South Eveleigh Is Hosting Six Weeks of Rotating Themed Markets, Inspired by the Best European Street Fairs
From the latest in artisan design to Christmas in July and NAIDOC celebrations, these themed markets make each weekly edition an exciting affair.
The former railway sheds of South Eveleigh will become even bolder than usual as the food and dining precinct launches its inaugural Loco Markets program. Spread over six weeks from Thursday, June 19–Sunday, July 27, rotating themed markets are designed to celebrate creativity and community, taking cues from standout European street markets. With each week offering a new experience, guests can expect an immersive encounter, where block-coloured market stalls are stacked with handmade goods and design-led retail offerings.
Interlinked with a sprawling food and drink lineup, alongside eye-catching live entertainment, the Loco Markets are set to enliven every sense. Over the six weeks, the music program has been curated by ARIA award-nominated jazz musician and producer Stu Hunter. The tunes range from funk and blues to classical and festive, aligning with each week's theme. Meanwhile, there are kid-friendly activities, like face painting and creative workshops, that inspire their curiosity.
"We wanted to create an event that invites people to slow down, explore and connect," says Michael Carabetta, Portfolio Manager at Mirvac. "The Loco Markets will offer everything from artisanal products, to fresh produce, to Christmas in July festivities — with live music, interactive workshops and activities for all ages. It's about building a sense of community, while supporting local creatives and small businesses in the process."
Running from Thursday, June 19–Sunday, June 22, Loco Market's opening theme is 'Artisan Design', with bath bomb workshops, live cartoonists and jazz harp performances on the agenda. Then, week two welcomes 'Produce and Wellness', where seasonal food, homemade pottery and kids' model-making take over the market. Next, the 'Design and Sustainability' market explores slow fashion and botanical beauty, with local brands and designers like Ignem Terrae Ceramics and Mina Finery bringing an eco-conscious edge to South Eveleigh.
Joining in on the nationwide celebrations, the Loco Market from Thursday, July 10–Sunday, July 13 will highlight NAIDOC Week. Specially curated in partnership with Awesome Black and Trading Blak, the market will feature an all-Indigenous lineup of Blak-owned vendors, like Ngurrbul Clothing, Jarin Street, Indigiearth and Balgarra Design. Supported by live music, artist residencies and interactive workshops that honour the stories and creativity of First Nations peoples, this special edition is not to be missed.
Finally, the last two weeks of the Loco Markets are themed around Christmas in July, with the precinct transformed into a winter wonderland. Think gingerbread decorating, snow globe making and Christmas carols performed by jazz pianists and a mariachi band. Each week will also feature a series of fascinating South Eveleigh experiences, with visitors invited to take a 60-minute heritage walking tour to discover the precinct's rich industrial past or participate in a coin press workshop, where you'll create a weighty keepsake from scratch to take home.
South Eveleigh's Loco Markets run from Thursday, June 19–Sunday, July 27 at Locomotive Street, Eveleigh. Head to the website for more information.
Images: Cassandra Hannagan
