The Twilight Markets Are Back, and We Are Ready For It
Caloundra's twilight markets return this September. Currimundi Lake on 18 September, Bulcock Beach on 25 September. Here's what to eat and when to arrive.
There is a moment in September when Caloundra remembers what it is good at. The evenings get longer, people start eating outside again, and the twilight markets come back.
Both return this month. Currimundi Lake Twilight on Friday 18 September, 4pm to 8pm. Caloundra Twilight at Bulcock Beach on Friday 25 September, 5pm to 9pm. Free entry to both.
Currimundi is the one you eat at
Twenty or so food stalls along the edge of the lake, a picnic blanket, and the sun going down behind the water. Greek, Italian, fresh tacos, and whoever else has pulled in that month. It is less a shopping market than an outdoor dinner that happens to have stalls attached.
The best way to do it is to arrive around 5pm, walk the full length before you commit to anything, then eat while the light changes. Locals walk and ride in from the surrounding streets, which tells you most of what you need to know about the atmosphere.
Worth knowing: the market is licensed, so leave the BYO at home. And there is no extra event lighting by design, which keeps the turtles nesting around the lake undisturbed and makes the whole thing feel softer than it otherwise would.
Bulcock Beach is the one you make a night of
Over 70 stalls stretched along The Esplanade, more than 20 food trucks, live music, and the sun setting over the Pumicestone Passage while you eat. It is the biggest of the twilight markets and the most reliably social.
Come hungry and browse afterwards. If the food truck queues are deep, Bunker, Drift Bar and Greedy Gringo are all trading through the market, so you have options either way. There are kids’ activities running as well, which makes it an easy family Friday rather than a logistical negotiation.
The short version
Currimundi Lake Twilight — Westaway Parade, Currimundi. Third Friday monthly, 4pm to 8pm. Back on Friday 18 September.
Caloundra Twilight — The Esplanade, Bulcock Beach. Last Friday monthly, 5pm to 9pm. Back on Friday 25 September.
Park early at both, especially Bulcock Beach. And if you live near Currimundi (lucky you), it’s best to walk.
Full details and stallholder lists are on the Caloundra Markets website.
