8 of the best art and design markets in Australia
There’s nothing quite as delightful as a day spent shopping at a market. The products are unique, locally made and rarely stocked in the chain store retailers sprinkled throughout most cities. A good market is an opportunity to buy a one-off piece of art, furniture or homewares that you just know no one else will have. Not to mention the satisfying knowledge that your money is supporting local independent designers and artisans, rather the lining the already-stuffed pockets of chain-store retailers.
While most cities have a few local markets for farmers or bric-a-brac, sometimes it’s nice to visit a fresh new market with a carefully curated selection of makers and products. If that’s what you’re looking for, then we have the list for you.
1. The Makers and Shakers Market
The Makers and Shakers market regularly sets up shop in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra and is Australia’s premier mid-sized makers market held twice a year in each city. You’ll find a line-up of both established and emerging designers and delicious food.
2. The Big Design Market
One of Australia’s largest markets, the Big Design Market visits both Melbourne and Sydney twice a year. The event is usually held over 3 days and features more than 200 stalls to shop from.
3. The Finders Keepers Market
A vibrant selection of makers, designers, artists and sustainable products, The Finders Keepers Markets pops up in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane about twice a year. It has a festival vibe with music and food in additional to great products.
4. The Melbourne Collective Market
The Melbourne Collective Market is the perfect place to shop for art, ceramics, jewellery, homewares, stationery, fashion and food. Follow their Facebook page for pop-up market locations in Melbourne.
5. The Handmade Canberra Market
Held over weekends in March, June, September and December each year, Handmade Canberra is a place to shop for unique artisan products and support small businesses. The market usually features more than 200 designers and producers.
6. The Salamanca Market
Held in Hobart’s Salamanca area every Saturday, Salamanca Market is the perfect morning market to attend if you’re looking for uniquely Tasmanian arts, crafts, ceramics, clothing and homewares.
7. The Olive Tree Art & Design Market
The Olive Tree Art and Design Market in Newcastle occurs once a month and is one of the leading contemporary handmade art and design markets in the locality. You’ll find work by emerging artists, gourmet produce and live music here.
8. The Perth Upmarket
A quarterly market in Perth, Perth Upmarket is a carefully curated shopping experience that showcases more than 180 design, craft, clothing and gourmet food stalls, plus much more. The event is now one of Perth’s premier market events.
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