SUMMER POP-UPS IN THE BAY OF QUINTE
There’s something about the BoQ’s Pop-ups that makes summer feel a little brighter. Maybe it’s the smell of fresh food in the air, the sound of live music in the park, or the way each vendor brings their own personality and passion to the table. Each one adds something special from bold cuisines and handmade goods to heartfelt stories. With so much local talent and a strong sense of community, the Pop-ups have become one of my favourite ways to experience summer in the Bay of Quinte.
Written and Photographed by Paige Matthews
Read time: 4 min
WHO'S POPPING UP?
QUINTE WEST
Banana Splitz, Barbacoa Boyz, K Food Express, Momo-Mentum, Street Thai Food, The Forge Wood Fired Pizza and rotating minor vendors, which include artisans and small businesses
BELLEVILLE
Ayiti Eats, Barbee’s Smoking BAR-B-Q, Gator’s Fries, Grandpa’s Little Timmies, Hogg Food Co., Island Grill GTA, Karkata NC Boutique, Mustache Burger, Nasr’s Falafel, Our Part Nature Co., Park Play Micro Golf, Souvlaki Ville, Stone Slab Pizza, Taste of Ukraine, The Golden Scoop, Wavy, The Kiln Pop-Up Pottery, The Tinkered Decor and More Store
There’s a Story Behind Each Pop-Up
I kicked off the 2025 Pop-Up season by visiting both locations over opening weekend, talking with vendors, snapping photos, and of course, sampling some delicious food. What really stood out wasn’t just what was on the menu, but the people behind the booths and the stories behind each business start-up.
Many vendors are stepping into the spotlight for the first time this season. For instance, Karkata NC Boutique (Belleville) began as a home-based business. This year, owner Nidhi decided it was time to take a leap and expand her artisan business to the Belleville Pop-ups. “I’m so excited to be a part of the Pop-Up community this season,” she said.
For the team at Ayiti Eats (Belleville), a Haitian-style food vendor, this season is about sharing something close to the heart. “We’ve enjoyed coming to the Pop-ups for years as a family, but this year we wanted to actually become a part of the Pop-Up community. We finally decided to bring a taste of Haiti to everyone here. We’re all about variety, community, and culture.”
Of course, not everyone is new to the scene. Some vendors have become regulars, returning year after year to share their creations with the community (and am I ever glad they did!). The team behind The Forge Wood Fired Pizza (Quinte West) has been serving up delicious pizzas for five years now at the Pop-ups. “We wanted to bring something different to the area. Something that wasn’t just another commercial pizza place. We believed in creating space for more family-owned businesses like ours.” And they’ve done just that.
It’s about Community and Tradition
While each vendor has its own unique vibe and story, they all share a common thread—a deep connection to community. Many vendors talked about how much they value the Pop-ups, not just as a chance to grow their business, but as a place to really connect with people and be part of something bigger. I saw it for myself on opening weekend—vendors chatting with customers like old friends, kids running around with ice cream, and a general sense of people just enjoying being together.
While opening weekend was certainly a hit, Emma Phieffer, owner of the Golden Scoop (Belleville), said, “Event days like Canada Day are always the highlight of the season. The parks are full, families are out, and the sun is shining.” For many BoQ locals, days like this have become a summer tradition and something to look forward to year after year.
The same sense of tradition goes for many vendors as well. Banana Splitz (Quinte West), a fan-favourite dessert pop-up, is back for its third season. “I truly enjoy being a part of the community here,” says the owner. It’s this kind of mutual appreciation between vendors and visitors that makes the Pop-ups more than just a place to grab a bite. They’ve become a summertime staple in the Bay of Quinte, where the community can truly come together.
I left the Pop-ups on opening weekend feeling inspired. There’s something special about seeing people show up for each other, whether it’s a vendor taking a chance on their dream or a family making the Pop-ups part of their weekend routine. It’s more than just good food and local shopping; it’s a reminder of what makes summer in the Bay of Quinte so good. I’ll definitely be back (probably with ice cream in hand), and I hope to see you there. Take it from me, you won’t want to miss Summer at the Pop-ups!
