They’re called the Harbourside Markets. Not to be confused with the Jetty Markets, which are held indoors underneath the Jetty Village Shopping Centre.

The Harbourside market stalls are set up underneath the trees and the atmosphere is really laid-back. It’s the perfect way to start your Sunday.

There's a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere at the Harbourside Markets

There’s a paved walkway along the Jetty Foreshores, just behind the sand dunes, all the way from Coffs Creek to the Deep Sea Fishing Club (probably between 1 and 2km). You can park your car on many spots along the foreshores, go for a walk on the pathway, Jetty Beach or the Jetty itself, and end up at the markets.

There are usually around 40 stalls or so, selling only home-made and home-grown products and produce. From fresh veggies to cakes, plants, jewellery and arts and craft, you’ll usually find something you like, want or need. 

You can also get a massage and there’s often a jumping castle, fake tattoos and pony rides for kids. There’s music playing to add to the relaxed atmosphere and from 10.00am, musicians (different ones every week) play live music in the centre of the market ‘circle’.

We go to the Harbourside Markets nearly every week. Sometimes we bring the Sunday paper, buy a large cup of freshly brewed, organic coffee and perhaps a slice of banana bread or something, and settle down on a picnic bench in the shade just behind the market, where we can still enjoy the music.

The market stalls are set up in the shade of the trees on the Jetty Foreshores

The markets are on every Sunday from 8am to 2pm. A bit of rain doesn’t stop them, and ever since they started in September 2007, I think they’ve only been cancelled half a dozen times in all due to swamped grounds.

I really do think the Harbourside Markets are the best way to start your Sunday in Coffs!

For more information on any of these, click on the link to go to the relevant website.

Overview of Coffs Harbour events in 2009 and Coffs Harbour festivals in 2009:

January:
Pittwater to Coffs (yacht race) & Festival of Sail
March’s Coffs Jetty Carnival
Coffs Open Air Cinema

February:
Botanical Jazz

March:
Coffs Coast Ocean Swims 

April:
Woolgoolga Curryfest

July:
Sawtell Chilli Festival

August:
Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Carnival (horse racing)
Bellingen Jazz & Blues Festival

September:
Toast Urunga (food & wine festival)
Coffs Harbour International Buskers & Comedy Festival

October:
Coffs Harbour International Buskers & Comedy Festival
Bellingen Global Carnival (world music & performing arts)

November:
Coffs Coast Food & Wine Festival (‘Cool Creek Rhythms’)

December:
Various Carols by Candlelight events

The Coffs Coast has great festivals and events throughout the year

Of all the festivals and events listed above, the weeklong International Buskers & Comedy Festival in Coffs Harbour in September/October is definitely the biggest and possibly the best. The Bellingen Jazz & Blues Festival and Global Festival are also major and extremely popular events on the Coffs Coast. These three events are most definitely worth a trip to Coffs Harbour from anywhere in Australia.

Unfortunately, this event is NOT being held in 2010 for some reason. Hopefully it will be on again next year.

In the last couple of years, Botanical Jazz was held every Sunday afternoon in February, featuring outdoor jazz concerts at the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden (official name) or Coffs Harbour Botanic Gardens (what most people call it).

I’ve been to a few of the concerts in recent years. The atmosphere is great and the setting is fabulous. The concerts take place in the open performance area not far from the Garden’s entrance which is surrounded by big old trees.

The entrance and performance space at the Coffs Harbour Botanic Garden

The timing (the concerts start at 5.30pm) means that you’re there around sunset, so it won’t be too hot any more but you won’t get cold yet either. Around that time of day, the birds in the trees usually come alive again as well (or it’s the music waking them up…) and they’ll often add their own musical accompaniment to the band that’s playing, which can have a really funny effect!

In 2009, the following jazz concerts were held in the Coffs Harbour Botanic Garden:

• Sunday 1 February 2009: Roger Burke Quartet with Christie Schlenker
• Sunday 8 February 2009: George Washingmachine Trio
• Sunday 15 February 2009: Galapagos Duck
• Sunday 22 February 2009: Uncle Jed

I am quite disappointed that there will be no Botanical Jazz in Coffs Harbour in 2010.

If it’s on again next year, make sure to bring a rug or camping chairs, a picnic and drinks, and find yourself a good spot on the grass before the 5.30pm start. Don’t forget the insect repellent! (Although they’ll often have some spray cans at the entrance for visitors to use as well.)

Even if you’re not a jazz fan or aren’t familiar with the musicians that are playing, come along just to enjoy a great musical night out with a group of friends and a picnic basket full of goodies, in one of Coffs Harbour’s most beautiful spots. 

Tickets are usually about $15 (accompanied children under 12 are free) and available at the venue on the night (or in advance if you’re very keen). For more information about upcoming events at the gardens, see the Botanic Garden website.

If you’re not from Coffs, the Botanic Gardens are just a few blocks east of the Coffs Harbour CBD, signposted as a turnoff from Harbour Drive.