Things to do in Brisbane

Brisbane Markets

Shop until you drop! Brisbane’s market scene is packed with deals and steals.

Shopaholics rejoice at the sight of Queensland’s capital. Brisbane’s streets bustle with merchants and customers, huddled around booths offering splendid local goods. Regular patrons of the city’s market scene know there are hidden gems to be found here, the perfect item nestled among a sea of tempting wares.

Of all the things to do in Brisbane, few paint a better picture of city culture than a shopping trip. Lace up your walking shoes because it’s time for a spree. Here are all the must-see markets in Brisbane.

Fresh Produce and Gourmet Food Markets

Whipped up or picked up — however you like to dine, these markets bring the flavor.

Jan Powers Farmers Markets

The Brisbane breeze carries a sweet, fruity scent across Jan Powers Farmers Markets. Three locations throughout the city mean seasonal produce is never out of reach for food lovers and cozy market enthusiasts.

Join thousands of weekly visitors perusing stalls full of bright tomatoes, leafy greens, and full floral bouquets. Food vendors serve delightful drinks and tasty treats as you stroll. Sip smoothies and munch on fresh pastries as you get to know the local growers, all eager to pass on the stories behind their wares.

West End Markets

From Sherwood Road to Victoria Park, Brisbane is a land of bountiful harvests. On Saturdays, Davies Park transforms into a dream world of local wonders. Stroll beneath the fig trees to inspect the fruits of this city’s labor. While you’re at it, we recommend finding something to eat.

Despite the stunning beauty of this iconic park, what really stands out is the scent. West End Markets vendors whip up traditional dishes and inventive plates for hungry shoppers, and the scents will tickle your nose from the minute you step out of your vehicle.

Stop by for a bowl of paella or a loaf of crusty bread. Then, stay for the music and good vibes.

Northey Street Organic Farmers Market

Organic seekers, look no further. The Northey Street Organic Farmers Market is the only place in Brisbane where the wares are guaranteed 100% organic. A boon for the community, the earth, and your health, the products on display are guilt-free and good for you.

A lush assortment of cheese, chocolate, honey, and grains are ripe for the taking. Add your choice of fruits and vegetables, and you have all the makings of a delicious meal. Plus, the collection of ethical gifts and homewares makes this a shopping spree you can be proud of.

Carseldine Farmers & Artisan Markets

Unleash your inner Epicurean with a visit to Carseldine Markets. Local farmers and artisans join forces to build this foodie paradise. Ripe, in-season produce freshly plucked from the earth line the stalls, begging to be transformed into a stunning home-cooked meal.

But if you’re more into eating than cooking, you can find all sorts of treats here. Some of Brisbane’s sweetest confections lie under glass cases in these stalls. Mini Dutch pancakes, crunchy cannoli, and fudgy brownies are all waiting to be enjoyed on this international dessert tour.

Whatever strikes your fancy, it’ll undoubtedly taste better with a bouquet of fresh flowers in your other hand.

Eat Street Northshore

An ethereal makeover turned this old container wharf into an otherworldly marketplace. Today, Eat Street Northshore offers a feast for all the senses. Its charming, fair-like vibe sparks a surge of nostalgia for summer nights long gone. But you won’t escape the present for long here — not when a spectacular scent tickles your nose.

Arrive at this market ready to indulge. Food vendors serve up decadent fare with a gourmet twist. Think crispy calamari, fluffy Japanese pancakes, and sauce-drenched bao buns. Wash it all down with a craft beer or a fruity pink lemonade. Amid the retro shops and neon carnival lights, everything tastes a bit sweeter.

Arts and Crafts Markets

Unleash your creative side where Brisbane’s local artists gather.

South Bank Collective Markets

This riverside bazaar adds a dash of creative flavor to Brisbane’s busy streets. The Collective Markets at South Bank are a kaleidoscope of local culture. As a group well-versed in thrills ourselves, we know this market will light a spark of excitement in every shopper.

You’ll find a diverse range of wares up for grabs. Rare collectibles, designer clothes, and local artwork live within these stalls until they’re whisked away by loving hands. The energy here is electric. Even if you’re not in the market for a new trinket, it’s worth stopping by to feel the buzz.

As luck would have it, these markets are situated near some of Brisbane’s finest eateries. Eat your meals on a terrace while gazing at the city’s creative spirit.

BrisStyle Twilight Market

Local flair is on the menu at BrisStyle Twilight Market. For over a decade, the folks behind this space have given city creatives a place to show their stuff. Dozens of designers gather to set up shop, stunning visitors with the imaginative power lurking in the surrounding streets.

Natural skin care, dainty ceramics, and statement jewelry are just some of the treasures dotting this wonderland. It’s hard to walk away from this market without finding the perfect gift, even if you’re treating yourself.

Speaking of gifts, the market’s annual holiday program delights guests with festive touches. If you’re lucky, the Queensland Choir might make a special Christmas-themed appearance.

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The Finders Keepers Markets

The city's designers collide to host The Finders Keepers markets. Its series of markets highlights the artful innovators residing in Brisbane.

These creatives specialize in goods for all corners of life. A journey through these stalls reveals racks of inventive fashion, delicate handcrafted jewelry, and one-of-a-kind ceramics. Medium knows no bounds here. Paper, clay, fabric, and more are all transformed into pieces to cherish.

Every season, The Finders Keepers finds new creatives to uplift, hidden gems now ready to share their creations. Supporting local makers is one of the best things to do in Brisbane.

Specialty and Themed Markets

Get niche with your next shopping spree. A curated selection awaits at these markets.

Suitcase Rummage

It’s a journey through time in this eclectic market. Brisbane’s Suitcase Rummage is a monthly journey down memory lane. Outfits are often tied to experiences, prompting a surge of nostalgia when they’re pulled from the closet. One person’s past is another person's future in this market, where sustainability is decidedly in style.

This spot swaps stalls for suitcases. Pick a carry-on and rifle through its contents. If you’re lucky, you’ll glimpse the perfect print or find the cozy fabric your current wardrobe lacks. It’s a no-frills map of intrigue, and you might just walk away with a new memory in the making.

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Red Hill Farmers Markets

Don’t bother with the grocery store. Instead, come to Red Hill Farmers Markets to shop in the heart of a vibrant community. Here, dedicated artisans set up booths with care, chock-full of local harvests waiting to find a place on your table.

Whether you’re craving seafood, specialty meats, or traditional fare, you’ll find farm-fresh ingredients in this space. Brave the lines for a heavenly sugar-dusted pastry. Then, pop over to the maker space to eye clothing and giftable items.

On any given Sunday, live music plays and a special event is in full swing. It's also a prime spot for viewing Christmas lights in Brisbane.

The Milton Markets

Brisbane culture is on display in all its glory at this merchant’s hub. The Milton Markets bring together the city’s finest growers, makers, and creatives. The result is an all-around lifestyle market brimming with food, music, and art.

Here, you’ll get a little closer to the quiet joys of everyday life. Strike up a conversation with the farmer who grew tonight’s dinner ingredients, and hear the story behind the painting soon to hang in your living room. This is the city’s spirit brought to life.

The busy folks behind this exchange also run some of Brisbane’s other shopping centers, including Nundah Farmers Markets. Make a full day of the adventure with a trip around the corner to Shake & Stir Theatre Co. There, you can enjoy a riotous rotation of unique acts.

Photographer: JillWellington

Night Markets

Deals abound after dark. Sunset marks the start of shopping hours at these markets.

West End Fire Festival Market

As far as night markets go, few are as illuminating as this. The West End Fire Festival is a dazzling display of warmth and wonder. Since 2006, Brisbane’s fire wranglers have gathered to put on a stunning talent showcase. And as masters of physical feats ourselves, we'd be proud of this performance.

As infernos fly through the air, live music pulses to the beat of the crowd. Brisbane’s favorite food trucks sling hot meals and cold drinks to hungry onlookers. So grab a bite, spread a blanket on the lawn, and feast your eyes on a nighttime show that rivals the stars.

For another wild night on the town, head to the nearby Queensland Performing Arts Centre for unforgettable acts, from musicals to canine comedians.

Twilight Makers Market

Creatives flock to this monthly gathering to share their wares with Queensland’s craft-loving community. The Twilight Makers Market opens its doors at dusk for a grand show of artistic expression after dark. Like our fiery troupe of acrobats, these makers light up the night with their shining imaginations.

Nothing homemade is off-limits here. Fashion, candles, iced tea, and cupcakes — you name it, they’ve got it. Head over at sunset for a stroll with a bag of freshly popped popcorn in one hand and a late-night coffee in the other.

There’s no telling what you might find with a rotating vendor lineup. Perhaps you’ll locate the perfect sofa cushion, or discover a new skin care product you can't live without. At Raby Bay Harbour Park after dark, anything is possible. If you aren’t inspired yet, you will be.

Kelvin Grove Village Markets

Victoria Park’s sprawling green lawns and tree-lined paths make a splendid venue for this local marketplace. Kelvin Grove Village Markets is a weekly hub for Brisbane’s freshest provisions. You’ll find produce in its seasonal prime, just-baked bread, and colorful flower bouquets.

Local deli vendors serve quality meats, their mouthwatering aromas wafting across Victoria Park. Live music sets the tone as shoppers browse the best from the city’s artisans. Stop by on a Saturday night for a good meal and a peek at Brisbane’s finest wares.

As a bonus, this location also gets you up close and personal with the park’s special holiday events, such as Christmas Putt Putt and Easter Movie Night. Enjoy a night out here for fresh foods with a side of holiday cheer.

Global Food Markets

Gourmet delights from across the globe spot the stalls at this bustling market. Global Food Markets are fully stocked with earthly delicacies.

Peruse these aisles with a worldly eye, taking in natural bounties from far-off lands. It’s a veritable feast for the senses, right in the heart of Brisbane. Fantastic produce is on display, all the way from Southeast Asia, Africa, and beyond. Head here for the ingredients for the culinary exploits of your dreams.

Authentic street food vendors chop, dice, and fry up a huge range of cuisines, so you can satisfy any craving at a moment’s notice. Take it from us. When the sun comes up, this spot offers some of the best breakfast in Brisbane.

Embark on a Journey Through Brisbane’s Market Scene for Local Treasures and Culinary Delights

Now that your arms are draped with shopping bags and your wallet is a tad lighter, another successful Brisbane market day is coming to a close. With streets browsed and souvenirs gathered, you'll want to explore another one of the city's secrets.

Let us be your guide into Brisbane’s hidden wonderlands. The escape begins in a darkened theater, with curtains drawn and onlookers holding their breath. At anticipation’s apex, our acrobatic ensemble appears. Flipping and twirling, they tell a story fraught with peril and triumph.

Get to know our cast of wildly endearing characters as they journey through whimsical worlds. Studded with stunning visuals and sweeping scores, our tales ignite the senses for an unforgettable night of enchantment. The circus awaits. Take your pick of our shows in Brisbane.

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