The Ten Best Markets in Brisbane

Let’s be honest here, Brisbane is pretty underrated by the rest of the ‘it’ towns in terms of who has and who has not got the coolest markets. Sure, we might have a lot of markets consisting of marquee-style stalls selling handmade soaps, dream catchers and heat packs, but we have so much more too.

With the weather getting milder every day now, there is no better time to discover some of the best markets around without the fear of being baked alive in the process. So without further ado, here is Concrete Playground's guide to the best markets in our city.

1. Finders Keepers Markets

When: Bi-Annually (Autumn/Winter & Spring/Summer)

The Finders Keepers Markets are some of the most highly sort out markets in Australia and Brisbane is lucky enough to play host twice a year. The free markets showcase the work of amazingly talented emerging designers and artists from all around Australia and New Zealand. The whole event is like walking around in a real life Frankie Magazine – a lot of awesome design with just the perfect amount of kitsch mixed in for good measure.

With a laidback festival feel, the markets even have great live music, a café/ bar and amazing food stalls. It’s clear that there is an incredible passion for high quality, independent design that’s consistent throughout the markets and which they maintain year after year. If you are looking for one-offs and high quality unique pieces you can’t find anywhere else, the Finders Keepers Markets are definitely for you.

2. Suitcase Rummage

When: First Sunday of every month, 12pm – 5pm.

On the first Sunday of every month, Reddacliff Place plays host to the Suitcase Rummage – a market that, as the name might suggest, encourages you to make like your grandma and have a rummage through goods sold from old suitcases. There’s so much wonderment to be had with retro finds, unique artwork, bric-a-brac, clothing, books, jewellery, seconds, records, cupcakes…you name it!

Not only will you find all of these goods at a bargain price, you are also welcome to swap or have a bit of an old fashioned haggle. Make sure you head down early to find all the best stuff before some other savvy individual gets there first. You can also register to sell your own suitcase full of goods.

3. Black Markets at Black Bear Lodge

When: First Saturday of every month, 12pm – 5pm.

Remember the Troubadour? So many memories, I go all fuzzy inside and start giggling like a schoolgirl with the amount of nostalgia locked away in that place. Although the Troubadour might be gone, in its stead is the wonderful Black Bear Lodge – a mix of the old Troub covered with smatterings of Twin Peaks style deco. Going all gooey inside at the thought? Well there’s more! Black Bear Lodge is more than just an indie hot spot for nightlife and live music, they also play host to artisan markets every month.

These aren’t your regular markets, which typically cater to girls and crafty types. The Black Markets feature records, poster art, zines, handmade guitar pedals and collaged shirts along with local emerging fashion and designers. Curated by the girls at Velvet Pins, the markets are a collection of some of the most eclectic goods in Brisbane. Come enjoy a coffee or boutique beer and soak up the snuggly cabin style vibe whilst browsing some covetable wares. Black Bear Lodge is sure to bring about a nostalgia all of its own in years to come.

4. Bleeding Heart City Markets

When: First Friday of every month, 10am – 4pm.

City markets seem to be enjoying a moment in the sun at the moment as CBD inhabitants relish in the opportunity to purchase something found outside the surrounding chain stores. The latest market to pop up in the area is courtesy of Bleeding Hearts Cafe and Art Gallery, an artisan retail store dedicated to funding charitable and community enterprise.

The Bleeding Hearts Markets take place on the first Friday of every month and will offer an assorted mix of handmade items and art from local artisans, who will set up shop along the gallery veranda and in the front garden. Get your hands on some new and exclusive prints, illustrations, jewellery, accessories, children's clothing and toys and meet the talented people responsible for these clever crafts.

5. Kerbside Markets

When: Sundays monthly, from 12pm.

We all remember the days when the Brunswick St Valley markets were actually good. Or maybe we were just young and naïve. Either way, there is another alternative to get your Valley market fix on a Sunday afternoon. The Kerbside Markets are a monthly Sunday afternoon laneway market held at the uber cool Kerbside bar on Constance St.

Not only do the markets manage to incorporate a distinctive mix of vintage wares with both booze and BBQ goodness, there’s also no bulk imported cheap stuff in sight. Chill out at the bar, take a couch seat or filter through the loveliness on offer. With 20+ stalls, there’s sure to be something that tickles your fancy.

6. Junk Bar Trash and Treasure Markets

When: Monthly, 10.30am – 3.30pm

Junk Bar, a living room-esque hole-in-the-wall bar, has got everything you need for it to be your new favourite hang out. It’s got good music, walls covered in forest wallpaper, an assortment of vintage lamps and couches, a delicious array of cocktails and bonus points for its fringe of the City location. This Ashgrove-based home-away-from-home also plays host to monthly trash and treasure markets where you can score some of the finest vintage finds and off casts.

Stall holders utilise the unique space and furniture of the bar in a creative way to best show off their wares which include one-of-a-kind vintage and pre-loved clothing, records, art, bric-a-brac, books, jewellery, hand-made items, badges, greeting cards, vintage photos and cameras. Get out of the house without feeling like you really left at all.

7. Brisbane Vintage Fair

When: Annually in March

Maybe it’s the collective nostalgia or the desire to reuse and recycle that draws people to vintage attire? More realistically, the love for vintage is probably inspired by the knowledge that fashion will never again be as good as it was in the yesteryear.

Whatever your reason for loving vintage fashion, Brisbane’s vintage aficionados can get their fix of fashion at the Brisbane Vintage Fashion Fair at Eagle Farm Racecourse. Whether you're seeking a specific vintage item, just want to add some difference to your wardrobe or just get amongst the colourful crowd, this fashion fair is set to have something for everyone. With best-dressed comps, vintage tunes and bubbly at the bar you can dip back into the past and grab yourself a fabulous gem. Vintage fashion never gets old.

8. West End Twilight Markets

When: 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month, 4pm – 9pm.

Despite the often-questionable locals and hordes of hippies, West End just can’t seem to shake its laidback cool vibe. Plus, those West Enders sure know how to throw one hell of a market. Already renowned for their wonderful farmers' markets, West End also play host to the West End Twilight Markets.

A specialty marketplace, the West End Twilight Markets feature a diverse mix of treasures, food and live performance. Every second Saturday afternoon you can head down to the reclaimed Hangar on the corner of Wilson and Boundary streets for an enchanting evening. With a unique focus on sustainability, engagement and local talent, these markets are a wonderfully relaxing event filled with community spirit and all sorts of ethical, fair-trade, one-of-a-kind goodies to be found.

9. Young Designer Markets at South Bank

When: First Sunday of every month, 10am – 4pm.

If you’ve never been to the Young Designer Markets in South Bank and you have in any way associated them with the regular South Bank Markets, forget it. While the South Bank Markets are the home of the lame middle-aged marquees selling candles and tie-dye fisherman pants, the Young Designers Markets are where you go to find some of Brisbane’s hottest up-and-coming student designers before the make it big.

Consisting of over 40 stalls of clothing, accessories, homewares, object design and art, you are also getting the chance to meet and buy direct from the talent. Show your support for our bourgeoning fashion and design scene whilst scoring one-of-a-kind pieces from Brisbane’s incredibly talented youngsters.

10. BrisStyle Indie Markets

When: Every second month, 5pm – 9pm.

If you prefer your markets twilight style, then Brisbane has another edition to add to the growing list of night time markets. The BrisStyle Indie Twilight Markets are the perfect place to find all sorts of crafty handmade trinkets and oddments galore, browsing by lantern light at our very own King George Square.

BrisStyle is a collection of talented crafters and designers from Queensland who sell their wares through Etsy, but these creatives want more than just an online presence so every second month they set up shop in the heart of the city to show their wares to all under the stars. Meander through the stalls of over sixty emerging and established local artisans, all 100% hand made in Australia.