Enjoy a country day out at the Darlington State School Markets and The Great Duck Race in Darlington this October 2026. Perfect for families, this free community event features live music, Highland cows to cuddle, old-fashioned lawn games, market stalls, and thousands of yellow rubber ducks racing down the creek.
Darlington State School Markets & The Great Duck Race 2026
Tucked in the scenic hills of the Lost World Valley, the Darlington Community Markets are a country day out with heart, where community spirit, local goodness and a wide armed country welcome come together at Darlington State School.
Entry is free. The markets have become a highly anticipated annual affair, offering a unique country experience with live music, great food and coffee, fun activities and plenty of quality stalls to shop from, with a focus on home grown, homemade, handmade, local, organic, upcycled and fair trade goods.
Highlights include live music from Griffin County, a sausage sizzle, burger stand and cake stall from the Darlington State School P&C, coffee from Lost World Coffee, ice cream and desserts from The Dessert Co, and historic displays from Philip Thomson OAM’s Bullock Team. There will be free old fashioned country games and novelty races, Highland cows to pat and cuddle from Northview Highlands, dance performances by BeauDance Academy, line dancing by Stomp and Scuff Linedancing, fire brigade trucks, leather work info sessions by Chris Rohan, classic trucks from the Heritage Truck Association Australia Inc, and face painting by Glitter and Giggles Face Painting.
The day’s highlight is the famous Darlington Duck Race, with thousands of bright yellow ducks tumbling down the creek in a race to the finish line. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
Proceeds from the markets help the Darlington State School P&C fundraise to send students to school camp.
Plan your visit
When: Sunday 25th October 2026, 8am ā 12pm
Where: Darlington State School, Kerry Road, Darlington
More information here
