Your Updated Lakemba Nights Guide During Ramadan For 2026

Every year during Ramadan, Lakemba becomes one of Sydney’s most compelling places to eat.

For a few weeks, food becomes the centre of all things—last year, over one million people descended on Haldon Street. The timing of it all is tied to Ramadan, a sacred month in the Islamic calendar marked by fasting from dawn until sunset, alongside prayer and reflection.

Each evening, the fast is broken with iftar, a shared meal eaten with family and friends. 

The Lakemba Night Markets are back in 2026, running from 19 February to 15 March, and once again, this famed strip will shapeshift into a late-night food hub that draws people from all over the city. Naturally, we've pulled together a complete guide so you can make the most of it all.

When Is Lakemba Nights?

Lakemba Night Markets (Lakemba Nights) in 2026 run from 19 February to 15 March, every Thursday to Sunday from 6 pm to 2 am. Grills fire up just before sunset, steam clouds the street, and long queues form quickly so plan accordingly.

How To Get To Lakemba Nights

​Getting there is straightforward but driving is not recommended.

The event takes place around Haldon Street and The Boulevarde in Lakemba, a short walk from Lakemba Train Station, with multiple bus routes servicing the area. Roads close nightly during the event, parking is extremely limited, and traffic rangers actively patrol. Public transport is the easiest option by far.

What To Eat At Lakemba Nights

Food is the only focus here. You come to eat, period. The offering spans Islamic and global cuisines, with stalls cooking at pace and volume. Tandoori chicken wraps from Bangladeshi Street Food come off the grill deeply spiced, smoky and wrapped tighter than your last Iconic delivery.

Desi Fusion also draws steady lines for Pakistani chicken shawarma, paired with hot, sweet chai and stalls like Macaw Sweet Street Bites offer icy bingsu (a big must). We also highly recommend making time for Bakso Malang, serving up Indonesian bakso soup: rich broth, springy meatballs, grilled bakso on the side and cendal to round it out.

Can You Buy Alcohol At Lakemba Nights?

Lakemba Nights is completely alcohol-free. Alcohol isn’t sold or permitted, in line with Islamic customs during Ramadan, and the event’s focus remains firmly on food and shared experience.

For more information, head here.

Image credit: Where Interesting Happens