans.

Supporting Local Businesses, One Visit at a Time

A thriving market creates opportunities for small businesses, and this year’s vendor feedback suggests that the Bronte Farmers’ Market is delivering meaningful value.

We received more than 200 vendor applications for the 2026 season, reflecting strong interest in being part of the Market.

Among surveyed vendors:

  • 100% were very satisfied with their overall experience.
  • 100% intend to return in 2027.
  • 100% were satisfied with communication, vendor variety and staff support.
  • 93% said reaching new customers and growing their customer base were reasons they participated.
  • 50% reported higher or much higher sales at Bronte than at other farmers’ markets they attended this year.

The Market’s reputation was the number one reason vendors chose to participate – something we’re pleased to see as we continue building a market experience that vendors value and visitors enjoy.

And the benefits don’t stop at Bronte Market Square.

72% of visitor survey respondents said they typically visit other Bronte businesses during their Market trip. Among those who visit other businesses, 88% typically stop at one or two businesses, while 12% visit three or more.

That means a trip to the Market can also become a stop at a favourite café, a browse through a local shop or a meal at a restaurant. These connections between the Market and the surrounding business district help bring more people into the Village and create opportunities for local businesses to welcome new and returning customers.

Looking Ahead: Making Next Season Even Better

We’re encouraged by the feedback, and we’re also listening to the suggestions that could improve the Market experience.

Three opportunities came through particularly clearly in our surveys:

A longer market season

Both vendors and visitors expressed interest in extending the season into September or October. We’ll explore what may be possible for a future season, considering vendor interest and operational requirements.

Clearer parking information

Parking was the most frequently identified concern among visitors. We’ll look at ways to communicate available parking options more clearly so visitors can plan ahead and enjoy a smoother trip to the Market.

More seating and shade

Visitors would welcome additional places to sit and more shaded areas. These improvements could make it easier to relax, enjoy a snack and spend more time taking in the Market atmosphere.

Your feedback helps us understand what matters most and where improvements could make a meaningful difference. We’ll use these findings to inform our planning for 2027.

Thank You for a Wonderful Season!

To our vendors who brought their products, creativity and enthusiasm to Bronte Market Square each week, thank you for being part of the Market. To everyone who stopped by, shopped local, shared a visit with friends or discovered a new favourite, thank you for showing up and supporting the people who make Bronte Village special.

And to our local businesses, your presence is an important part of the experience that makes Bronte a destination to shop, dine, gather and return to.

The Bronte Farmers’ Market is one of the ways we hope to bring people together while supporting local business and creating reasons to spend more time in the Village. We’re grateful to everyone who helped make our third season a success.

We look forward to seeing you back at the Bronte Farmers’ Market in 2027!