The market that drew thousands is getting a night-time spin

After drawing thousands of visitors into central Geelong on Saturdays, the team behind the Geelong City Market is taking the concept after dark with the launch of a winter night market in Little Malop Street.

The inaugural Geelong City Night Market will launch on 19 June as the opening event of this year’s Tastes of Greater Geelong festival.

Created by celebrity chef Simon Toohey and event specialist Kieran Blood, the market will feature local restaurants, food producers, live music and roaming performers.

It aims to support local hospitality businesses while encouraging more people to spend time in the CBD, particularly during the traditionally quieter winter period.

The expansion follows the success of the weekly Saturday Geelong City Market, which has quickly established itself as a drawcard for central Geelong.

Survey data collected during the market’s first months found 75 per cent of visitors travelled to the city specifically for the market, while 59 per cent also spent money at nearby businesses.

Economic modelling released by the City of Greater Geelong last month estimated the market had contributed $3.1 million to the local economy between its October 2025 launch and January this year.

More than 20 local food businesses are expected to take part in the night market, serving street-food-style dishes alongside local wines, spirits and desserts.

“We’re thrilled by the number of stalls joining the market, especially as many of these businesses have never taken part in a market before,” Toohey said.

“These are much-loved local restaurants, so visitors can enjoy both the food and the venues they already know and love.

“We wanted to create something vibrant, energetic and memorable that showcases the incredible restaurants, chefs and food businesses across our region.”

Visitors will be able to sample dishes from some of the region’s best-known eateries, including Alma’s empanadas, tacos from MexiCams, rotisserie chicken from 1915, steaming bowls of pho from Pholklore and woodfired pizzas from Austin Ambrosia.

“There’s something pretty special about wandering through Little Malop Street on a cold winter night with live music playing, fire cooking happening in front of you, a hot drink in hand and amazing food everywhere you turn,” Toohey said.

“This is about bringing people together and reminding everyone just how incredible Geelong’s food scene really is.”

Blood said the night market would help build on the momentum already generated in Little Malop Street.

“This is about the revitalisation of Little Malop Street and continuing to build a positive and welcoming environment in Geelong,” Blood said.

“We want people out in the city during winter. We want families, young people, older generations and visitors all coming together and enjoying themselves in a safe and vibrant atmosphere.

“We see this done incredibly well in Hobart with their weekend markets and night food markets, and the success there speaks for itself. So why not here? Geelong has the food, the talent, the community and the passion to create something really special.”

The Geelong City Night Market will launch the Tastes of Greater Geelong festival on 19 June between 4–9pm.