Overview
Strolling and spending is a weekend ritual for many, and in Brisbane, one set of markets has always come out on top. That'd be the Riverside Markets, the CBD shopping spot with pretty water views. You've browsed their stalls filled with craft goods, grabbed a snack from the many food vendors on site and enjoyed the breezy atmosphere — and you've likely done so more than once.
In fact, you've probably grown up visiting Eagle Street Pier on a Sunday morning, given that the Riverside Markets have been a Brisbane mainstay since 1987. From December 6, though, you'll need to head in a different direction for your inner-city fix, with the weekly marketplace moving to the nearby City Botanic Gardens.
A new name — Riverside Gardens Markets — accompanies the new location, representing perhaps the biggest changes in the event's 28 years of operation. The move was sparked by a change of ownership at Eagle Street Pier, and is welcome given that closing down completely was also rumoured. Swapping buildings for luscious greenery to stroll around sounds like a win as far as we're concerned.
Of course, everything regulars know and love about the markets will transition over to 147 Alice Street — live music and street performers included, plus a few fresh additions. A bigger site means more room for new stalls and an enhanced range of eating options. You know what they say: a change is as good as a holiday. To that, we'll add: every holiday needs a good spot for market shopping.
For more information about the Riverside Gardens Markets, visit their Facebook page.