Need to find a special gift for Mother’s Day, a cool present for a friend’s birthday, or some retail therapy for yourself? Lucy Egan has got you covered.

As the weather grows cooler and restrictions ease, where is the best place to spend and save money, score some great pieces, support local businesses and have fun with your friends? Markets are always a great option and here in Newcastle they are thriving! Here is a non-exhaustive list of some of what’s on over the coming month.

First up is the Pelican Foreshore Markets on Saturday the first of May, located at Lakeview Parade, Pelican from 9am-1pm. According to their Facebook page, it is a collection of “Growers, Producers and Artisans, with over 100 stalls.” It is a reoccurring market, on the first Saturday of every month.

Olive Tree Market is also on the first, at Civic Park from 9am-2pm. They are described as “Newcastle’s Premier Art and Design Market” and showcases “over 130 of the best emerging and established artists, designers, makers, gourmet artisan food producers and delicious street food purveyors.” Live music is also a regular feature. They are also reoccurring, with markets scheduled for the first Saturday of every month. Olive Tree also have a virtual market, if you are unable to make it in person.

Artist and student Rhianna Callagher with her stall and brand. Image by Rhianna Callagher

Next up, the Homegrown Markets have their event at Speers Point Park on Sunday May 16 from 10am-2pm. University of Newcastle student and stallholder, Rhianna Callagher says what makes Homegrown unique is: “The beautiful atmosphere…and the promotion of homemade, eco-focused local businesses.” It also features food stalls and live music. They also have another upcoming market in Hunter Valley Wine Country, at Bimbadgen Estate on May 30, so grab some friends and make a day out of it!

And for the Central Coast students, Long Jetty Market is on Saturday May 29, from 9am-2pm at Long Jetty Foreshore. With 120+ stalls, Long Jetty focus on “arts, craft, fashion and live music.”

Finally, there are regular market dates for reoccurring markets in Newcastle. Adamstown Markets, run by the Lions Club Adamstown, are a regular fixture on the marketgoer’s schedule, happening every Sunday from 7am to midday. Stallholders sell an affordable and eclectic range of plants, second-hand clothing, home wares and collectables, as well as food and art.

The Newcastle City Farmer’s Market is also definitely worth checking out, held every Sunday morning of the month from 7am-1pm, rain, hail or shine. Lake Macquarie Farmer’s Market is at Speers Point Park from 7:30am-1pm every second and fourth Sunday.

For those on the Central Coast, there is a weekly Farmer’s Market at Gosford Showground on a Sunday from 7:30am-1pm. With a diverse range of stallholders, selling homegrown and local produce, products and gifts this market is one to go to support farmers, artisans and local businesses, as well as score some delicious food! Pull some friends together and have brunch, all whilst browsing the selection the Farmer’s market has to offer!

With this smorgasbord of markets, there should be something for everyone to get out and about with. Treat yourself this May and feel good about supporting a range of causes, businesses and dreams.

Feature image by Kevin Ross Eade, Director of NSW Farmers Market Pty Ltd, Image cropped