No Friday plans? Go here: City After Dark Markets, Brisbane City

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Experience highlights

The details to look out for in Zen’s experience.

• Loaded BBQ platter with sliced sausage, pulled pork, and fresh salad
• Freshly cooked Pad Thai from the Thai Lady food stall
• Caramelized French canelés packed in boxes of nine
• Thick layered stuffed dessert bars
• Pink citrus drink floating with lemon slices from Carrington's
• Soft serve swirl creations from the Dole Whip food trailer

Charcoal Smoke and Global Street Food

Open charcoal grills send up smoke as marinated meat sizzles over hot coals, drawing immediate crowds along the paved walkway. Food trucks line the perimeter of Reddacliff Place, including Kaysers Smoke Train where operators slice smoked meats behind the counter, serving up loaded BBQ platters with sausage, pulled pork, and fresh sides packed into takeaway boxes.

Global street flavours add to the outdoor layout, with the Street Eatz food truck slinging Mexican staples while the Thai Lady stall cooks up fresh Pad Thai right on site. With takeaway containers in hand, eating here is all about taking in the sights between bites.

Stacked Dessert Bars and French Bakery Boxes

Sweet stalls scattered across the market bring an impressive dessert display to the twilight setting. At Be Sweetery, glass display cases show off baked goods while vendors greet passersby, and dedicated French pastry stalls present neat boxes packed with nine golden, caramelized canelés.

Thick baked dessert bars come stuffed with rich, indulgent layers, perfectly paired with a spot near the acoustic stage. For a cool option, the Dole Whip mobile trailer pours out swirling soft-serve creations, while other sweet tents offer colourful French macarons neatly boxed for carrying around the square.

Handcrafted Crochet, Citrus Drinks, and Live Stage Sets

Beyond the food trucks, the market features boutique artisan stalls with handmade goods. Table displays showcase detailed handcrafted crochet flower pots alongside local craft items that encourage slow browsing under the evening lights.

To stay refreshed, large glass dispensers at stalls like Carrington's pour bright pink lemonade filled with floating lemon slices. Centred around a covered stage where live acoustic bands play throughout the night, the market turns a city plaza into a lively, welcoming Friday gathering.