A Night Market Season Returns to Brisbane
Brisbane is once again welcoming the vibrant energy of night markets, blending the lively atmosphere of Singapore-style hawker markets with the cozy charm of German Weihnachtsmärkte. These events have become a staple of the city’s winter calendar, offering a mix of food, entertainment, and cultural experiences.
One of the highlights of these markets is the traditional mulled wine, known as Glühwein. This warm, spiced drink has become a popular feature at several night market locations, including Carseldine, Nundah, West End, Milton, and the permanent Eat Street Northshore market.
At Eat Street Northshore, bar manager Maree Brown has created a unique Glühwein recipe that has been a hit for the past three winters, selling over 30,000 cups. Growing up in New Zealand, Brown was familiar with mulled wine from her time spent at pubs during the winter months. She wanted to recreate that comforting flavor in her recipe.
The Glühwein is made weekly using an Australian shiraz and a base product imported from St Aldegund in the Moselle region of Germany. “Shiraz works because it already has a little bit of pepper and spice,” Brown explains. She infuses the wine with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and orange, along with a few secret ingredients.
For those who prefer a sweeter option, a mulled cider called Gluhmost is also available at Eat Street. Brown notes that many European visitors are surprised to find such a traditional drink in Brisbane and sometimes even share their own recipes.
Winter night markets are set to take place across the southeast from June to August, offering a variety of events and experiences for all ages.
Special Events
Beenleigh Night Bites
On Friday, June 5, Beenleigh Town Square will host a food festival featuring 80 vendors, live music, and kids’ activities. The event includes Quebec’s famous poutine, a dish of chips, cheese curds, and gravy.
Carseldine Markets Winter Wonderland
This event on Saturday, June 6, promises a lively atmosphere with bonfires, two music stages, and a Glühwein bar. More than 200 stalls offer handcrafted goods, and there are activities for children, including a kids’ disco.
Indian Night Market
On Saturday, June 6, the Mt Gravatt Street Food markets will host an Indian-themed event with dishes like dosas, curries, and samosas. Sonalisa Mishra will perform Bollywood music on the entertainment stage.
HOTA Hawker Night Markets
Taking place on Saturday, June 13, this event at the Home of the Arts precinct features at least 150 stalls offering dumplings, noodles, seafood, and sweet treats.
West End Winter Solstice Market
On Friday, June 19, West End will host a high-energy event with live music, bonfires, street performers, craft beer, Glühwein, and more than 150 specialty stalls.
Neon Nights at Nundah
This nighttime edition of the Nundah Farmers Markets brings glowing lights and installations. Live music, gourmet eats, artisan stalls, and kids’ activities will be part of the event.
Milton by Moonlight
On Saturday, July 18, Milton will host an atmospheric market featuring two music stages, a Glühwein bar with craft beer, gourmet street food, and crackling bonfires.
Xmas in July
On Saturday, July 18, the Mt Gravatt markets will transform into a tinseltown celebration with Santa, fire twirlers, and international street food trucks.
Redcliffe Up Late
On Saturday, July 25, Redcliffe Parade will host a buzzing night market with more than 250 stalls, ambient lighting, live music, and interactive kids’ activities.
Night Feast
From July 29 to August 23, the Night Feast will feature open fires, cosy outdoor dining, and immersive art concepts. Top restaurants will serve festival-exclusive dishes.
Year-Round Night Markets
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
These markets between the skyscrapers and the sand offer handmade wares, gourmet provisions, fresh produce, and live music.
Eat Street Northshore
Built from 180 recycled shipping containers, this market offers 70 traders, five themed bars, shops, and food from every continent except Antarctica.
Ripley Markets
These dog-friendly markets offer about 90 stalls spanning food trucks, drinks, sweet treats, handmade craft, and clothing.
The Collective Markets South Bank
Drawing large crowds of tourists and locals, these craft markets run every Friday to Sunday in Stanley Plaza.
Dreamworld Night Market
Featuring street food, drinks, and live entertainment, this market allows access to Dreamworld attractions.
Twilight Makers Market
This monthly makers’ market on the boardwalk of the Raby Bay Harbour offers fashion, jewellery, candles, cushions, and street foods.
Twilight Vegan Markets
Enjoy vegan street eats, drinks, and other products while browsing vegan charities.
Explore the Night Market Season
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly event or a more upscale experience, Brisbane’s night markets offer something for everyone. From mulled wine to live music and gourmet street food, these events bring the community together in a festive and welcoming environment. With so many options to choose from, there’s never a dull moment in the city’s night market scene.
