
While we all love the thrill of a scroll and shop online, it can’t replace the feeling you get when you meet the maker, tap your card, and walk away with a story to tell.
Whether it’s knowing you’ve supported a local business or nabbed yourself, an original piece of handmade jewellery, art, or homeware from Brisbane’s thriving creative community, there’s something special about spending a few hours exploring a market and discovering Etsy-in-real-life knick-knacks.
We’ve wrapped up some of Brisbane’s best craft and artisan markets to help you plan your next shopping fix.
For those who furiously Google the products on the pages of Frankie Magazine, Peppermint Magazine, and Hello Lunch Lady then mark 4 December in your calendar for the new Summer Series Finders Keepers markets. The festival-style markets will be condensed into free one-day events, giving locals the chance to shop from Queensland makers. Shopping small and local has never looked so chic and conscientious.
Embrace the whimsy of the weekend ahead and wander through the BrisStyle Twilight Markets that turn King George Square into a sustainable shopping boutique. From 4-9pm on the above Fridays, this market sells 100% locally handmade items. Lend a hand to our local creatives and swing by for that last-minute birthday card, houseplant, or 'just-because-I-just-got-paid' thing.
The Collective Markets are as iconic to South Bank as the Wheel of Brisbane. Held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in Stanley Plaza, they’re the perfect spot to discover original art, one-of-a-kind gifts, vintage clothing, and up-and-coming fashion designers. Make a Sunday session of your trip and stop by River Quay after your market walk for live music and picnic eats.
If you haven’t checked out the Valley’s laneways (Bakery, California, Winn, and the Valley Mall), you’re missing out. Loved by locals year-round, they really come alive on the first and third Saturday of every month (February to November) for the Valley Laneway Markets. From plants, providore, and pantry items and pre-loved clothing, you’ll leave with instantly higher street cred.
Gather your friends and enjoy a market brunch date on the second Saturday of the month (from June to October) at the Gasworks Markets. After a river stroll, make your way to the heritage-listed Gasometer, browse handmade fashion, accessories, and homewares or book into one of their workshops.
Spend a lazy Sunday morning, discovering the carefully curated collection of local makers and designers at the Fish Lane Markets as you sip on a coffee from a nearby cafe. Treat yourself to locally made ceramics, art, accessories, and natural skincare products, and feel good about supporting local!
Turn trash into treasure and get thrifty at Rocklea’s Sunday Discovery Market, a place where upcycling, collecting and scoring an old-fashioned bargain is celebrated. From 6am every week, it’s the perfect place to unearth hidden treasures, unique collectibles, and vintage pieces for your home or wardrobe. There are even heaps of indoor and outdoor plants for plant lovers to choose from.
It’s a two-for-one market when you visit the iconic Riverside Markets (now located in the Brisbane CBD Botanic Gardens) and their sister venture, Riverside QUT Infusion. These vibrant markets make the perfect family morning adventure or the perfect add-on to a Riverwalk stroll from the CBD or New Farm, where you can discover hand-dyed yarns, fashion, local eats, and more on the CBD’s doorstep.
Shop until you drop takes on new meaning when you’re filling your reusable tote at a Suitcase Rummage. Score one-off vintage pieces, pre-loved designer buys, retro homewares, and a treasure trove of other bits and bobs from this much-loved market held in Reddacliff Place on the first and third Sunday of every month.
Always check the market's website or social media pages for the latest updates to market dates and times.
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Editor's note: The featured content in Brisbane Explore is created to inspire residents and visitors to plan a day out exploring Brisbane and to buy local as part of the city's Economic Recovery Plan. Brisbane City Council disclaims any relationship with, or endorsement of, businesses featured in this video.
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**This article was updated in September 2021.**
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