Go Local: Farmers Markets around Byron Bay
You can feel the soul of a place through its local markets – they are the heart of a community and culture. Buying fresh produce and products from local farmers, growers and craftspeople not only supports our personal health but also the wellbeing and longevity of a community.
The good news is the Byron Shire is home to some of the most authentic, quirky and interesting markets in the country. They are a playground of activity and entertainment. Indulge in a relaxing full body massage, or a cup of freshly ground organic coffee. Kids can have their faces painted in the design of their delight. All this, plus you get to see and listen to all the talented musicians who live in the area. Slow down and get to know the people behind the food that you are eating. From locally grown fresh produce to handmade crafts, buskers and live music, here are several local markets to explore…
Alstonville Markets
Forty minutes southwest of Byron Bay is the little town of Alstonville where the markets is held on the second Sunday of every month. Located in the Alstonville Showgrounds, explore and experience the flavors of homegrown and local produce from the region’s backyard.
Bangalow Markets
Held on the fourth Sunday of each month at the Bangalow Showgrounds! What makes the Bangalow Markets a standout are the large leafy trees that shade the stalls and provide respite on hot summer days. Located around fifteen minutes inland from Byron Bay, the Bangalow Markets are possibly the largest market in the area, and rich in local culture, live music, food and entertainment.
Bangalow Farmers Markets
Held every Saturday is the sister of the weekly Byron Bay Farmers Market! Like the township itself, the Bangalow Farmers Markets are small, elegant and boutique. There are around 25 stalls offering fresh local fruit and veggies, flowers, seedlings as well as pasta, cheese and homemade breads – yum!
Brunswick Heads Markets
Located just twenty-minutes north of Byron Bay, the waterside Brunswick Heads Market is held on the first Saturday of each month. Located at Memorial Park along the stunning Brunswick river, this market is set in a quaint location to explore the nearby all the local cafes and shops.
Byron Bay Farmers Markets
Come Thursday and the locals head to the Byron Bay Farmers Market located in the Cavanbah center on Ewingsdale Road. Bring your basket and fill it with delectable offerings including local, organic, certified organic and spray-free fruit and veggies. There’s stalls selling amazing sourdough breads, organic eggs and chickens, grass-fed meats as well as local pasta and cheese.
Byron Bay Community Market
Held on the first Sunday of every month from 8-3pm, this market is situated on Main Beach and attract visitors from far and wide. These markets offer a great break from Byron’s beaches and reveal another side of the town’s quirky community – bring your juggling balls!
Byron Twilight Market
This small night market is held at the Byron Bay Railway Park. There’s music, food, crystals, arts and crafts. Usually on every Saturday evening 4pm-9pm but check the website for other special days.
Lennox Head Markets
Held on the second and fifth Sunday of each month, the Lennox Head Markets are located near Lake Ainsworth at the bottom end of town. An easy twenty minutes south of Byron Bay, the coastal location gives these markets a seaside atmosphere.
Mullumbimby Farmers Markets
Every Friday, locals from far and wide head to the Mullum Showgrounds from 7-11am to shop, meet and mingle. In our opinion, this is a fabulous market full of spirit and good vibes. There’s always a live musician adding some soul to the overall experience. With stalls offering fermented foods, organic tempeh and miso, rainforest and native bush-tucker foods, the Mullumbimby Farmers Market is one of the best.
Mullumbimby Markets
These Mullumbimby Markets held on the third Saturday of every month showcase local artisans, arts and crafts, clothes, food and music. They take place at the end of Stuart Street overlooking the Richmond River – a great market for catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.
Nimbin Markets
The Nimbin Markets are on the third and fifth Sunday of each month. The township of Nimbin is said to the best second most popular visited town in NSW) and is located just over an hour west of Byron Bay. The Nimbin Markets are held at the Nimbin Community Centre is a lovely large clearing surrounded by trees that show off the natural beauty of the area.
The Channon Craft Market
Established back in 1976, these ‘Make it, Bake it, Grow it’ markets are iconic and a must-visit for anyone new to the region or visiting from out of town. They are held at Coronation Park on the second Sunday of every month.. There are over 200 stalls offering artisanal goods, products, local pottery, olive soaps, and wares and more. With great live music, food, conversation and culture, The Channon Market is a full day fun outing.
Uki Markets
The third Sunday of each month, the Uki Markets are held at the Uki Village Buttery located next to a river under the shade of native forest tress. You reach here through a lovely hour’s drive through spectacular mountain scenery from Byron Bay. The Uki Markets offer the best of the town’s offerings including culture, including indigenous dances and the locally famous Perch Creek Jug Band.
The environmental benefits of shopping at markets is so inspiring. Buying fresh produce and products from local farmers, growers and craftspeople supports both our personal health and the wellbeing of the community. With most products at local markets sourced within a 100k radius, food miles are reduced that in turn reduces pollution from air and road transport, greenhouse gas emissions as well as minimizes unnecessary waste – what’s not to love about that!
