I have a bit of a bone to pick the Finders Keepers Markets. WHY ARE THEY ONLY BIANNUAL? It's such a…read moretease! They move into the Old Museum twice a year, flaunt their gorgeous bits and pieces in our faces and then choof off until 6 months later. It's not fair. But I will forgive them. And no doubt I will spend all my pay at the next markets they bring up to our fine city. I've been lucky enough to go to these markets 3 times, the first time was the first market they've held in Brisbane. It's amazing how much the word has spread! This market is specifically for Australian made arts and crafts and I can't even cope with the overflow of gorgeous that Finders Keepers has to offer. Handmade jewelry and clothing, home wares, leather goods, stationery, art prints and more! The reason I keep coming back (despite the crowds) is not just to peruse the clever creators and the fun things they sell, it's because you can make a whole day out of it. The lawn at the back of the Old Museum gets filled with delicious food stalls, and local bands provide the entertainment when you need a reprieve from the stall-madness! I would definitely suggest preparing your wallet for the blow it may receive, because so much of the stock is hard to say no to. If you're organised enough, save your pennies and do your Christmas shopping at Finders Keepers. The Winter market is usually held around June/July and the Summer market in October/November.

Finders Keepers is like a fairy land for the arty and crafty. There's pom poms, bunting, jewellery,…read moreclothes, linen, books, stationary... anything a hipster/ nerd/ fashonista could need. It's a really good way to get some inspiration, pick up some unique gifts and meet some of our very talented Australian artists. Some of my favourite stalls included one that made bed linen that turned your bed into a block of chocolate, the Frankie stall (fairy floss and vintage pillow cases, hello), Pannikin (the cutest but not too girly accessories on earth) and Paper Boat Press. It's worth visiting the Finders Keepers website and looking up the stall-holders etsy shops to see the awesome stuff that was on display. If you make it in person next year, my top tips are to bring lots of cash (there is an ATM but the line and the fees are stupid high) and be prepared to take a while. There is lots to see and lots of people to try and see around.

The Collective Markets are touted as "the place" to find the perfect souvenir. I disagree. Not…read moremany handmade items. Lots of dresses and items purchased from South Asia --fast fashion. I bought nothing and had looked through every booth in 40 minutes. The location is superb. Gorgeous Southbank with nice ferry stops make it an easy place to access from other areas of the city. Markets are only held on certain weekends so check the calendar. If you miss it, no big deal because the same stuff is in several stores.

I love these markets, especially at night with all the glittery lights on the stalls. It's so nice…read moreto be able to walk around south bank and then wander through these markets at a leisurely pace. They have all your usual market stalls here, from knick knacks to food, art to iced tea. Plus you can't go wrong with a Choc centered banana for the kids or kid at heart. The fact that they are located in between all the shops is a plus for me because you can meander from shop to stall and back again. Some stalls are a little pricey compared to other markets so keep that in mind.

Best Popcorn Around, the Salted Caramel is Amazing!! Great customer service and free samples of all…read morethe flavours. Oh they are all gluten free too!!

NightQuarter is a Shipping Container City, open only on Friday or Saturday night from 4pm till…read more10pm. Entry is $3, free if you are under 12 years old. Over 120 specialty shops, lots of food stalls , live music also a playground for the children

Starts at 4pm Live Music - major variety of food - Aussie,…read moreThai, Korean BBQ, Hungarian, Tibetan, Malay, Belgian Waffles- if you can think of it it's there. $2 per adult to enter It is just plain great. Great place for friends and also for family. Daughter had a birthday get together here for teen friends and had great fun - food, drink and entertainment - band was good. Luv it!!

From the owner: Fresh produce & hidden gems open very Sunday 6am-12pm…read moreParking is free. Market entry $2, children under 16 free. Sorry, no pets.

It's pretty much just awesome to have something like this in Ipswich! My husband and I have been…read moreregular visitors to the Oz Night Market since it opened a few months ago. There's always something different to try. It's basically a mini-me of Eat Street but without the trendy festoon light type of atmosphere and with more sufficient parking given the usual amount of attendees. You can pretty much always get a seat to eat your meal, and you don't have to shuffle everywhere. Mind you, I still love Eat Street despite its overpopulation :) There's jumping castle type play things for children and every week there is a different live musician/band/group playing. $1 entry - kids are free I'm fairly sure. The market staff are friendly and the guys who keep the tables clean are super efficient. Go and check it out on Saturdays from 5:30pm til 10pm. Best to get in early! :)

I've been a regular at Oz Night Markets since it opened. It's certainly no Eat Street Market, but…read morefor Ipswich (and surrounding areas), it is by far the best food market. And slowly but surely, more and more craft stalls are opening up too, which is making Oz Night Market quite a well rounded market. The stalls change from week to week, although there are several regular stalls that are there most weeks. Vietnamese, Indian, Churros, ice cream, German hot dogs, there's quite a bit of variety depending on what you feel like eating. The markets are good for kids too, with a clown that makes animals with balloons, fairy floss and also usually an inflatable playground for them to play in. There's ample parking so that's never an issue, and because it's held in the covered carpark of Booval Fair, the rain never affects the markets either. There's usually also some form of entertainment, be it a musician or a dance troupe, or something else. $1 entry fee - check it out, I doubt you'd be disappointed :)