20 Must Dos at the Old Bus Depot Markets

Posted on 13 September, 2014

Hip Hip Hooray! Canberra’s most iconic markets, the Old Bus Depot Markets, will blow out the candles and celebrate 20 years in the nation’s capital this Sunday and you’re invited to join in!

Managed by Directors Diane Hinds and Morna Whiting since its inception in 1994, the pair pull together over 200 stallholders and staff to deliver a high quality Market on almost every Sunday of the year. This Sunday will be no different, except for the celebrations of course! Head along for a vibrant, fun and happy day of celebrations at the very Market that Canberra has come to know and love since 1994.

Some of the Markets’ talented cooks are putting their creative baking skills to the test tomorrow, with a macaron tower, delicious cakes, profiterole tower, handmade chocolates and sorbets on display in the ‘Birthday Hub’. Make sure you stop by and pick out your favourite – because at 2pm they’re inviting you to join them to blow out the candles and have a slice, piece, scoop or sample. There will also be free balloons for the kids, so don’t miss out on all the fun!

To kick off the birthday celebrations, we’ve got a list of 20 quintessential must dos for you to experience at the Markets this Sunday.

1. Start your visit with a freshly squeezed orange juice or hot mulled wine.
2. Grab a table and a coffee and settle in for some people watching.
3. Try on a hand knitted designer wool jumper.
4. Choose a new artwork to decorate your home.
5. Take in the sounds of an Annie Story sculptural water fountain.
6. Find your personal style in the large offering of uniquely designed handbags.
7. Enjoy the sweet sounds of the musicians performing live throughout the day.
8. Choose your favourite shape and aroma of a scented candle to grace your home.
9. Ride your bike and stop for sustenance at the Old Bus Depot Markets.
10. Pick up the perfect gourmet gift on your way to Sunday lunch.
11. Put together a tasty picnic from the array of goodies in the food area.
12. Stop for the best cut flowers and posies in Canberra on a Sunday.
13. Visit your favourite food stall and sit in the sun over lunch.
14. Buy lustrous pearls for your new squeeze.
15. Sample the region’s best olive oils.
16. Introduce your interstate visitors to the true characters of Canberra.
17. Get your sweet tooth fix at the cupcake stall.
18. Deck out the kids in a fun new outfit.
19. Decide on which glamourous Venetian mask to wear to the ball.
20. Pause and drink in the atmosphere of Canberra’s Sunday best.

We’ve also added in a few favourites from the HerCanberra editorial team too…

Amanda

The Rule of Three, when it comes to writing, suggests that things that come in threes are inherently funnier, more satisfying and overall more effective..Amanda’s top three things to do at the Old Bus Depot Markets are no different…In fact I think they’re kinda fun.

1. Be sure to sample the gourmet goodies and take some home for yourself. “I love the vast array of food on offer..I can never leave without the Dream Cuisine macarons, a few ready meals from Dinner Rush, and fresh bread. If Fruigii is there, that’s also on my list.”
2. Discover a stallholder’s story, and why they love what they do. “I love meeting the craftspeople and talking to them about how they got started.”
3. People watch. “I love watching people like Anthea from Real Chai getting their start at OBDM, build a following and continue on to make a successful business. And STILL come to the markets!”

Jessica

1. Take the outdoors in. “I love to collect up new plants and succulents for home. And the find the Bonsai man when he’s there.”
2. Sweet treats for a sweet tooth. “I’ve always been a big fan of Heather’s House of Cakes. I’ve know Heather since before she opened the oven door and absolutely love her cupcakes. Perfect for a spot of afternoon tea.”
3. Pamper your pooch. “For me the markets isn’t just about shopping for myself. I love going home with a healthy, homemade treat for my furry four legged friend, Chica, too.”

So when you next visit the OBDM, (whether this Sunday, next weekend or next month), don’t forget your pocketful of change, your green bags and of course the opportunity to experience the markets in a whole new way…

The essentials

What: Old Bus Depot Markets 20th Birthday Celebration
Where: 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston
When: 10am-4pm, Sunday 14 September 2014
How much: Free
Web: www.obdm.com.au