There’s something rather nice about doing the shopping outside. You pick up a few things for the fridge, stop for a coffee and, with any luck, get home before the morning has disappeared.

If you’re looking for Ballina markets this weekend, the straightforward local option is the Sunday farmers market at Commemoration Park. There are a couple of options further afield too, depending on whether you want food for the week or a longer browse.

This weekend means Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October 2026. Dates below were checked on 9 October, so this guide won’t leave you guessing which Sunday we’re talking about.

Sunday in Ballina: farmers market by North Creek

The Ballina Farmers and Producers Market runs every Sunday from 7am to 11am at Commemoration Park, beside Missingham Bridge. The visitor listing gives the address as 1 Bentinck Street.

The current event calendar lists Sunday 11 October. It’s the place to start if your main aim is buying local food without making a day trip of it.

Depending on the stalls and season, you’ll find fruit and vegetables, bread, cheese, eggs, honey, flowers and other food made or grown around the region. Think weekly shopping with a few tempting extras, rather than a big secondhand market.

There are coffee and breakfast options, and the organiser also lists live music. Bring a picnic blanket if you’d like to sit by the water afterwards. Dogs are welcome on leads, according to the market’s website.

A reusable bag is useful. If you’re buying chilled food and staying out for a while, an insulated bag will make the trip home easier.

Saturday nearby: Bangalow Farmers Market

If Saturday suits you better, Bangalow Farmers Market runs weekly from 7am to 11am in Piccabeen Park, off Deacon Street. That makes Saturday 10 October the regular market morning.

It’s outside Ballina, but worth keeping in mind for a produce shop and breakfast stop. Use the current organiser’s location rather than an old guide directing you to the pub car park.

Also, don’t confuse this weekly farmers market with the monthly Bangalow Market at the showground. Similar names, different places and schedules.

Sunday further afield: The Channon Craft Market

For more of a browsing day, The Channon Craft Market has confirmed its next market for Sunday 11 October. It’s held at Coronation Park in The Channon, inland from Lismore.

This is a longer outing from Ballina, with a mix of craft, plants, food and other stalls. Check the organiser’s website for the latest arrangements before setting off, especially if the weather looks unsettled.

One detail worth knowing: The Channon is a pet-free event. Leave the dog at home for this one, even though Ballina’s farmers market welcomes dogs on leads.

Check dates before following an old market guide.

Market lists can hang around online long after arrangements change. Some still show the old Lennox community market schedule, while the organiser’s social page says it is closed. We haven’t included it as an option this weekend.

The council’s market page and Discover Ballina’s market listings are useful starting points for future plans. Check the individual organiser for cancellations and changes.

For a simple Sunday morning, stay in Ballina. For Saturday produce shopping, try Bangalow. For a longer Sunday browse, consider The Channon. You don’t need to fit them all in. One market and a coffee will probably do nicely.