Twilight

Italian Forum Twilight Market – A Celebration of Culture, Community & Cuisine Nestled in the heart of Leichhardt, the Italian Forum Twilight Market brings the spirit of Europe’s lively piazzas to Sydney’s Inner West. As the sun sets, Norton Street comes alive with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, transforming the iconic Italian Forum into a vibrant evening marketplace filled with colour, culture, and connection. Launching on Saturday, 9th August, and running every Saturday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, this weekly event promises to be a true celebration of community life. The Italian Forum Twilight Market is designed to blend the best of a traditional marketplace with the charm of a European night market. Imagine strolling through paved paths lined with twinkling lights, exploring an eclectic range of stalls showcasing gourmet food, artisan creations, fresh local produce, and unique handmade goods. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a slice of authentic Italian pizza, sample freshly-made pasta, pick up handcrafted homewares, or enjoy a glass of wine as live music fills the air, this market offers something for everyone. Art, Music & Entertainment The Italian Forum Twilight Market isn’t just about shopping and dining – it’s an experience for all the senses. Live acoustic performances, roving musicians, and cultural entertainment add to the piazza-like ambience. Supporting Local & Small Business The market is committed to celebrating local talent and entrepreneurship. Each stall is handpicked to ensure a diverse mix of high-quality products, including artisanal goods, handmade crafts, jewelry, boutique fashion, fresh flowers, and unique home décor. It’s the perfect place to discover something new and support small, independent makers and producers. A Community Gathering Place The Italian Forum has always been a cultural landmark, and this market aims to revitalise it as a hub for community connection. Whether you’re coming with family, catching up with friends, or looking for a date-night idea, the market offers a warm and inviting space where locals and visitors alike can gather, relax, and create memories. Event Details Opening Date: Saturday, 9th August When: Every Saturday, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM Where: Italian Forum, 23 Norton Street, Leichhardt With its combination of delicious food, live entertainment, and unique shopping opportunities, the Italian Forum Twilight Market promises to be the go-to weekend destination in Sydney’s Inner West. It’s more than just a market – it’s an evening of culture, discovery, and connection, all set in a charming open-air piazza.

As evening falls over Sydney, the once-quiet streets around Belmore Park transform into a dazzling tapestry of light, colour and energy. Fairy‑lit trees create softly glowing canopies above a lively scene where food stalls, artisan vendors and pop‑up bars set up shop beneath the city skyline. A hum of chatter and laughter fills the air, punctuated by sizzling woks, fragrant spice‑laden smoke and the call of vendors hawking unique handcrafted goods. Food & Drink The heart of the market is its street food—an eclectic smorgasbord drawing from across Asia and beyond. Expect spicy satay skewers, delicate dumplings, rich bao buns, sizzling teppanyaki noodles, refreshing bubble tea, and indulgent desserts like black sesame treats and mango sticky rice. Local and international producers often feature in rotating menus alongside community vendors. Interwoven among the food are quirky wine bars and pop‑up beverage stalls. Shopping & Crafts Beyond the food, the market offers a vibrant showcase of small‑batch fashion, handmade jewellery, artisan accessories and novelty souvenirs. The blend of design stalls and vintage finds gives the market a creative, cultural edge. Wandering through, you’ll find lantern-lit alleyways, neon stall signage, and handwritten chalkboards displaying menu specials—perfect for late-night photography. Atmosphere & Entertainment Every element of the space is designed to captivate: twinkling fairy lights, glowing lanterns, live music from buskers or small acoustic acts, and even performance art on occasion. The soundscape is vibrant—clinking glasses, steaming woks, and soft music create a warm, buzz‑filled energy that lasts well into the night. When & Where This is a seasonal highlight often held during Spring, typically from early September through late November, every Friday night starting around 5 pm until about 9:30 pm. Admission is free Set in Belmore Park on Hay Street (in the heart of Chinatown and Haymarket) Why It Stands Out A blend of street-style chaos and curated charm. It’s informal yet polished, bustling yet intimate. The walkability of the Chinatown precinct ensures you can wander seamlessly from food to shops, from dessert stalls to wine corners—all while soaking in the city vibe. Tips for Navigating the Market Bring cash, as not all vendors accept cards. Travel light: the market is pedestrian-only on Dixon Street, making it a strollable event. Nearby public transport options (Central, Town Hall, Chinatown) Sample Experience Stroll under lantern-lit trees, sample smoky char siu from one stall then opt for sweet pandan cake at another. Discover handcrafted leather bags or a quirky necklace while DJs spin chill beats nearby. Wind down with a craft beer or wine, glass in hand, sharing bites and stories with friends. The lights fade only when the vendors pack up, leaving you with lingering aromas, full stomachs, and the buzzing memory of a perfect Sydney night under the stars.