What could be a better way to start a crisp morning than strolling in the sunshine, gathering farm-fresh produce or stocking up on unique handcrafted gifts as you sip on a barista-pulled coffee while a busker entertains nearby?
Here in the Blue Mountains, we are fortunate to have a market of some description every weekend, with a regular roster of farmers’ markets, craft markets and community markets as well as seasonal markets to be found in one of the Blue Mountains villages.
“Markets are a cultural thing in the Blue Mountains, it’s a lifestyle,” says Nicole Riley from All Events Markets & Festivals, who runs four markets in the region. “In the Mountains, people are willing to shop locally – it’s giving like-minded people another option apart from the big supermarkets. It’s a feel-good way to shop, and it’s a really good way to keep the money in the community.”
From the lower mountains at Glenbrook, to the misty towns of the upper mountains and even beautiful Megalong Valley, these events showcase the talents and passion of local Blue Mountains makers and producers, and are a must-see for those visiting the area.
Image: ZIg Zag Brewery, All Events Markets & Festivals
Leura Produce & Artisan Market
Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains
1 Sublime Point Rd, Leura
T: 0414 733 400; www.alleventsmarketsandfestivals.com.au
When: First Saturday of each month, 9am-1pm
The newest market on the Blue Mountains roster, this producer’s market held in the beautiful, flower-filled grounds of the Fairmont Resort features more than 65 stalls as well as live music and entertainment for the kids. Stock up on produce from local vendors such as Earth Rising Mushroom Farm and Zig Zag Brewery, while craft stall favourites include Blackbird Soy Candles and Stitch Pals. Shuttle buses run from the top of Leura Mall every half hour during market hours.
Blackheath Growers Market
Blackheath Community Centre, Great Western Highway, Blackheath
T: 0414 733 400; www.alleventsmarketsandfestivals.com.au
When: Second Sunday of the month, 9am-1pm
With a 21-year history, community spirit is at its finest at this friendly market, with locals and tourists alike marking the monthly event as one not to miss. Stock on farm-fresh vegetables, mushrooms, truffles and home-baked sourdough loaves, join the always substantial queue to buy seedlings and potted colour in spring, then sit around the central gathering area, feasting on gozleme and Tibetan momos to the dulcet strains of local entertainers.
Image: Marshmallow Club, All Events Markets & Festivals
Magpie Upstyle Markets
Lawson Public School, Great Western Highway, Lawson
T: 0414 733 400; www.alleventsmarkketsandfestivals.com.au
When: 3rd Sunday of the month, 9am-1pm
The popular Magpie Upstyle Markets is a mixed market of artisans and great food, with more than 100 small businesses represented as well as community organisations. Talented craftspeople sell woodwork, paintings and made-stitched clothing; while there are great retro treasures to be found. Street food, pastries and BBQ items fill keep your tummies full while you shop.
Springwood Growers Market
Blue Mountains Community Theatre Hub
Macquarie Rd, Springwood
T: 0414 733 400; www.alleventsmarketsandfestivals.com.au
When: 4th Sunday of the month, 9am-1pm
Trading since 2015, Springwood Growers Market hosts more than 50 stallholders selling an array of locally-grown in-season fresh produce and regional foods, local olive oils and spirits, plants and seedlings and a range of baked goods, including plant-forward items.
Image: Southleigh Farms, All Events Markets & Festivals
Glenbrook Rotary Markets
Glenbrook Public School, Ross St, Glenbrook
W: glenbrookrotarymarkets.com.au
When: 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, 8am-1pm
A fund-raiser for the Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Club, this family-friendly market features a range of talented artisans, crafters, growers and local businesses showcasing their wares. Shop for gifts such as scented candles, jewellery and upcycled apparel, browse pre-loved books at the volunteer-run Book Fair, and find one-of-a-kind vintage treasures and clothing. By shopping at these markets, you are supporting local small businesses and entrepreneurs, and connect directly with the makers and growers.
Blackheath Mountain Craft Markets
RSL Sub-branch Hall, Station St, Blackheath
W: https://mountainscraftmarket.weebly.com/blackheath-rsl.html
When: 3rd and 4th Sundays of each month
The undercover Blackheath Mountain Craft Markets showcases the works of talented local craftspeople and makers. Browse for knitwear, toys, jewellery, fashion and trinkets, with unique gifts that make the perfect souvenir of your Blue Mountains visit.
Image:Megalong Market, Lot101
Lot101 Farm Gate Market
Megalong Tea Rooms
824 Megalong Rd, Megalong Valley
T: (02) 4787 7089; megalongvalleytearooms.com.au
When: Each Saturday, 9am-3pm
Stock up on amazing organic produce direct from the neighbouring Lot101 farm, each Saturday morning at the Megalong Tea Rooms. All produce on sale is grown in the valley, assuring seasonality and freshness. There is also organic sourdough baked at Megalong Restaurant, as well as local honey and preserves.
Megalong Makers Markets
Megalong Valley Community Hall,
Megalong Rd, Megalong Valley
W: megalongmakers.wixsite.com
When: Easter Saturday, 10am-2pm
Located in a glorious rural setting under the Blue Mountains escarpment, the Megalong Makers Markets features crafts and food items exclusively produced in the Megalong Valley and Blues Mountains, including local wines, fresh produce, flowers, soaps, woodwork, macrame and jewellery, as well as coffee, food trucks and local entertainment.
Wollemi Artisan Market
Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, 30 Parke St, Katoomba
T: (02) 4780 5410; bluemountainsculturalcentre.com.au
When: Bi-annually in June and December
Discover beautiful creations from Blue Mountains artists, designers and food producers as you listen to live music from local community groups and entertainers. This market is the perfect opportunity to shop local and find unique, artisanal gifts for Christmas.
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