Geelong City Market to launch Tastes of Greater Geelong with twilight edition

What better way to launch the tastiest series in Geelong?

Geelong’s winter calendar is set for a flavour-packed launch, with a brand-new Geelong City Night Market announced as the official opening event of this year’s Tastes of Greater Geelong program.

Transforming Little Malop Street into a vibrant twilight destination on Friday 19 June, the new after-dark market will kick off the region-wide celebration of food, beverage and hospitality, bringing together some of Greater Geelong’s most beloved restaurants, producers and culinary talent for one unforgettable winter evening.

Geelong City Night Market

When: Friday 19 June, 4pm to 9pm
Where: Little Malop Street Mall, Geelong

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Created by chef Simon Toohey and Geelong City Market co-founder Kieran Blood, the Geelong City Night Market has been designed to showcase the depth of the region’s hospitality scene while drawing visitors into the heart of the CBD. Proudly supported by the City of Greater Geelong, the event forms part of the broader Tastes of Greater Geelong program, which shines a spotlight on the people, venues and producers shaping the region’s thriving food culture throughout winter.

The culinary line-up reads like a who’s who of Geelong hospitality. ALMA will be serving its much-loved empanadas, while MexiCams dishes up a mix of modern and classic tacos. 1915 will be firing up its signature rotisserie chicken, Pholklore will be warming crowds with steaming bowls of pho, and Austin Ambrosia brings the pizzas that have earned a loyal following across the region. Visitors can also expect Cantonese-style chicken from Man Bo, comforting bowls of ramen from Hanaya Fusion Cafe, Greek favourites from MAV’S and gourmet hot dogs from newcomer Rebecchi’s.

Joining them are Osaka BBQ, Unnavu, Spice Angel, Laam Thai, Hoy Pinoy, Amano, Mikes Mussels, Pacelli Deli, Senor BBQ and Taste Jamaica, alongside sweet treats from Cherubs Crumble and Small Talk. Adding to the atmosphere, homemade fireside s’mores and hot chocolates will keep Little Malop Street glowing well into the evening.

For Toohey, the Night Market is about celebrating the depth and diversity of Geelong’s food scene while creating an unforgettable winter experience.

“We’re thrilled by the number of stalls joining the market, especially as many of these businesses have never taken part in a market before. These are much-loved local restaurants, so visitors can enjoy both the food and the venues they already know and love. We wanted to create something vibrant, energetic and memorable that showcases the incredible restaurants, chefs and food businesses across our region,” Toohey said.

“There’s something pretty special about wandering through Little Malop Street on a cold winter night with live music playing, fire cooking happening in front of you, a hot drink in hand and amazing food everywhere you turn.”

“This is about bringing people together and reminding everyone just how incredible Geelong’s food scene really is.”

Designed as a celebration of regional hospitality, the Night Market encourages visitors to explore the city centre, support local businesses and experience one of Geelong’s most dynamic laneways in a completely new light.

Guests can look forward to flame-fired cooking, comfort food, communal dining spaces, live entertainment and roaming artists, all contributing to what organisers describe as a European-inspired winter market atmosphere infused with unmistakable Geelong character.

For Blood, the vision extends far beyond food.

“This is about the revitalisation of Little Malop Street and continuing to build a positive and welcoming environment in Geelong,” Blood said.

“We want people out in the city during winter. We want families, young people, older generations and visitors all coming together and enjoying themselves in a safe and vibrant atmosphere.”

“We see this done incredibly well in Hobart with their weekend markets and night food markets, and the success there speaks for itself. So why not here? Geelong has the food, the talent, the community and the passion to create something really special.”

The Night Market builds on the momentum of the weekly Saturday Geelong City Market, which has quickly become one of the region’s most successful community activations and an increasingly popular drawcard for visitors to central Geelong.

Organisers hope the June 19 launch will establish a new winter tradition for the city, creating an ongoing opportunity to support local hospitality operators while bringing renewed energy and activity to the CBD after dark.

The Geelong City Night Market launches on Friday, June 19, from 4pm to 9pm on Little Malop Street as the official opening event of Tastes of Greater Geelong.

The event is proudly supported by the City of Greater Geelong. To find out more head here.