Nearly a decade ago in a small laneway in one of Toronto’s most colourful and culturally diverse neighbourhoods, a local flea market got its start as a side project.
It has since grown over double in size and is gearing up to kick off its 2026 season.
Launching May 2 and 3 and running every weekend through to the end of September, Kensington Flea is a beloved “fixture of Toronto’s independent retail scene.”
Kensington Flea: A nine-year pillar of independent businesses
“Visitors can expect a vibrant, open-air market filled with curated vintage, handmade goods, local art and unique finds from independent sellers. It’s a highly community-driven experience where you can meet the makers themselves, discover one-of-a-kind pieces and enjoy the energy of Kensington Market,” Brock Shepherd, the market’s founder, told Toronto.com.
“Kensington Flea really reflects what Kensington Market is all about — supporting small, independent businesses at every level. That grassroots spirit, combined with the diversity and creativity of the neighbourhood, is what makes it such a special and lasting part of the community.”
Shepherd started Kensington Flea nine years ago as a way to bring “something good to the neighbourhood.”
“Each year it grew, and I realized it could be much more, so I kept putting more time and effort into it,” Shepherd said.
By 2017, Bazaar Gift Shop also opened as an extension of the market, featuring independent vendors, and now Milk & Cookies, the neighbourhood’s newest spot for sweet treats.
“All of that from something I thought would just be a small side project,” said Shepherd.
Since its start, Kensington Flea has grown from roughly 15 vendors once a month to over 30 each two-day weekend, running with a rotating lineup to “keep things fresh.”
The Launchpad: From market stalls to Kensington storefronts
Over the years, Kensington Flea has also built a reputation as a launch pad for emerging brands. Six vendors that started at the Flea have now gone on to open their own storefronts in Kensington Market.
These spots include Day Trip, Blaq Wellness, Laya Skye, Zurii, Yonge Jewelry and Love Calista, speaking to “the role the Flea plays in nurturing local entrepreneurship and helping small businesses grow,” according to Shepherd.
“As we’ve grown, so have our vendors — one of our hot sauce vendors is now in grocery stores across the province.”
Planning your visit to Augusta Avenue
With free admission, Kensington Flea runs at 216 Augusta Ave., down a vibrant laneway, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. And don’t forget to stop by Bazaar Gift Shop at 66 Kensington Ave. while you’re in the neighbourhood.
A continued focus in 2026 will be on supporting youth vendors to create space for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
“Our smallest vendors operate from a simple five-foot table, making the Flea an accessible entry point for entrepreneurs,” Shepherd said.
And coming up this summer, Kensington Flea is also planning to add a new store and outdoor market at Mirvish Village, with more details still set to be revealed.