Weather warms up and local markets come out to play

With the current wave of warmer weather and daylight savings kicking in on Sunday, October is going to be a fantastic time for getting out and about across Moorabool.

And as if on cue, this month has outdoor markets galore across our region, the perfect destination for a country drive.

This month sees the return of the annual Lal Lal Market, held in the warm and ​welcoming township of Lal Lal on the last Sunday of each October since 2013.

It’s a celebration of local produce, crafts and delicious food, with a variety of indoor and outdoor stalls, a car boot sale, lively entertainment for all ​ages and some wonderful community spirit on show. Catch it from 9am – 1pm, Sunday 27 October.

Our region is also blessed to have a slew of regular markets happening fortnightly or monthly throughout the year.

The long-running and popular Darley Market, offers regional and local produce, home-made and a great selection of vintage and preloved items.

You’ll find it at Darley Park Reserve, happening this month from 9am – 2pm, Saturdays 5 and  19 October.

The smaller and more boutique-style Ballan Famer’s Market is always a hit with city visitors, offering regional and local produce and things with a home-made, home-grown feel.

Find it on Saturday 12 October, 9am – 1pm, in front of St Paul’s Uniting Church in Ballan’s main street.

Also happening in Ballan, the Ballan Lions Community Market is held on the first Saturday of each month - with stalls lining the length of the shopping district in the main street. 

Expect to see a huge array of local crafts and secondhand goods, fresh produce – everything from fleamarket to supermarket.

Back to Bacchus Marsh, and the popular Creative Kids Mini Market is happening on Saturday 19th at the Big Apple Cafe out on the Avenue of Honour.

Showcasing handcrafted items created by local youth entrepreneurs, the market offers the opportunity to enjoy delicious Turkish food courtesy of the cafe, while enjoying live local entertainment by the outdoor fire. And there’s an activities table available all day to keep the little ones occupied.

And finally, we have a mid week option: Bacchus Marsh’s Village shopping centre has a Maker’s Market, bringing together stalls by local artisans, makers and crafters offering unique handcrafted candles and jewellery, homewares, apparel and more. This monthly pop-up market takes place this month on Thursday 17 October, 9am – 3pm. 

Find out more about these and other markets on our events page