One of the coolest new trends last summer was the emergence of flea markets in the hipster-heavy Toronto neighbourhoods of The Junction, Parkdale and Leslieville. These are not your run-of-the-mill discount warehouses where eager bargain shoppers could load up on 100 pairs of socks and necklaces adorned with miniature beer bottles. This was a flea market with style: from reclaimed furniture to homemade cosmetics and enough artfully printed cards to fill your holiday needs until the cows come home—dressed appropriately enough in handmade clothing with vegetable dyes and screen printed with something resoundingly ironic.
This year, changes are afoot. A number of notable flea markets are expanding to new locations or adding new days or generally just getting swankier. Herewith, a quick look at the Big Three of hipster flea markets as well as an Annex addition and a notable non-hipster incarnation if you're looking for some socks and what not.
The Leslieville Flea
When: The third Sunday of the month (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
July 15 to October 19
Where: 1444 Queen St. East
Details: This quaint curated market sells vintage clothing, antiques, and collectibles that appeal to both serious collectors and casual locals alike. A new addition to the market will be held on the first Sunday of every month at the Harbourfront Centre (North Exhibition Common, 235 Queens Quay West) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., starting June 1.
Parkdale Flea
When: Every Sunday, from June 8 to July 13 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Where: 1266 Queen St. West
Details: This flea market prides itself on its impeccable taste — only featuring vendors of the highest quality, with some of the most unique items Toronto has to offer. Hungry attendees have their choice of food and beverage, no entry fees are required, and all four legged friends are welcome!
Junction Flea
When: Second Sunday of the month (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
June 8 to October 12
Where: 1919 Sterling Road (Sterling Road Flea)
Details: This trendy new hipster-inspired market on Sterling Road is just north of Dundas St. W., in the middle of the Junction, Roncesvalles and Parkdale.
When: Third Sunday of the month (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
July 20 to October 19
Where: 550 Bayview Avenue (Brick Works Flea)
Details: With both outdoor and indoor settings to choose from, a rainy day won’t stop you from enjoying some flea market fun. Evergreen’s free shuttle bus runs 7 days a week from Broadview Station, making the indoor Brick Works Flea Market all the more accessible.
The Annex Flea
When: June 8 (11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
Where: Honest Ed’s parking lot
Details: This market is especially exciting as it will be running in conjunction with the Annex Fest summer street fair. The Annex Flea will be your one stop shop for everything handmade, stepping up to fill that vintage void acquired from the lack of similar vendors present throughout the rest of the fair (running from Bloor to Spadina). A great chance to buy local this summer and support your community.
Dr. Flea’s Flea Market
When: Every Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: 8 Westmore Drive
Details: The largest indoor flea market in Toronto, showcasing over 400 vendors every weekend, year-round. Founded in 1987 by Allen Koffman, otherwise known as “Dr. Flea.” The best place for bartering and bargains — Dr. Flea’s is a ‘no frills’ kind of venue.
