Families in the Waterloo region can look forward to the return of the Farmyard at the St. Jacobs Farmers‘ Market, which officially reopens for the spring and summer season on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The outdoor space will be open to visitors from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., marking a significant shift in the market’s transition to its busiest time of year.
The Farmyard, located just off Farmers Market Road at 878 Weber St. N., serves as a popular destination for children to interact with small animals, including goats, sheep, and chickens. While the market itself operates year-round on Thursdays and Saturdays, the Farmyard is a seasonal attraction that closes during the winter months. Its return provides an outdoor activity for local families, featuring additional entertainment such as buskers, pony rides, and kiddie rides.
As part of the summer offerings, the market plans to host its Farmyard Follies programming again. This initiative provides free children’s activities on Tuesday and Thursday mornings throughout the summer, including story time with themed characters and hands-on farm crafts. These events are specifically designed to offer engaging experiences for families with young children.
The reopening of the Farmyard is the first major seasonal milestone for the district, with the expanded Tuesday Market set to follow on June 16, 2026. Visitors to the area can also access other year-round businesses in the St. Jacobs Market District, such as Market Road Antiques, Stockyards Brewing, and the St. Jacobs Outlet Mall, which remain open daily regardless of the Farmyard’s seasonal schedule.
