A brand-new event has just landed on the Central Coast with handmade creations, bespoke crafts, and everything in between.
Tucked away under the twilight is a new event that might just be the Central Coast’s best-kept secret. But not for long – the word is spreading quickly. The Hidden Night Market is the new kid on the block, launching only two weeks ago. Yet don’t be fooled by its infancy. The experienced team running the show, Hart Event Management, has been behind some seriously big gigs on the coast.
To get there, follow the fairy lights to the rear of Erina Leagues Club (ELC) and you’ll spot several stallholders in a low-key nook of the property. It’s a charming little location that eliminates noisy traffic and welcomes you into a buzzing, creative space with like-minded locals.
Hidden Night Market, Erina
“It’s elusive and exciting for people to find. We wanted to stand out and be different to the standard market,” Hart told Coasties.
“I tried to make it more like something that you stumble upon. I love that it’s in the middle of Erina too, so it’s central to everything.”
The Hidden Night Market absolutely nails the brief of ‘supporting local’ while showcasing the talents of Central Coast craftspeople. Each stall is full of unique handmade products, so it’s hard not to treat yourself, and buy a gift or two. Whether it be homemade candles, fine jewellery, leather goods, charged crystals or macrame hangers, you’ll be leaving with bags full.
“There’s no other night market on the coast that does more than just food,” she said.
“I wanted to do something more creative and local-centred that could light up a part of the coast, under the festoon lights with a beer and burger in hand.”
After doing a lap around the tents, you’ll also be enticed by the aromas of freshly cooked hot food, like German Kransky, gözleme and dumplings. Sugar cravings can be satisfied with Dutch pancakes and Mr Whippy ice cream, while ELC staff serve a selection of beverages for you to walk around with, including alcoholic ones.
RELATED: Top 10 Central Coast Markets to Visit
It’s a place fit for every Coastie, from tiny tots to the elderly, with a range of entertainment and live musical performances to keep the vibe alive. As well, watch out for the special entertainer who is sure to keep the little folk amused.
“I got the inspiration for the market from Thailand when I went there in 2018. Chiang Mai has this insane night market with thousands of stalls. It’s a crazy, buzzing place and you don’t see it until you walk down a little alleyway,” she said.
“I wanted to do something similar with ELC. I want to create spaces for locals to come together at the end of the working week.”
Hart Event Management, also known as Hart Events, was born in 2019, but the incredibly gifted CEO Liz Hart has been in the events biz since 2011. She is a true-blue Coastie who spent many of her years after school building her event portfolio with musical festivals, community events and conferences on the Central Coast, Sydney and interstate. Now with her own company, she leads the operations of multiple events, such as the annual Central Coast Christmas Fair, which has grown to welcome 12,000 visitors a year.
“It was a bit of a rough start with Covid-19, but we made it happen,” Hart said.
“I want to stick to community-based events because that’s what I love doing. My next passion project is Bark Park, which is dogs, beer, and music. Even dogs can have (animal-friendly) beverages.”
The Hidden Night Market is on every second Friday of the month from 5pm-9pm(ish) and promises good people, good fun, good times.
There’s ample parking around the ELC, and pet parents can bring along their four-legged friends too.
The next market is on Friday 10 June what a perfect way to kick off the long weekend.
READ MORE: Your Guide to the June Long Weekend on the Coast
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