For people of Islamic faith, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. During this time, Muslim folks fast from dawn to dusk. But once the sun sets, iftar begins – a fast-breaking feast that runs late into the night and where family and friends gather to enjoy an array of rich treats and moreish morsels. To coincide with this time of year, Sydney’s popular month-long celebration Ramadan Nights Lakemba is returning, kicking off on Saturday, March 9 and running until Monday, April 8 2024. What time does Lakemba Night Markets open and close? From 5pm until 3am every evening, more than 70 local businesses will transform Lakemba’s Haldon Street into a vibrant, global food bazaar with traditional cuisine from Indonesia, Burma, Pakistan, Lebanon, the Cocos Islands, Syria and more. It’s not only Sydney’s Muslim communities that comes together during Ramadan Nights – people of all backgrounds are welcome to flock to sample the fare of pop-up kitchens lining Haldon Street and Railway Parade. Last year saw 1.4 million people experience the celebrations, with organisers saying this year is going to be even bigger and better than ever. What started as a single street barbeque back in 2012, Ramadan Nights Lakemba is now considered by many to be one of Australia's best places to celebrate the ancient tradition. What kind of food will there be? Break fast with with roti and gentle lentil curries from the Cocos Islands; Malaysia's famously buttery grilled pastry parcels, murtabak; and
Easter is fast approaching, so we’d suggest beelining for one of the best rooftop bars in Sydney and/ or getting involved with one of the city’s best happy hours while the public holiday vibes are high. If you’re up for something more wholesome this Monday to Thursday, make the most of the outdoors before daylight savings comes to an end by checking out one of Sydney’s best walks, taking a dip in one of our most beautiful ocean pools, or joining the running craze on one of the best running routes in the city. If you’ve blown your fun budget this month, check out our list of 25 things to do for under $25, or head to Kingpin for a free game of laser tag (this Thursday only). Looking for a new spot for lunch? These are our favourite cafés in Sydney right now.