Davies Park Archives - West End Today

West End Twilight Market to Light Up Davies Park

The West End Solstice Twilight Market is set to transform Davies Park into a six-hour winter celebration, with more than 150 stalls, live fire performances, roving entertainers and a pop-up bar taking over the riverside precinct.

The free event runs from 4pm to 10pm on 19 June at the corner of Montague Road and Jane Street. Registering for a free ticket also enters visitors into a draw for a gourmet market hamper.

The annual event has become one of the most anticipated nights on West End’s community calendar, bringing a different energy to the park that serves as the backdrop for the weekly Saturday morning markets. Same location, same community roots, different mood entirely.

How Davies Park transforms after sunset

The Camali Band headlines the live music program, setting the tone as the light drops and the temperature follows. Roving performers work the crowd throughout the evening: fire performers, the Fire Fairy, Japanese Drummers, face painters, the Bubble Magic Man and a live glass blowing demonstration that tends to draw its own audience once it gets going.

Bonfires are positioned across the park to gather around. The pop-up bar serves craft beer and Glühwein, the warm spiced wine that has become a fixture of the event over its years at Davies Park.

The park’s canopy of Moreton Bay figs, which frame the Saturday morning market in shade, takes on a completely different character with fire and low winter light underneath them.

The food

Over 150 stalls covers everything from fresh artisan finds to gourmet street food built for a winter night. Wagyu Blacks, Get to Bird and Barbie on Charcoal are among the food vendors confirmed for the evening, covering the heavier and more satisfying end of the market food spectrum.

The broader stall mix covers handmade and artisan goods alongside the food, with the scale of the event giving it more range than a typical Friday night market.

A market with decades behind it

Davies Park has been home to a beloved weekly market for decades, with the West End Markets now operating under Goodwill Projects, running every Saturday from 6am to 2pm beneath a canopy of Moreton Bay figs along the Brisbane River.

The winter solstice event sits outside that regular schedule as an annual occasion, and its community following reflects how embedded the market culture is in West End’s identity.

The Winter Solstice Twilight Market has run each June, taking advantage of the suburb’s capacity to turn an outdoor space into something genuinely festive when the occasion calls for it.

The West End Solstice Twilight Market runs next Friday, 19 June from 4pm to 10pm at the corner of Montague Road and Jane Street, West End. Free entry. RSVP via the Facebook event or click here to register for a free ticket and the hamper draw.

Published 12-June-2026

West End Winter Solstice Twilight Market Brings A Winter Night Out To Davies Park

As the afternoon light fades over West End, Davies Park is set to take on a different rhythm — one shaped by warm food, open-air stalls, live music, bonfires and the glow of a winter market after dark.

The West End Winter Solstice Twilight Market will return in 2026, turning the familiar market setting into a night-time gathering built around food, craft, entertainment and seasonal warmth. The event will be held on Friday, 19 June from 4:00pm to 10:00pm at Davies Park, 277 Montague Road, with free entry.

The setting will be familiar for regular visitors. West End Markets are normally held every Saturday morning at Davies Park along the Brisbane River, drawing people to the suburb for fresh produce, food, handmade goods and the area’s relaxed market atmosphere. The winter solstice event shifts that experience into the evening, giving the market a cooler-season mood and a more festival-like pace.

More than 150 specialty stalls are expected, with a mix of gourmet street food, global flavours, artisan products, handcrafted goods, local finds and gift items. The event is designed around browsing as much as eating, with visitors able to move through rows of stalls while entertainment unfolds throughout the night.

Brisbane events — Photo Credit: Supplied

Winter Warmth At The Centre Of The Market

Bonfires will be one of the event’s key winter features, giving the twilight market a seasonal focus beyond its food and retail offering. Pop-up bars will also serve craft beer and traditional Glühwein, adding a warm drink element suited to the colder evening setting.

The Glühwein has been highlighted as one of the market’s signature winter offerings, pairing the spiced drink with the event’s twilight hours and open-air layout. Together with the bonfires, it gives the night a distinct seasonal identity while keeping the event tied to West End’s casual market style.

Food will also remain central to the experience. The market will feature street food and gourmet options from across global flavours, giving visitors a broad mix of choices for dinner, snacks or a longer evening of grazing through the stalls.

West End Markets — Photo Credit: Supplied

Music, Performers And Family Activities

The market program will include live music, roving performers and children’s activities, creating a wider event experience for families, food lovers and market visitors.

The entertainment is expected to run alongside the stalls rather than sit separately from them, adding movement and atmosphere across the night. Children’s activities will give families another reason to stay, while live performances and roaming entertainment will carry the energy of the market through the evening.

This mix of food, stalls and entertainment gives the West End Winter Solstice Twilight Market a broader purpose than a standard shopping event. It is positioned as a winter night out, built around the suburb’s existing market identity but shaped for a different time of day.

West End’s Market Scene After Dark

The event also shows how the West End Markets can shift from their usual Saturday morning pace into a night-time format. Davies Park remains the anchor, but the mood changes with the later hours, the winter setting and the focus on warm drinks, lights and live entertainment.

Free ticket registration is available, with registered attendees able to enter a draw for a gourmet market hamper. Entry to the market remains free.

The Winter Solstice Twilight Market brings the area’s familiar market culture into the evening — not as a replacement for the regular Saturday market, but as a seasonal version built around food, music, bonfires and a winter night under the open sky.

Published 15-May-2026

Brisbane Group to Make Trans History With Record-Breaking Flag Unfurling at Davies Park

West End is set to make trans history on March 31. Davies Park on Montague Road will host the unfurling of what is believed to be the world’s largest trans pride flag, just in time for the International Transgender Day of Visibility.

Read: A Year of Pride and Performance at West End Bar Come to Daddy

The flag, created by local advocacy group Trans Justice Meanjin, measures a staggering 20 by 40 metres, totalling 800 square metres of pink, white, and blue fabric.

The project has been months in the making. After running a fundraising campaign to cover the cost of materials, the group held a series of community sewing sessions throughout March, inviting locals to contribute to the creation. The finished product was officially measured last Friday, confirming its dimensions. With the sewing machines now packed away, Trans Justice Meanjin are ready to share it with the world.

Photo credit: Facebook/Trans Justice Meanjin

Group member Jodie Hall said the flag was intended as a physical symbol of trans love, joy, defiance and resistance. She said the group’s intention was to make the trans community impossible to ignore on Trans Day of Visibility, and that by creating the world’s largest trans flag, they aimed to make trans history.

The event is free and open to everyone. The unfurling is scheduled for 3pm at Davies Park, located at 277 Montague Road, West End. Following the main event, local trans artists Worm Girlz and Clover Love will perform a free outdoor concert in the park.

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A post shared by Trans Justice Meanjin (@transjusticemeanjin)

Organisers have said the project is intended as both a celebration of the local trans community and a visible show of solidarity during a challenging time for trans and gender diverse people. Last year, members of Brisbane’s LGBTQIA+ community flew a trans flag from the city’s Victoria Bridge at the start of Trans Awareness Week in November, in a show of solidarity for trans and gender diverse young people affected by the Queensland government’s puberty blocker ban.

Read: Three Residential Towers Proposed for West End Site Near Davies Park

Trans Day of Visibility, held annually on March 31, has been observed internationally since 2009. Unlike the Trans Day of Remembrance in November, which is a day of mourning, TDOV is a day dedicated to recognising and celebrating the lives and achievements of trans, non-binary and gender diverse people around the world. Events are being held across Australia and globally to mark the occasion this year.

If you are free on March 31, head down to Davies Park and be part of the occasion. For more information on Trans Justice Meanjin and their work, visit their website.

Published 30-March-2026

Three Residential Towers Proposed for West End Site Near Davies Park

A development application has been lodged for a three-tower residential complex adjacent to Davies Park, the latest proposal for a site that has seen multiple development iterations.

Read: Montague Road Named One of the Coolest Streets in the World in West End

The proposal targets the site at 281–297 Montague Road, seeking approval for three residential buildings ranging from 16 to 19 storeys. Designed by Rothelowman, the application represents an “Other Change” to existing approvals for the 10,628-square-metre site.

The development would deliver 403 apartments and five townhouses, with a mix that includes 46 one-bedroom, 238 two-bedroom and 114 three-bedroom apartments. Ground-floor retail space totalling 558 square metres would activate the street frontage, while 723 car parking spaces and 512 bicycle spaces would be provided.

Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online/A005608649

A signature element of the proposal is “Davies Lane,” a landscaped pedestrian thoroughfare designed to connect Montague Road directly through to Davies Park. The development also includes 600 square metres of dedicated parkland and 5,476 square metres of communal open space for residents.

Development Vision

davies park — Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online/A005608649

According to planning documents prepared by Urbis, the architectural approach emphasises subtropical design principles suited to Brisbane’s climate. The towers have been conceived as what planners describe as a complementary family of buildings, each contributing to a unified design language while maintaining individual character through orientation and relationship to surrounding context.

The design incorporates deep facades, layered screening and natural ventilation strategies. Features include operable windows and doors for passive airflow, sliding screens for solar protection, and greenery embedded throughout the buildings’ vertical extent, linking to landscaped areas at ground level.

Construction would proceed in two stages. Stage 1 would see the 19-storey Tower 1 built first, along with the delivery of Davies Lane. Stage 2 would add Towers 2 and 3 at 18 and 16 storeys respectively, completing the retail components and final landscaping works.

Community Concerns

Not everyone in West End welcomes the proposal. Some residents have expressed opposition to further intensification of the area, citing existing pressures on local infrastructure.

“Montague Road and whole of West End area is already full of apartments leading to congestion on the West End roads and schools,” one local resident said.

The concerns echo issues raised by some residents about the pace and scale of development. West End has experienced significant residential growth in recent years, with multiple high-rise developments adding to demands on roads, public transport and community facilities.

The site’s location directly adjacent to Davies Park, which has served as a community gathering place since 1901, has contributed to community interest in the proposal. The park hosts the popular Saturday markets and serves as an important green space for the suburb.

Read: Function Well Plans Large Wellness Hub For West End

What Happens Next

The application is now under assessment, with the full development plans and supporting documents available for public viewing through the development application portal using reference number A005608649.

Published 9-January-2026

Traders in Purple Lodges New Three-Tower Proposal in West End

Photo Credit: Traders in Purple

Traders in Purple has lodged amended plans for its recently acquired Montague Road site in West End, proposing three residential towers and new green links to Davies Park.

A Site with a Long Design History

The 1.6-hectare landholding at 281–297 Montague Road has seen multiple iterations over recent years. The site was formerly owned by Sydney-based Henroth Group, which in 2020 sought approval for two 24-storey residential towers comprising 470 apartments.

BCC later approved a reduced scheme in 2023 for two towers of 18 and 20 storeys and 345 apartments. Earlier still, Henroth’s original submission featured five buildings between six and twelve storeys with 434 dwellings. The company eventually redirected its attention to another project in New South Wales before selling the West End property to Traders in Purple in May 2025 for an undisclosed amount.

Brisbane development — Photo Credit: Traders in Purple

A New Plan for Montague Road

Under the revised concept, Traders in Purple proposes three slimmer towers rising 19, 18 and 16 storeys, delivering 403 apartments across the 1.6-hectare site. The plan aims to open the previously private land to the public with heavily landscaped walkways connecting Montague Road to Davies Park for the first time.

These green corridors will include seating areas, tropical planting, and active retail spaces suited to cafés, restaurants, and local services. About 15 per cent of the site will be allocated for public use, including an extension to Davies Park and provisions for future widening of Montague Road.

Architecture Rooted in Local Character

Rothelowman Architects has designed the project to echo the features of classic Queenslander homes. The tower facing Davies Park will include a rotunda at ground level with decorative screening reminiscent of traditional timber façades.

The design introduces a green pedestrian spine through the centre of the development, extending the vibrancy of Vulture Street into Davies Park and towards the Brisbane River. The proposal focuses on connecting residents and visitors through open, shaded pathways and landscaped gathering areas.

Meeting Demand for Diverse Housing

The proposed dwellings will range from one to three bedrooms, targeting a broad spectrum of buyers including first home seekers, working couples, families and downsizers. The development also plans to incorporate shared resident amenities to support social connection within the precinct.

Traders in Purple noted that West End’s median house price, now around $1.86 million, has created barriers to entry for many. The apartment mix is expected to provide a more attainable option for those wanting to live close to the inner city while still enjoying the suburb’s established community and riverside setting.

Strengthening the West End Precinct

This proposal marks Traders in Purple’s sixteenth project in Queensland and its second in West End, following the launch of Rivara earlier this year, where strong early sales reflected continuing demand for local apartment living.

The Montague Road site’s proximity to the CBD, riverfront, and public transport positions it as a key infill location supporting sustainable urban growth. The emphasis on green links and public access aligns with broader renewal efforts occurring throughout the inner south.

What Happens Next

The amended development application is under assessment by BCC. If approved, the three-tower scheme will transform the former Henroth site into a mixed-use residential precinct integrating public green space, retail activity, and enhanced pedestrian connections to Davies Park.

Published 5-Nov-2025

Davies Park to Host Over 150 Stalls for West End Spring Market

The sights and sounds of live music, roving performers, and more than 150 bustling market stalls will fill Davies Park for a special one-night festival celebrating the arrival of spring in West End.

The special one-night-only event, the West End Spring Solstice Twilight Market, will take place next Friday, 12th September. The community gathering will run from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m., and entry is completely free for all who wish to attend.

A Spotlight on Community Talent

The market is designed as a vibrant showcase for local small businesses and creatives. With more than 150 stalls expected, visitors will have the chance to connect directly with the makers, artists, and chefs from their own neighbourhood.

Organisers have arranged a diverse lineup of gourmet food stalls, offering everything from European pierogis and crispy fried sandwiches to Japanese-style souffle pancakes and refreshing iced tea.

A pop-up bar will also be on-site, serving local drinks and the popular Aperol Spritz.

The event gives residents an opportunity to support the local economy while enjoying a unique evening out.

An Evening of Entertainment for All Ages

Beyond the food and shopping, the park will be filled with a festival atmosphere. Live music from bands like Soul Cutz and acoustic performers will provide a soundtrack for the evening.

Families are encouraged to attend, with a dedicated kids’ disco and a craft workshop planned to keep younger visitors entertained. Adding to the colourful scene will be themed decorations and roving performers, including stilt walkers and a bubble fairy, creating a lively experience for everyone.

Planning Your Visit

The market is located at Davies Park, on the corner of Montague Road and Jane Street in West End. While entry is free, attendees can register online for a ticket to go into a draw for a gourmet hamper.

Organisers are also running competitions for a $200 bar tab and a dinner for four, with details available on the event’s social media page. The evening is shaped to be an ideal way for the community to come together, explore local creativity, and welcome the new season.

Published Date 04-September-2025

Davies Park Comes Alive for West End Spring Solstice Twilight Market

As spring arrives in Brisbane, Davies Park is set to transform into a night market filled with street food, live music, and family-friendly entertainment.

Community Comes Together in West End

Davies Park will be transformed into a lively spring celebration as hundreds of stalls, food vendors, and entertainers gather for the West End Spring Solstice Twilight Market. The one-night community event is set to bring together families, friends, and neighbours in a space already known as one of Brisbane’s most popular weekend meeting places.

The twilight market will take place on Friday, 12 September, from 4 to 10 p.m. at the corner of Montague Road and Jane Street in West End. Entry is free. Visitors can explore more than 150 stalls, featuring everything from gourmet street food to artisan crafts.

A Night of Food, Music, and Family Fun

Food highlights include Nigerian dishes from Villa Pot, Japanese yakitori from Get To Bird, soufflé pancakes from Lamun, slow-cooked meats from Mr Pulled, and coconut desserts from Cocoart.

Live music will run throughout the evening, supported by roving performers and family-friendly activities. Entertainment will include a kids’ craft workshop, a children’s disco, a bubble fairy, and stilt walkers. A pop-up bar will be available for those looking to enjoy a drink while soaking in the festival atmosphere.

Linking Back to Local Traditions

Goodwill Projects, which runs the weekly West End Markets at Davies Park, also organises the Spring Solstice Twilight Market. These weekly markets have become a fixture of community life, drawing locals for fresh produce, handmade goods, and live entertainment.

By hosting a one-night seasonal event, organisers aim to expand on that community spirit while marking the arrival of spring in Brisbane.

How to Take Part

Attendees can register online for a free ticket, which also enters them into a draw to win a gourmet market hamper valued at more than $200. They can also RSVP through the official Facebook event page.

get tickets here

For families planning to join the kids’ craft workshop, early sign-ups are available to secure a spot.

Published 20-August-2025

Spring Solstice Market Set to Light Up West End with Food, Music, and Fun

West End’s beloved community spirit will shine even brighter this spring as the Spring Solstice Twilight Market rolls into Davies Park on Friday, 12 September, promising an evening packed with flavour, music, and festive flair.

Read: 5 of the Best Spring Buys at Harris Farm Markets West End

Running from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the seasonal market will bring together over 150 specialty stalls, transforming the riverside park into a buzzing hub of gourmet eats, artisan goods, and lively entertainment, all under the glow of the spring night sky.

From sizzling street eats to handmade treasures, the market is set to be a feast for all the senses. Food lovers can indulge in a global selection of dishes. Think smoky barbecue, fragrant curries, sweet pastries and more, while browsers can meander through stalls offering locally made art, crafts, and boutique products.

The event is more than just a market; it’s a celebration of West End’s creative energy and community spirit. Visitors can expect live music throughout the evening, with performances from local musicians and energetic roving acts creating a festival-style atmosphere. A pop-up bar will serve drinks for those keen to relax and soak up the vibes, while kids’ activities and family-friendly entertainment will keep younger visitors smiling.

Organisers from Goodwill Projects say the Spring Solstice Market will capture the essence of the changing season — fresh, fun, and full of colour. Entry is free, but those who register for tickets will go into the draw to win a Gourmet Market Hamper, packed with goodies from the night’s stallholders.

Read: Sip & Socialise: Power Moves Brings Wellness to the Streets of West End

Whether you’re a regular at the Saturday West End Markets or a first-time visitor, this special twilight edition is shaping up to be a must-do event for locals. Bring your picnic rug, gather your mates, and enjoy an unforgettable night by the river.

Event Details
Date: Friday, 12 September
Time: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location:: Davies Park, Corner of Montague Road and Jane Street, West End
Free Entry – Register online through West End Markets’ Facebook Page.

Published 25-July-2025

Winter Solstice Twilight Market Returns to West End

Photo Credit: West End Markets/Facebook

A winter-themed night market will bring live music, bonfires, and street food to West End as part of an annual solstice celebration hosted at Davies Park.

Twilight Market to Light Up West End

More than 150 stalls, fire performances, roving entertainers, and family workshops will activate Davies Park in West End for a one-night-only winter market on Friday, 20 June from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Seasonal Festivities Return

The event marks the return of the West End Solstice Twilight Market, a community event celebrating the winter solstice with an extended evening of food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Entry is free, and those who register online are eligible to win a gourmet market hamper.

Stalls will offer a variety of global street eats, including grilled Thai chicken skewers, Japanese snacks, and KL-style char kway teow. Notable vendors include Barbie On Charcoal, Tako Tako, and Cocoart, with dessert and drink offerings such as fresh coconut treats and mango-based drinks.

Bonfires and a pop-up bar will be available on-site, with mulled wine and craft beer served throughout the night.

Twilight Market — *Photo Credit: West End Markets/Facebook*

Activities for All Ages

Live music is scheduled across the six-hour program, featuring acts such as the Aaron West Band and Dave’s Acoustic Music. Roving fire performers, stilt walkers, and bubble entertainers will provide additional atmosphere across the venue.

Interactive activities include children’s lantern-making and a charm bracelet workshop hosted by Get Charmed by Winnie, with limited paid bookings required for both adult and kids’ sessions. A selection of handmade goods, organic skincare, and winter-themed items will also be on offer.

Community and Market Background

The West End Markets, typically held on Saturday mornings, are operated by Goodwill Projects, a Queensland-based events company. The Solstice Twilight Market is operated by the same organisers behind the regular West End Markets held at Davies Park on Saturdays. Unlike the regular Saturday markets, the Solstice event is held in the evening and includes additional live performances and themed activities.

Organisers have encouraged locals to register via event links and mark themselves as attending via social media to stay updated.

Published 6-June-2025

Fashion Extravaganza in West End: A Shopper’s Paradise Awaits

Photo Credit: Elisha Edwards/ Facebook

The West End’s Davies Park is set to transform into a bustling hub of fashion and bargains. Shoppers are encouraged to mark their calendars and bring a gold coin for entry to this eagerly anticipated event.

Fashion enthusiasts in West End have a treat in store this Sunday, 14th of July, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. as Davies Park hosts a one-of-a-kind clothing market this weekend. With a myriad of clothing options for all occasions and sizes, including an extensive selection of plus-size apparel, this event promises to cater to every fashion need.

The market aims to offer something for everyone, ensuring a diverse range of styles and trends are available. From casual wear to formal attire, shoppers can expect to find an array of options to suit their tastes and requirements. The focus on inclusivity is particularly noteworthy, as the event highlights a vast collection of plus-size clothing, addressing a significant demand in the market.

This event not only offers a fantastic opportunity for fashion lovers to update their wardrobes but also provides a platform for local vendors to showcase their unique collections. By supporting these vendors, attendees will contribute to the growth of small businesses and the local economy.

Davies Park, known for its vibrant community events, is the ideal backdrop for this fashion market. Attendees can look forward to a lively atmosphere, complete with friendly vendors and an array of fashion finds. With the promise of snagging a bargain, it’s an event that appeals to both fashion enthusiasts and those simply looking for great deals.

In addition to the shopping experience, the market will also foster a sense of community among West End residents. Events like these play a crucial role in bringing people together, enhancing community spirit, and supporting local initiatives.

Remember to mark your calendars and head to Davies Park this Sunday. Whether you’re hunting for a new outfit or just looking to enjoy a day out in West End, this clothing market is not to be missed.

Published Date 02-July-2024