• Ontario
• Greater Toronto Area
• Halton Region
• Oakville

Saturday Morning at the Drive-In: The Urban Oasis Market

The 5 Drive-In Theatre is an Oakville landmark, and people drive from all across the Greater Toronto Area to catch a double feature. When 5 isn’t screening the latest flicks, though, the dust on its parking lots settles. There’s nothing at the drive-in during the day save for a small children’s park, but entrance to the park is prevented by gates when the theatre isn’t operating.

Evidently, others found this space’s daily barrenness just as disappointing as I did, and decided to do something about it. Every Saturday from May 24th until September 24th, the Urban Oasis Market takes over, turning the Drive-In into a bustling bazaar. Vendors include, just to list a few: SweetLegs (the popular Canadian leggings retailer); a plus-sized fashion booth; local farmers; and various individuals offering unique home decor.

When I arrived at the Market this Saturday, I was greeted by a Market representative, who stood at the entrance handing out bags for free popcorn. Given the heat – over 30 degrees – the Market wasn’t as busy as I expected, but everyone seemed to be having a good time browsing and listening to the music being blasted through the Drive-In’s speakers. A number of people held their bags of free popcorn close to their chests. A soft-serve ice cream cone or two also made an appearance. The Drive-In concession stand was open for business!

Vendors were excited to talk about their wares – one man selling owl bracelets asked me for my opinion on another kind of bracelet he was selling, in the style of a buckle. “This one’s new,” he explained. “I’m seeing what people think of it, and then I might order more.” While the buckle bracelet certainly wasn’t my style, I couldn’t help but appreciate how there seemed to be something to suit everyone’s tastes at his booth.

Indeed, this Saturday’s market had something for everybody. Jars of homemade jams and honeys for Dad? Check. Wind chimes for the backyard renovation project? Check. A cute outfit to change into after getting covered in dust and mud from that backyard renovation project? Check.

I can’t wait to return next Saturday to see the returning and new vendors.

Parking and admission to the Market are free. If you’d like to learn more about the market, check out the official website at oasisurbanmarket.com or the official Facebook page at facebook.com/oasisurbanmarket. New vendors are welcome.