From May to December, every third Friday night the
Townsville Rotary Markets puts on the Riverway Moonlight Market at Pioneer Park. In a happy coincidence, the
Townsville City Council presents the Riverway Lagoon Movie Nights. A match made in heaven.
Riverway Moonlight Marketshttps://www.facebook.com/rotarymarkets
The Riverway Precinct offers a cool and relaxing spot to enjoy North Queensland's balmy tropical winter evenings (and spring, summer and autumn nights too!). With the aquamarine hue of the blue lagoons lit up against twinkling fairy lights, and the aroma of different cuisines simmering away, the Riverway Moonlight Market is a perfect Friday night choice for couples, families, and singles looking for entertainment, food, and unique market shopping.
Nestled in amongst the lush grounds of the precinct and the blue lagoons, you will find cheerful stalls, and food vendors with a mouth-watering array of cuisines on offer. Dinner, dessert or snacks are covered with Mexican-style crepes, Greek delicacies, fish and chips, burgers, pies, Thai curries, Northern Chinese fare, Spanish Churros and a range of organic, gluten-free and vegetarian options.
For those out to shop, the markets host a range of stalls featuring homemade goodies. You will find clothes, candles, soaps, home wares and gift ideas. Jams and preserves are lovingly made, as well as jewelry, baby items, arts and crafts, and home-baked treats.
Riverway Moonlight Markets
You can expect lots of atmosphere at the markets with live music provided, buskers, friendly stalls, and an ample chill-out space for eating and simply soaking it all in. The children will be kept busy and in high-spirits with art and craft activities, rides, jumping castles, and of course the lagoons for swimming – if they dare to dip their toes in during the winter nights!
Remember to rug up for the cooler months' as those chilly coastal breezes can be sure to pack an unexpected punch. The kids may still want to have a splash in the pools, but be sure to pack warm clothes for after. There will also be hot bevvies available, or a nice warm meal.
The market runs from 5pm till 9pm. It is best to be early if you want to find a park without problem. However, leaving can be just as tricky with only one entry in and out, and the timing of the traffic lights. Be warned. Alternatively, you can park further afield and walk in.
Upcoming market dates for the remainder of 2015 are:
19 June
17 July
28 Aug
18 Sep
16 Oct
20 Nov
18 Dec
Riverway Lagoon Movie Nights
After a delicious dinner at one of the market stalls, grab a snack, drink or dessert and head over to the Riverway Precinct outdoor cinema.
This new event hosted by the Townsville City Council commenced in January this year and has gained instant popularity. The films shown are all kid-friendly and in the past they have screened Frozen, Rio 2 and Lego.
In the summer time the free movies can be viewed from the lagoon on an inflatable lounge – hence the play on words "Dive-in" cinema. A great way for Townsvillians to cool off and be entertained! For those on the lawn, be sure to bring a picnic rug and cushions to spread out, get snuggly, and enjoy the show. Rug up for the winter screenings as it may be quite nippy.
The next two films for June and July are not animated, but are still family-friendly. Guardians of the Galaxy will be shown in June at the Riverway Oval, and Dirty Dancing in July at the Riverway Ampitheatre. For future listings please visit the Townsville City Council website.
Upcoming screenings:
June 19 at 6:30pm – Guardians of the Galaxy
July 17 at 7pm – Dirty Dancing
