The Dandenong Ramadan Night Market wants to match the roaring success of its western Sydney equivalent and being the first of its kind in Melbourne, it certainly has potential for meeting such goals.
Between 25 March and 2 April each evening from 7pm to late, over 50 food trucks gathered to offer a tantalizing array of global cuisines, celebrating the rich cultural diversity of the community during Ramadan.
This vibrant event attracted families, food lovers, and cultural enthusiasts eager to enjoy a communal feast under the stars. With its lively atmosphere and diverse offerings, the Ramadan Night Market was a perfect destination for anyone looking to experience the flavours and festivities of Ramadan in a dynamic urban setting in the heart of Dandenong.
The market was founded by the Bright Community Organisation, a not-for-profit dedicated to “fostering cultural harmony, community engagement and social inclusion”. President Ahmad Ghowsi was in Sydney during Ramadan in 2023 and felt inspired by the Lakemba market’s success, he worked with Greater Dandenong Council and local sponsors to create a similar event.
Greater Dandenong Mayor Councillor Jim Memeti said, “Ramadan Night Market has been a huge success and I extend my congratulations to the Bright Community Organisation. It was incredible to see Central Dandenong come alive in the evenings across the nine nights.”
While the festival is a destination for Melbourne’s Muslim community, Ghowsi encourages everyone to attend. “It’s not only for Muslims,” he said. “Visitors are from every background, whatever kind of religious values they have.”
The market was held along Thomas Street and included Harmony Square and there was a 211 per cent increase in foot traffic that week compared to the previous weeks data. This indicates the night time activities brought more people to the area and certainly has the potential to become a loved annual market.
The Bright Community Organisation have already begun thinking about what will be instore for 2026.
