Despite what many may believe, for much of human history, your local grocery store didn’t actually exist. If you wanted food you had to go to the street market stalls and trade. Without a big company like Woolies or Coles to play middle man, many deals could be struck between vendor and customer. Unfortunately, you can’t barter with a self-serve checkout over the price of your favourite treats; unless you want to look like a crazy person talking to a computer screen that just wants you to tap your rewards card.

Luckily, markets are alive and well – especially here on the Sunshine Coast.

The modern market is much the same as any market you’d see in period movies and tv-shows, except maybe a bit cleaner and less seedy – but the deals and steals are still there. Markets have become the bread and butter of specialist traders and artisans to peddler their wares, which leas to some very unique buyer opportunities. On the Sunshine Coast, you’re kind of spoilt for choice, but my top two picks have to be the Original Eumundi Markets and the ever more popular Caloundra Street Fair.

The Original Eumundi Markets is probably the Coast’s biggest and best reoccurring market event, which has become renown for its locally made artisan treasures, delicious, fresh food, and other quality and often handmade products. From fresh groceries to fashion and furniture, whatever you’re hunting for you can speak directly to the source and get an incredible deal every Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 80 Memorial Drive Eumundi.

For more information on the Eumundi Original Markets, its stalls or to enquire about your own stall, visit the official Eumundi Market’s website.

A little on the smaller side, but no less packed with amazing deals and products is the Caloundra Street Fair. A hidden treasure on the Sunshine Coast, featuring 100 unique stalls, the Caloundra Street Fair has something for the whole family. Activities for kids, handcrafted locally made products and art, live entertainment and street theatre. Enjoy fresh local food and flowers, fresh juices, tasty breakfasts, coffee, lunch and delicious sweet treats.

Set in beautiful downtown Caloundra the main street is surrounded by cafes, boutiques and specialty shops and only two blocks from beautiful Bulcock Beach. The Caloundra Street Fair is a ‘must-do’ event for a reason, attracting Sunshine Coast locals and visitors every Sunday from 8am.

For more information on the Caloundra Street Fair, visit the official website.