Inner West Night Markets

Marrickville does food better than almost anywhere in Sydney, and once a month Fraser Park gives it a night market to prove the point. First Friday, from five in the evening, and the crowd arrives straight from work and stays.

Eat first, browse second

Food leads: momos, wood-fired pizza, South American barbecue and baked goods have all been regulars, which is roughly the demographic map of the suburb rendered in dinner. Around it sit vintage goods, clothing, jewellery, records and fresh produce, plus live music and dance through the evening. Records and vintage do particularly well at a night market, where browsing under lights is half the appeal and nobody is trying to carry a box of vegetables home on the train.

Fraser Park is open ground with room for a stage, and the walk from Sydenham station is short enough that most people do not bother with a car, which is the single biggest thing separating a good night market from a frustrating one.

Good to know before you go

Take the train. Sydenham station is a short walk and parking around Marrickville Road on a Friday evening is not worth the effort. Come hungry and come before seven if you would rather not queue. Bring a jacket in winter, because Fraser Park is open and the temperature drops once the sun does. Cash is worth carrying as a backup, though most food stalls take cards.