The People's Market and Workshops

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Posted 2013-01-19 by Gen Wilson ⇒ follow

Stanley Street in Collingwood is one of those streets you pass when you're on your way to something else. Factory outlets line Smith Street at one end and the other end is very close to Hoddle Street, which is one of the busiest roads in Melbourne. However, I'm here to tell you that Stanley Street is no longer a street you pass or use as a thoroughfare. The People's Market is a space which needs to be explored. The captivating eyes of the woman in the street art mural above the market beckon you to visit. Inside you'll not only find market stalls but art, delicious food and drinks, a workshop space and pop up retail shops. Not all parts of the market are open at the same time but you'll find at least one area open if you visit from Thursday through to Sunday from 10am until 8.30pm or later depending on the crowds. For more specific information about which parts are open when click here .

As you enter the market you can smell the coffee brewing at the Wild Horse Cafe which specialises in both hot and cold beverages. What's exciting about this market is that it's not the same food served up day after day. Food vendors rotate depending on the time and day. Keep an eye out for La Petite Creperie and the Ghost Kitchen . On the day I visited the temperature peaked at 40 degrees so the ice-cream and sorbet menu at the Ice Cream and Soda Shoppe was of particular interest and didn't disappoint.

The shaded 'beer garden area' at the back of the market comes complete with fake grass. Peachy Hour is held every Thursday and Friday between 5pm and 7pm and includes $3 pots. If sweet and sickly is more your thing $30 cocktail jugs are also available.

Enough about food and drink I hear you say, what can I buy at the market? This is where things get really interesting and perhaps even a little confusing. Pop Up Retail Containers are open between 10am and 5pm from Thursday until Sunday. You can click here to see whose selling what. The Saturday Side Market is open on Saturdays from 10am until 4pm. Entry is a gold coin donation, half of which goes to charity. Each Saturday there is a different range of stalls depending on the theme. Upcoming markets include Jewellery and Accessories on Saturday the 19th of January and Australian Made on Saturday the 26th of January.

COMAs otherwise known as Containers of Modern Art are functional, adaptable shipping containers which house art and live music at the site. You can check the website or facebook page for more information about events coming up. The COMAs are open from 12pm until close from Thursday through to Sunday.

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If you've ever wanted to know how to make Spanish Tapas or be an urban beekeeper The People's Market has the solution. One off workshops are run on site by Laneway Learning . You can find out more about the workshops by clicking here .