How to spend (almost) every weekend of the summer shopping at flea markets
Toronto’s recent bumper crop of hip flea markets, with their assortment of curated vintage garb, handmade goods in-season artisan food (and drink), are a far cry from the dusty roadside fleas of yore. Here are eight city flea markets you can hit up this season:
Gladstone Flea/Summer Market
When: July 10, Aug. 14, and Sept. 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 1214 Queen St. W. (Gladstone Hotel)
The Gladstone’s summer market proves that warm-weather fleas aren’t reserved for the great outdoors. Once a month until September, you can find fashion, food, and vintage items from vendors like local lingerie-makers With Love, Kensington mainstay Bread & Circus and minimalist accessory designer Cadette Jewelry. Plus, it’s free. gladstonehotel.com/spaces/gladstone-flea
Trinity Bellwoods Flea
When: July 16 and Aug. 20, 11 a.m to 6 p.m.
Where: Studio Bar (824 Dundas St. W.)
It wouldn’t be summertime without at least one afternoon spent lounging in Trinity Bellwoods Park. And if simply hanging out in the park isn’t your game, the Queen West market—which is located nearby, at Studio Bar on Dundas West—features great shopping and $7 mimosas. trinitybellwoodsflea.com.
Bellwoods Flea
When: July 9, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Dundas Video (831 Dundas St. W.)
Not to be confused with the market in the park, this one takes place at Dundas Video, offering everything from art to retro video games. this particular market will also feature classic film viewings—so if you’re hanging out with somebody who hates shopping, they can park it in front of the screen. bellwoodsflea.ca.
Leslieville Flea Market
When: July 17, Aug. 21, Sept. 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 1444 Queen St. E.
From now until October 16, consider every third Sunday of the month booked between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., when the Leslieville Flea descends on Ashbridge Estate and hosts a slew of vendors selling vintage clothing, antiques and one-of-a-kind handcrafted goods. And if you can’t make it out IRL, you can head to the markets’s official website, where you can shop online. leslievilleflea.com
Parkdale Flea
When: July 10, Aug. 14, Sept. 11. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 1266 Queen St. W
On the second Sunday of the month (up until Sept. 11), Parkdale offers an indoor and outdoor event with lots of local wares, food and drink. Come to peruse greeting cards from Gotamago and preserves by Kitten & the Bear, and stay for gluten-free treats from Neighbourhood Grind. parkdaleflea.com
Dr. Flea’s Flea Market
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 8 Westmore Drive (Highway 27 and Albion Road)
Dr. Flea’s isn’t as hip as the aforementioned five, but it’s a staple. With more than 400 vendors, Dr. Flea’s claim that it is Toronto’s largest indoor and outdoor market. It’s an easy choice for any weekend you need a break from PEC. drfleas.com
Toronto Weston Flea Market
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: 404 Old Weston Road
Behold! A whopping 60,000 square feet of flea-market wares, from books and shoes to toys and tchotchkes. The larger the flea, the more potential for finds. torontowestonfleamarket.com
Downsview Park Merchants Market
When: Saturdays and Sundays from 10 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 40 Carl Hall Road
Another market for true flea veterans, Downsview Park Merchants Market is a mecca of flowers, food and clothing. The food court that is open year-round, so just as the neighbourhood fleas start winding down, you can amp up your indoor shopping. dpmarket.com
 every weekend of the summer shopping at flea markets&picture=https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Screen-shot-2016-07-07-at-11.38.04-AM.png&description=Toronto's recent bumper crop of hip flea markets, with their assortment of curated vintage garb, handmade goods in-season artisan food (and drink), are a far cry from the dusty roadside fleas of yore. Here are eight city flea markets you can hit up this season:
Gladstone Flea/Summer Market
https://instagram.com/p/BGjz0PVP_jz/
When: July 10, Aug. 14, and Sept. 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 1214 Queen St. W. (Gladstone Hotel)
The Gladstone's summer market proves that warm-weather fleas aren't reserved for the great outdoors. Once a month until September, you can find fashion, food, and vintage items from vendors like local lingerie-makers With Love, Kensington mainstay Bread & Circus and minimalist accessory designer Cadette Jewelry. Plus, it’s free. gladstonehotel.com/spaces/gladstone-flea
Trinity Bellwoods Flea
https://instagram.com/p/BHKCJUnhZVb/
When: July 16 and Aug. 20, 11 a.m to 6 p.m.
Where: Studio Bar (824 Dundas St. W.)
It wouldn't be summertime without at least one afternoon spent lounging in Trinity Bellwoods Park. And if simply hanging out in the park isn’t your game, the Queen West market—which is located nearby, at Studio Bar on Dundas West—features great shopping and $7 mimosas. trinitybellwoodsflea.com.
Bellwoods Flea
https://instagram.com/p/BGhYttjTY7B/
When: July 9, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Dundas Video (831 Dundas St. W.)
Not to be confused with the market in the park, this one takes place at Dundas Video, offering everything from art to retro video games. this particular market will also feature classic film viewings—so if you’re hanging out with somebody who hates shopping, they can park it in front of the screen. bellwoodsflea.ca.
Leslieville Flea Market
https://instagram.com/p/BGxj0lqQB6k/
When: July 17, Aug. 21, Sept. 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 1444 Queen St. E.
From now until October 16, consider every third Sunday of the month booked between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., when the Leslieville Flea descends on Ashbridge Estate and hosts a slew of vendors selling vintage clothing, antiques and one-of-a-kind handcrafted goods. And if you can’t make it out IRL, you can head to the markets's official website, where you can shop online. leslievilleflea.com
Parkdale Flea
https://instagram.com/p/BGj8MTZESdM/
When: July 10, Aug. 14, Sept. 11. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 1266 Queen St. W
On the second Sunday of the month (up until Sept. 11), Parkdale offers an indoor and outdoor event with lots of local wares, food and drink. Come to peruse greeting cards from Gotamago and preserves by Kitten & the Bear, and stay for gluten-free treats from Neighbourhood Grind. parkdaleflea.com
Dr. Flea’s Flea Market
https://instagram.com/p/BAXx4bbS5Ns/
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 8 Westmore Drive (Highway 27 and Albion Road)
Dr. Flea’s isn’t as hip as the aforementioned five, but it's a staple. With more than 400 vendors, Dr. Flea's claim that it is Toronto's largest indoor and outdoor market. It’s an easy choice for any weekend you need a break from PEC. drfleas.com
Toronto Weston Flea Market
https://instagram.com/p/BEjXyPvklkK/
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: 404 Old Weston Road
Behold! A whopping 60,000 square feet of flea-market wares, from books and shoes to toys and tchotchkes. The larger the flea, the more potential for finds. torontowestonfleamarket.com
Downsview Park Merchants Market
https://instagram.com/p/BGPgNjvqxCv/
When: Saturdays and Sundays from 10 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 40 Carl Hall Road
Another market for true flea veterans, Downsview Park Merchants Market is a mecca of flowers, food and clothing. The food court that is open year-round, so just as the neighbourhood fleas start winding down, you can amp up your indoor shopping. dpmarket.com){kind=link}