The street markets of Europe meet the heritage, history and culture of the South Eveleigh precinct this winter with the launch of Loco Markets, a fresh excuse for Sydneysiders to brave the winter chill and get out of the house. Over six weeks, the markets will take on a different immersive theme each weekend, with a unique program of local food and drink vendors, retailers, music and family-friendly activities like workshops and blacksmith demonstrations – no two weekends will be the same. Plus, jazz musician and producer Stu Hunter has curated a distinctive music program to suit each week’s theme.

It all kicked off in June with the theme of artisan design, followed by a produce and wellness market. Coming up from July 3 to 6 is the design and sustainability market, with stalls offering slow fashion, botanical beauty and ethical homewares from makers like Mooody Lemon, The Honey Thief and Pachamama Remedies. Along Locomotive Street, musicians such as singer-songwriter Vanessa Jade and DJ David Rodriguez will keep spirits high.

From July 6 to 13, in tandem with Naidoc Week, a special market will be curated in collaboration with First Nations creative agency Awesome Black and Indigenous-owned retail platform Trading Blak to celebrate the culture – past, present and future – of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It’ll host a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony on July 8, as well as ambient music residencies from Indigenous artists including Eric Avery, Dobby and Salllvage, plus First Nations-led lunchtime dance clubs and workshops. Come the weekend, visitors can shop from Aboriginal-owned businesses such as Ngurrbul Clothing, activewear brand Jarin Street, native food supplier Indigiearth and Balgarra Designs, which spotlights Aboriginal artists.

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Christmas in July takes over the final two weekends with a winter wonderland of gingerbread decoration, snow-globe making, trackless train rides and Christmas tunes from session duo Carmel Mesiti and mariachi band the Victor Valdes Group. Prep early for Christmas, or give yourself a winter treat, with condiments from Condimental and Drunken Sailor Canning Co, handcrafted jewellery from Studio Evo and anime-inspired ceramics from Koki Craft.

The events take place across a vibrant hub of container-style street markets. Visitors can take part in heritage tours of the former railway precinct, including visits to its working forge and industrial museum. South Eveleigh’s food and drink retailers, including Brewdog, Sana and Anita Gelato, are all on hand to provide post-shopping and entertainment treats.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with South Eveleigh Precinct. Get more details about the Loco Markets online and plan your visit.