The markets have found a new name and a new home. You might remember them as the Hope Street Markets, but this new incarnation has all the goodies you need for a spot of Christmas shopping. Get your hands on some truly unique finds including vintage trinkets, handcrafted toys and baby clothes, handmade one-of-a-kind journals, and much more.

It’s all free, which beats the parking fees the major shopping centres are charging!

Dates: Friday 5 December and Saturday 6 December
Times: 6 pm to 10 pm on Friday and midday to 10 pm on Saturday
Location: CarriageWorks
Address: 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh
Public transport: CarriageWorks is an eight-minute walk from Redfern train station
Parking: Limited parking on site. Enter at 229 Wilson Street, opposite Queen Street
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.thefinderskeepers.com/markets.php

Image source: Charlene Sprong @ Stock.xchng

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

These new markets invite independent designers to showcase their wares, so they’re the perfect place to find a unique outfit, an original piece of jewellery, or a hot one-of accessory. It’s not just about fashion either, with stationery, homewares, and even original artworks for sale.

Hot new labels Karina Pires, Crypt Traste, Fine Cloth, Leeloo, Miss Abigail, and IMOK are among the stalls you’ll find at the markets launch. Make sure you mark it on your calendar if you’re looking for the next big thing.

Dates: The launch date is Sunday 21 September. It will then be run on the third Sunday of every month.
Times: 9 am to 3 pm
Location: Newtown Neighbourhood Centre
Address: 1 Bedford Street, Newtown
Public transport: The centre is opposite Newtown train station
Parking: Limited street parking is available
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.newtowndesignersmarket.com

Image source: Newtown Designers Markets website

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

Sydney’s newest weekly markets will make their debut this Friday. The Hawkesbury Harvest Farmers and Fine Food Markets will showcase the best of the region’s fresh produce.

Fruit and veg, jams, olives, cheeses, and breads are just some of the tasty treats you can look forward to every Friday.

It’s all on at The Square at Cook and Phillip Park, so check it out!

Trading hours: Every Friday from 10 am to 2:30 pm
Location: The Square at Cook and Phillip Park
Address: College Street, Sydney
Public transport: Catch a train to Museum or St James station. The Museum is a short walk away from both
Parking: Secure parking is available in the Cook and Phillip Park parking station. Enter via St Mary’s Road and Cathedral Street
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.hawkesburyharvest.com.au

Image source: Nick Walton @ Stock.xchng

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

The markets bring together 70 up-and-coming designers, who will showcase everything from jewellery and fashion to furniture and homewares.

Like all good markets you can talk with the designers themselves and take home something truly original.

The markets have a strong tradition of unearthing the “next big thing,” launching the careers of Millicent & Frank and High Tea with Mrs Woo. Who will the next discovery be? You’ll have to see for yourself!

Dates: August 14-17
Time: 6 to 9 pm tonight, 10 am to 6 pm Friday to Sunday
Location: Powerhouse Museum, level 3 forecourt and level 2 courtyard
Address: 500 Harris Street, Ultimo
Public transport: Catch the light rail to the Paddy’s Markets station. Then walk up the steps over the footbridge to the museum
Parking: The Entertainment Centre Car Park is a short walk away
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/youngblood/

Image source: Tan Tan @ Stock.xchng

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

Sydney is heaven for shoppers. From the inner city to the suburbs, you’ll find fashion outlets and boutique stores to satisfy any budget. Now all that’s well and good, but if you’re looking for something really unique and an unbeatable atmosphere, you’ve got to check out the markets.

Weekend is market time in Sydney, and you’ll find them in the streets, in school grounds, and in churches all over the place. Sydney weather is perfect for strolling around these crowded marketplaces at any time of year. So where should you go? The following markets won’t let you down.

Paddy’s Markets are a Sydney institution. You’ll find food, fashion, gifts, gadgets and so much more in their two locations. Paddy’s Markets are open every Thursday to Sunday and public holidays. Find them beneath Market City Shopping Centre in the city and in Flemington.

Paddington Markets are a must for fashion lovers keen to discover the next big thing. It’s held in the grounds of the Paddington Uniting Church every Saturday from 10 am.

Glebe Markets have a real new age vibe. This is the place to find a treasured book or a rare record. The live bands help keep everyone entertained and the multicultural food stalls are perfect if you’re feeling peckish. You can see them every Saturday.

Balmain Markets also have a very groovy vibe. If you like your produce organic, your ceramics unique, and those big Tibetan rugs you’re going to love it. Make sure you sample the vegetarian snacks and check out the recycled artworks and original jewellery. It’s open every Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm.

Bondi Markets are fun and funky. There’s a bit of everything here, from fashion to flowers, and antiques to new homewares. See what you can find here every Sunday at Bondi Public School.

The Rozelle Markets are massive. Bric-a-brac, antiques, plants, and so much more are crammed into the forecourt of Rozelle Public School every weekend. If you’ve got kids make sure you visit on Sunday so they can watch the free puppet show at lunch time.

The Surry Hills Markets are only on once a month, so you’ll have to plan ahead. It’s worth it though for the relaxed vibe and unique goods on offer. Get on down to Crown Street’s Shannon Reserve on the first Saturday of the month to bag a bargain.

Tourists will love The Rocks Markets held every Saturday and Sunday. This popular spot is the best place to find a fantastic Aussie souvenir.

Image source: Calium @ Flickr

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

Penrith is bucking the trend with their Alien Love Twilight Markets, a celebration of extraterrestrials and romance. Now that’s different! The markets will be full of alien and love-themed goodies, so if you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day gift for the nerd in your life this could be the place.

There’ll also be a costume contest, alien face painting, and an alien kissing booth. I have no idea where they found the alien, or how they convinced them to kiss earthlings.

A singing competition should also be good fun. Aspiring Australian Idols can belt out tunes about love (easy enough) or aliens (think Bowie’s “Life on Mars” or “UFO” by Sneaky Sound System).

There’s plenty of tucker if you get hungry, with vegan, wheat-free, and meat lovers food stalls. That should keep everyone happy!

Date: Saturday 9 February
Time: 5 pm to 10 pm
Location: Penrith Regional Gallery
Address: 86 River Road, Emu Plains
Public transport: Catch a train to Emu Plains station, then walk 300 m to Great Western Highway bus stop (near Billington Place). Take the #689 bus to Nepean Street and walk 500 m to gallery
Parking: Street parking available
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.penrithregionalgallery.org

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

More than 600, 000 locals and tourists are expected to turn out to celebrate The Year of the Rat from February 1 to 24. The festivities kick off with the launch celebration at Belmore Park.

This spectacular event will include lions, dragons, and fireworks. Lord Mayor Clover Moore will be joined by a host of Australian and Chinese performers.

The site will also host the Chinatown Markets. For three days these markets will showcase mouthwatering fresh produce, Chinese New Year gifts, and more. 

Date: Launch Friday February 1, Markets February 1-3
Time: Launch 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Markets 11 am to 10 pm
Location: Belmore Park
Address: Corner of Pitt Street and Eddy Avenue
Public transport: Take the train to Central Station and take Eddy Avenue exit
Parking: Visit the Chinese New Year Festival website for $8 parking at the Goulburn Street car park
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.sydneychinesenewyear.com.au

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

This weekend’s markets will introduce a fresh new lineup of young designers showcasing their fashion, art, jewellery, accessories, and more.

Marketgoers can browse through the stalls while they listen to music from live performers and DJs. Markets are notorious for sore feet, but the Hope Street Markets have this covered with their funky chill out area.

Music fans should check out the markets on Saturday evening, when the some of the hottest new independent performers will strut their stuff. This cool talent showcase kicks off at 6 pm.

The Hope Street Markets support HopeStreet, an organisation bringing hope to the homeless people in Sydney. A raffle of designers’ work will be run over the weekend to help the charity. Profits from the Hope Street Markets designer stall will also benefit HopeStreet.

The Hope Street Markets are on from midday to 9 pm on Saturday October 6 and midday to 5 pm on Sunday October 7.

Hope Street Markets
182 Campbell Street
Surry Hills

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

From 8 am to 8 pm, Sydney’s top musicians and performers will present a range of entertainment. Some of the highlights include pre-teen rock sensations No Pressure and pub rock favourites Rastawookie.

Take a stroll through the Earth Village to participate in eco workshops or yoga and meditation classes It’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat, or do some shopping at the markets.

There’s plenty to entertain the kids, with arts and crafts at the Starlight Foundation’s Kreative Kids zone and Adrian Dean’s Clowning Around sideshow. There’s also a KidsZone, where the littlies can learn martial arts and circus skills, and sing karaoke!

Earthdance is a free event, but gold coin donations are encouraged. Monies raised will benefit The Salvation Army’s Oasis Youth Support Network which provides services to Sydney’s homeless youth and Childwise, an organisation protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.

Earthdance
Sydney Park
Corner of Princes Hwy, King St, and Sydney Park Rd
St. Peters

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

From humble beginnings in 1999, the Good Living Growers’ Market has grown to feature more than 85 stalls offering a fantastic range of produce. Want fruit and vegetables, eggs, cheeses, breads, pastries, confectionary, or gourmet items? You’ll find them all here. 

But the markets aren’t just an opportunity to get fresh food. In most cases you can talk to the farmers and producers directly. This is a great way to learn more about the goods, and pick up some handy cooking tips.

For the best shopping experience, make sure you get there before 9 am. After this the lines tend to get long, especially at the most popular stands like Toby’s Estate Coffee.

An early start is the perfect excuse for grabbing breakfast on the go. Choose from freshly squeezed juices, fruity danishes, egg and bacon rolls, or even a wagyu beef sandwich. If that doesn’t perk you up, nothing will.

The Good Living Growers’ Market is held from 7-11 am on the first Saturday of the month.

The Good Living Growers’ Market
Pyrmont Bay Park (opposite Star City Casino)
Pyrmont

Post from: The Sydney Traveler