Little Burley Market returns in time for spring (and it's sticking around for good!)

This year’s the last winter without the Little Burley Market – it’s going to be here all year! Photo: The Little Burley Market.

The Little Burley Market is returning to the shores of Lake Burley Griffin this Saturday, 2 September, and it’s sticking around all year.

Visitors to the foodies and makers market will be greeted by more than 50 stallholders and an entertainment line-up celebrating the end of the market’s winter-time hiatus.

“We’ve got some of the old favourite, gorgeous stallholders returning, and we’ve got a whole bunch of newbies, which is really exciting,” Local Village Markets director Alexandra Webb explains.

“They’re all locally made, handcrafted goods and foods, so you’re supporting those locals and it’s going directly to them, which is a really nice feeling when you do your shopping or eat your food.”

The Little Burley Market takes its name from its scenic lakeside venue. Photos: The Little Burley Market.

Photo: The Little Burley Market.

In the food category, expect Viennese spaetzle (a type of egg noodle) from Little Vienna, gluten-free sweet treats by local pastry chef Kotesh Khandala of W Patisserie and Italian pizza courtesy of Five Passions.

There’ll also be a selection of take-home food items from the likes of Deda’s Smokehouse (“one of my old favourites. They do incredibly smoked meats,” Alexandra recommends) and olives and dips by Luscious Dips. In the way of arts and homewares, there are handmade upcycled products (Upcycled by Trish), macrame and wall hangings (It’s all about Thyme), and Nepalese felt products from KarmaKat Emporium.

Plus, you’ll find an array of other stalls selling more multicultural eats, hot beverages, fresh produce, flowers, art, jewellery, fashion, photography, artisan pottery and more homewares.

“And then, of course, lots of dog stalls for all the furry friends that come along,” Alexandra adds.

“It’s really nice after you’ve had a walk to treat them, too.”

The weekly market will begin at 8 am – an hour earlier than usual with this Saturday’s entertainment starting at the same time with live music from local 16-year-old artist Jett Blyton and free children’s arts and crafts. These will be followed by face painting (9 am to 1 pm), more live music from local jazz band Get Fake (10:30 am to 1 pm) and Samba dancing with Rio Samba (from 11:30 am).

Aside from the extended hours, Alexandra has more good news for those forced to endure a Little Burley Market-less winter this year.

“Due to the location and having La Niña the year before … we decided it would be a better option to shut up for the winter and then relaunch in time for spring and Floriade,” she says.

“However, now that we’ve seen this gorgeous winter just past, we will run it all the way through next year.”

While the market’s outdoor lakeside location places it at the weather’s mercy, Alexandra says it also provides a unique experience compared to Canberra’s other local markets.

“The Little Burley Market is quite different. It’s in an absolutely beautiful spot. It’s one of my favourite spots in Canberra,” she says.

“You can grab some breakfast or lunch and sit there and chill. The vibe you get down there is so relaxing and calming because it’s next to the water.”

The Little Burley Market is held weekly from Saturday, 2 September, from 8 am to 1 pm, on Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Lake Burley Griffin. To find out more, visit the The Little Burley Market’s website.

Original Article published by Travis Radford on Riotact.