Published: 11 August 2026
Lower Hutt’s popular Thursday night market is celebrating a year of bringing food, families and friendly faces together at Dowse Square.
The Hutt City Night Market has grown into a lively weekly gathering, with food trucks serving flavours from around Aotearoa and the world.
Hutt City Council supports the market by providing Dowse Square, helping with set-up and covering the power used during the event.
Event organiser Sharon Powick says locals have embraced the market in every season.
“Even through the colder months, families and friends have wrapped up warmly and headed out to enjoy dinner together.
“It has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, with great food and something for everyone.”
Some of the first markets attracted up to 3000 people. Since then, more seating has been added, including tables, chairs, picnic rugs and permanent picnic tables.
Sharon says this has helped turn the square into a place where people can relax, catch up with neighbours, and watch their children play while choosing what to eat from a wide range of food.
“Paps Tacos regularly draws a crowd, while Kai Kart serves Kiwi favourites including pāua fries. Urban Levant offers Syrian food and Little Bread Loaf Bakery brings cinnamon buns, pretzels and steamed puddings.
“Chi-Chi’s Lemonade is another weekly favourite, with hot chocolates proving popular on cold evenings.”
Sharon says the market is now about much more than grabbing dinner.
“It has become a regular weekly outing for many people and a safe, welcoming place for families and friends to spend time together.”
Future ideas include buskers or DJs, giant outdoor games and more opportunities for community groups to take part.
Head to Dowse Square on Thursdays from 4pm to 8pm, bring the whānau and enjoy the food, music and community atmosphere. Everyone is welcome, including four-legged family members.