There are all sorts of markets in Brisbane, in all sorts of places and at all times of the day. There are many different types of markets from those for
arts & crafts, others for
fruit & vegetables, some sell
cheap imported products and others that are perfect for the gourmet shopper. There are your local markets,
markets that are a lot of fun and then there are markets that are
worth the trip.

Everyone is heading to the markets
Note: At the time of writing this, the Boundary Street Markets have just closed and are looking for a new home. Some other markets have moved, changed times and so on. It is always worth visiting the market's page to see if there is any change of venue, time or other details.
1. A reason to get out of bed early
With some markets starting as early as 5:30 in morning and most finishing around midday (though some finish as early as 10:30 am), to visit markets you need to be out of bed early on the weekend. Now I am normally tempted to make it to the market, do some shopping and have breakfast. In reality I make it in time for a late brunch or early lunch. But at least I try. Markets are a great start to any day.

Markets and Sunrises are two reasons to get out of bed early on the weekend
2. Fruit & Vegetable Shopping
I really can't go to a market without picking up some
fruit & veg. Markets are not necessarily cheaper, but they are often fresher. If you are looking for deals, then focus on markets with an emphasis on price such as the
Global Food Village at Woodridge, or turn up at your favourite market near the end when they start selling off bags of fruit and vegetables at discount prices.

Fruit & Vegetables at the Kelvin Grove Village Markets
3. Specialist Foods
There are quite a lot of food you can only easily buy at the markets. This is where you go for fresh organics products, whether it is fruit & vegetables, honey, meat or something else. Most markets have an organics stall or two, but the
Northey Street Organic Markets specialise in this. Certain fruits & vegetables are also only available in the markets rather than your local supermarket. Let's not forget the range of breads, jams, relishes and spice mixes that you would have trouble finding anywhere else.

Shopping at the markets
4. Have a meal
I love eating at markets. My favourite markets close around 12:30 or 1 pm , which gives us enough time for lunch. I really can't visit a market without having a meal. Breakfast is popular, but brunch is often the better option. Let's not forget the few markets that open at night, like the
Eat Street Markets, where you can go to enjoy a meal om the evening.

Enjoying the Asian street food at the Woodridge Global Food Village Markets
5. Shopping
I have always enjoyed
shopping at markets. Even if you are not planning to buy anything it is still fun to browse. There are markets for different types of shoppers. A market such as the Carseldine Markets have a general scattering of local products, while the markets at Eagle Street Pier and South Bank have a lot that is of interest to tourists as well as locals. The Rocklea Sunday Discovery Markets have a lot imported products. Some irregular markets sell mostly
second hand products.

Shopping at the Eagle Pier Sunday Markets
6. Entertainment
Every market now has bands and entertainers. If you are looking for a
fun day out, then markets are always the place to go. Whether you are shopping, eating or just relaxing, you know that you will be entertained. Some markets, such as the
Eagle Farm markets, have lots of kids entertainment as well as musicians for the grown ups. Then markets like the
Eat Street Markets and The
Tivoli have drive-in movies.

Entertainment and food at the Eagle Farm Markets
7. Support local businesses
I know at the
Davies Street Market, the same people who run
Vecchio's Cafe and Fruit Shop in the Glass House Mountains also turn up to sell their freshly grown produce at the markets(best pineapples I have ever tasted.) There is also a Killarney egg farmer who sells his ethically grown eggs at the the Davies Street Market. Then there are numerous locals selling everything from paintings to handcrafts. Going to a market means you are supporting truly local businesses.
The Manly Creative Markets is one of my favourite markets for this.

Local artists selling paintings at the Redcliffe Markets
8. Get out of town
Markets are not just in the city with markets spread out across the countryside in South East Queensland. It can be worthwhile making the trip just for the market. While most country markets do only pop up once a month and require some planning, there are regular markets in towns such as
Maleny and Eumundi. There are also regular
coastal markets at
Surfers Paradise,
Noosa,
Redcliffe and many other places.

The Maleny Sunday Markets is just one of many reasons to visit Maleny
9. Go somewhere beautiful
Shopping malls and shopping streets tend to be fairly dull places. Markets can be set in parks like the
Manly Creative Markets, in historic locations like the
Eagle Farm Markets, by farms like the
Northey Street City Farm or by the sea, like the
Redcliffe Markets. Visiting a market is often a pleasant day outdoors.

The Northey Street City Farm Markets is in a beautiful spots surrounded by farms
10. The start of something more
There are many markets that are
worth the trip. Often a market is part of a bigger day. The markets in
Redcliffe or
Manly will get us there, but the
coastal walk will mean that we stay. Meanwhile the twilight and evening markets at
Maroochydore,
Mooloolaba and
Surfers Paradise can be the end of a great day on the coast or the start of a fun night out.

Surfers Paradise Beach Front Markets