Japanese food and culture is on display at the Nikkei Garden Farmers Market outside the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre in Burnaby.
The market takes place twice a month between June and October. It’s one of three farmers markets in Burnaby. Another one is the Burnaby Artisan Farmers Market which takes place on Saturdays. New for 2024, there is also the Brentwood Artisan Farmers Market. All three of these markets are very good and worth checking out.
For the market’s official website, visit centre.nikkeiplace.org.
This article contains the following information about the market:
Dates and Hours | What to Expect | About Nikkei Place | More Information
Nikkei Garden Farmers Market in Burnaby
The Nikkei Garden Farmers Market began in 2021 as a twice-monthly Sunday market during the summer and early fall. Its goal is to showcase Japanese culture as well as to provide a community space for people to gather and support local businesses.
This market is one of the smaller farmers markets in the Lower Mainland. In years past there have been around 15 or so vendors at the market selling a variety of products.
(NOTE: The centre that hosts the Nikkei Garden Farmers Market is the same organization that hosts the Nikkei Matsuri on the Labour Day Weekend in September. If you like Japanese food and culture, that’s a great event to attend! Also note that the above photo at the top of this article shows a scene from the Nikkei Matsuri, not of the farmers market.)
Dates and Hours
The Nikkei Garden Farmers Market runs from June to October on the second and fourth Sunday of each month. It’s held at Nikkei Place at 6688 Southoaks Crescent in Burnaby.
On the days when it runs, the market is open from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. It’s free to attend and open to everyone.
The market runs on the following dates in 2024:
- June 9th and 23rd
- July 14th and 28th
- August 11th and 25th
- September 8th and 22nd
- October 13th and 27th
What to Expect
The market takes place on the lawn and surrounding area next to the classical Japanese garden outside the Nikkei Museum. The vendors sell various artisanal products as well as fresh produce and Japanese-focused foods.
There is some entertainment to take in most years with live music and dance performances as well as educational workshops hosted by the centre.
The market is meant for everyone (including any furry friends) to enjoy. There are outdoor seating areas, public washrooms and free parking.
About Nikkei Place
Nikkei Place is not just home to the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, but it also hosts many events throughout the year. This includes a festival for Family Day in February, the O Hanami spring festival in April and the Tanabata star festival in July.
On top of the Garden Farmers Market there are also craft markets held in the fall and winter. The museum itself is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the Japanese-Canadian community.
More Information
To learn more about the Garden Farmers Market and other events held at the centre, check out our article on Nikkei Place or visit the Nikkei Place website.
Other articles that might be of interest include the following:
- Nikkei Matsuri
- Burnaby Farmers Market
- City of Burnaby
- Powell Street Festival
- Sakura Days Japan Fair
- Vancouver Farmers Markets