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
If you’re keen to escape the city this long weekend but haven’t quite got around to planning, our travel guides should help. Head to one of the best weekend getaways close to Sydney, pack the tent and check out one of the best camping spots in NSW, or try your luck at one of the best glamping sites in the state. If you’re heading to Newcastle, you’ll catch the opening weekend of Newcastle Food Month, and if your travels take you inland, you could swing by Alive Garden Party for a symphonic day in the Southern Highlands. Rather stay in town? We don’t blame you. Sydney is giving big country-town energy this weekend, with a family show popping up at The Entertainment Quarter, the Royal Easter Show taking over Sydney Showground, and an exceptional line-up of markets bringing local producers, makers and fresh food enthusiasts all together in one place. If you find yourself with a free day, check out the Biennale, then head to one of Sydney's best beer gardens for schooner in the sun; and raise a glass to the long weekend.