Perth’s coastal Saturday ritual is back. The Summer x Salt Markets open their 11th season on 24 October at Clarko Reserve in Trigg, a short walk from one of the city’s best-known surf breaks. This year, the organisers are putting young makers, emerging musicians and brand-new businesses front and centre.
Markets run on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month until 20 March 2027, with extra pop-up markets along the way. Stalls open from 8 am to 1 pm.
Backing the next wave of local talent
After a 10th-anniversary season, the team is turning its attention to who will shape the next decade. Two start-ups have won the $5,000 Salty Startup Grant. They also received a stall spot to launch their products. Plankz Deckz makes handmade skateboards from recycled hardwood pallets. Meanwhile, Saevus Studio creates art from surfboard fins found in the ocean.
The Mini Makers corner gives young entrepreneurs a low-pressure first stall to sell handmade products and try running a small business.
Each market hosts more than 70 ocean-inspired local creatives, artists and designers. Expect food and drink trucks, live music from emerging musicians, kids’ activities, and beach clean-ups. The event is family-friendly and dog-friendly. Named Australia’s Best Small Event 2022 by the Australian Event Awards, it draws more than 60,000 visitors each season.
Free morning activities
If you like an early start, the free wellness program begins before the stalls open:
- 6 am: Seagals sunrise dip
- 7 am: Meditation and sound healing
- 8 am: Yoga
- 9 am: Pilates
- 9–11 am: Kids’ activities
Season dates
- 2026: 24 October (launch); 7 and 14 November (the 14th is a Festive Preview pop-up) and 21 November; 5 December, 12 December (Xmas pop-up) and 19 December.
- 2027: 2, 16 and 30 January (the 30th is a Summer pop-up); 6 and 20 February; 6 and 20 March (season final).
Sustainability
The markets offset their carbon emissions through a partnership with Regenerate Australia. In the 2025/26 season, 400 native trees were planted. On site, the focus is on beach clean-ups, composting, zero-waste practices and a mug library.
Event Directors Mei Wan Sidhu and Sophie Firth lead the markets. “Every stallholder, musician, maker and facilitator who has been part of Summer x Salt started somewhere, and we love being the place where that first step happens,” Sidhu said. Firth credited the staff and volunteers who set up, run the mug library, sort the compost and pack down after every market.
The City of Stirling sponsors the markets. Mayor Mark Irwin said their lasting popularity shows that “people want events that bring them together and create a positive community atmosphere.”
For more information, visit the official website or email info@summerxsalt.com.
