Hunting for a bargain this summer? Getting started early (or late) on the Christmas shopping? The BRAG is heading to the markets, and we want to take you with us. We caught five with some of our favourite markets around Sydney to find out what goodies we’ll find and where – and hopefully pick up a bargain-hunting tip along the way. Time to get shopping!
REGGAE CARNIVAL
Speciality: The main goal of the Reggae Carnival is to showcase reggae music with a family-friendly approach. The festival goes from 10am till 6pm, with non-stop live sound system performances, dancers, jumping castle, face painting, free workshops and more!
Find a bargain: $10 will get you in the carnival, but if you have kids under 12, they won’t pay a thing. $5 will get you unlimited jumping castle access. There will be record stalls for those who love digging through old classics.
What’s the vibe? Reggae vibes all the way! Good food, good music, lots of activities for the kids and positivity all round. Come one, come all. No pets please, as there will be large crowds and small children present.
What’s the fuel? The food stall will offer a variety from Caribbean-influenced cuisine to a range of healthy options and Belgian waffles. There will be soft drink and alcohol available onsite. Look out for the range of organic ice blocks. No BYO please.
Stallholder info: You can email [email protected] with your request. You will be sent a form to complete.
Where: Rat Park, Narrabeen. As the park is located on Pittwater Road there is easy access to public transport with buses that set down outside Rat Park.
When: Saturday December 13 from 10am to 6pm. This is our first Reggae Carnival in the Northern Beaches after several events in the Inner West. Expect more to come! Presented by Foreigndub, FBi Radio and 4 Pines.
ROZELLE MARKETS
Speciality: Rozelle Markets is known as Sydney’s favourite antique, collectable and second-hand market. There are up to 100 stallholders each Saturday and Sunday selling all things second-hand, from casual stallholders having garage sales to regular stallholders selling antiques, bric-И-brac, furniture and pre-loved designer wear.
Some of our unique stallholders would be… Irish John on a Saturday selling treasures and old furniture pieces which he has brought back from Britain; LJ, Cathy and Evelyn, who have great ranges of pre-loved designer wear at a fraction of the retail price on their stalls both Saturday and Sunday; Lesley has hard-to-find old books on both days; Yuki has fabulous kimonos on a Sunday; Steven sells quality pre-loved menswear both days.
Find a bargain: Garage sales have great bargains. The really good ones have a crowd around them in the morning even before they are set up. It’s a good idea to get there around 8:30am for those.
If I had $10 to spend I would probably go for a bacon and egg roll with lettuce, tomato, American mustard and tomato sauce, and a DVD. Alternatively, some potted herbs, flowers or a piece of clothing. Or maybe a quirky old vase, or household item… there’s too much to choose from for $10.
What’s the vibe? The vibe at Rozelle Markets is old-school, family-friendly with a playground, live music in two areas and a place to find hidden treasures and meet up with friends.
What’s the fuel? There is a food stall area on Saturdays with Thai, Mediterranean, juices and fruit salad, bacon and egg rolls, Vietnamese, vegetarian, and Reuben sandwiches, plus coffee. Sunday food stalls are the best gozleme, dumplings, juice and fruit salad, Himalayan, bacon and egg rolls, Russian and Japanese plus coffee.
Stallholder info: To become a casual stallholder selling second-hand things call the Tuesday before for the coming Saturday or the Wednesday before for the coming Sunday, 11am-2pm, on 9818 5373. There is also a pre-booking option. For all the details go to rozellemarkets.com.au and click on FAQs.
Where: Rozelle School, 663 Darling Street, Rozelle. Rozelle Markets is open every Saturday and Sunday, 9am-4pm. Parking is limited so it is best to get public transport – buses 440, 443, 445 and 500s, or park a short distance away and stroll through the Rozelle shopping strip.
LIVERPOOL NIGHT MARKETS
Speciality: This is a community night market with a focus on great local food, live entertainment and activities to suit all tastes. Each month there’s different feature acts, yet you can rely on the delicious food and market stalls being there month on month. Better yet – it’s completely free!
Find a bargain: Feast till your stomach’s content on the delicious fresh food including Jamaican jerk chicken, Argentinean BBQ, French crepes and homemade pickles. This month, pick up a unique, handmade Christmas gift or go on a food safari around Liverpool with the Taste Food Trails that leave on the hour at a cost of $5.
What’s the vibe? A community markets that’s more than just stalls, it’s a celebration of all things local. There’s fantastic live music and entertainment and opportunities to get hands-on with a variety of activities including bag-making, clay-making and a petting zoo for the young and young at heart.
What’s the fuel? There’s a huge range of delicious food and drink options for all tastes – you’ll never go hungry at the Liverpool Night Markets!
Stallholder info: Contact the Night Markets Coordinator on 1300 36 2170 or email [email protected]
Where: Macquarie Street, Liverpool
When: Saturday December 6 from 4-9:30pm. The Markets are the first Saturday of every month.
Web: liverpool.nsw.gov.au/nightmarkets
PADDINGTON MARKETS
Speciality: Paddington Market specialises in quality Australian-made designs. With over 160 stalls, you are sure to find a unique gift for any occasion. Speciality stalls include Bob Window’s retro cushions, Samantha Robinson’s beautifully crafted ceramics and Souvenir’s original women’s clothing. Our handmade jewellery is amazing – check out Stannard-Inc, Anthaus and Six D.
Find a bargain: If I had $10 in my pocket I would check out the retro clothing stall in the Hall, and also have a look at the bric-И-brac stall.
What’s the vibe? There are so many treasures at Paddington Markets, new and used. We cover all tastes and styles. With great live music and food selections, it is the perfect shopping destination.
What’s the fuel? Choose from Belly Bao (Vietnamese food fusion), Jackaroos (Aussie BBQ and grill), Himalayan cuisine, juice bar, Spuntinella (our gourmet cafО) and coffee bar. There are also fresh bread stalls from Grumpy the Baker and Paddy’s Irish Bread.
Where: 395 Oxford Street, Paddington – around the Paddington Uniting Church and Paddington Public School.
When: We are open every Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
Phone: 9331 2923
BONDI MARKETS
Speciality: Bondi Markets specialises in original designer clothing, exotic imports, handmade jewellery, arts and crafts, homewares, retro furniture, vintage clothing… and that’s just the start of it.
Find a bargain: The appeal of Bondi Markets is the opportunity for up-and-coming designers, artists and craftspeople to sell their work direct to the public. Local residents also offer their wares from a spring clean or garage sale.
What’s the vibe? Local markets on the beachfront every weekend – what’s not to love?
What’s the fuel? The school canteen is open at every market day, raising funds for the school and other community groups with a sausage sizzle, light meals and cold drinks.
Stallholder info: Email [email protected] to get involved.
Where: Bondi Beach Public School, Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach
When: Every Sunday, 10am-4pm
Web: bondimarkets.com.au
FINDERS KEEPERS
Speciality: The Finders Keepers market has a diverse collection of curated stalls. We have over 200 art and design stallholders, ranging from fashion designers to silversmith jewellers, ceramicists, furniture makers, illustrators and crafty creative folk! We also have a curated collection of sellers in our Vintage Emporium and a wonderful selection of local artisanal food and beverages, all made and crafted locally.
Find a bargain: The Finders Keepers market is less about nabbing a bargain, and more about finding beautifully handcrafted items – and buying them directly from their makers. You will be able to find a unique gift for someone special this Christmas or something for yourself! That said, $10 can still nab you something sweet to share from Farmers Lane and a variety of smaller items across many stalls.
What’s the vibe? We have things that cater for the whole family at our market, and not just in terms of what our stallholders are selling. There is a lineup of live music, food trucks, bars by Stone & Wood and coffee stalls. Sew Make Create are hosting workshops over the weekend and are offering softie owl making classes for the little ones too!
What’s the fuel? We have five amazing local food trucks as well as a Farmers Lane which is full to the brim with tasty treats and delights! As mentioned, we also have two bars by Stone & Wood, serving craft beer and a selection of wine, and two coffee stations by Allpress.
Stallholder info: The application process involves filling out our online form with all your details. Keep an eye on our website – applications for our AW15 events will be opening soon! thefinderskeepers.com/apply.php
Price: $2 entry fee, children under 12 free.
Where: Australian Technology Park, Exhibition Hall, Locomotive Street,Eveleigh. Entry Henderson Road via Bay 8
When: We hold two events in each state per year. The next Sydney market is on Friday December 12 (evening) and Saturday December 13. Our 2015 dates are: autumn/winter – Friday (evening) May 8 and Saturday May 9; spring/summer – Friday (evening) December 11 and Saturday December 12
