As the sun sets, all the cool kids come out to play. But where do they go during the holidays, when just about every proprietor (not in a shopping centre, that is) seems to have done a runner until 2012? To the Supper Market at Abbotsford Convent, of course. Follow your nose through the historic grounds to your favourite hawker-style food stall, or grab that last-minute Christmas present.

If you’re outdoorsy, jump on your bike and cycle there along the banks of the Yarra. Sit on the grass and sink a boutique beer from the Boiler Room Bar. Don’t worry about entertaining the kids; the storyteller has it covered.

But it’s not all R&R: this Friday you’ll be stomping your feet to ARIA-winning Melbourne blues trio, Collard Greens and Gravy. The following week you’ll get to meet The Miserable Little Bastards, who – despite their name – are more likely to cheer you up with their alternative rock. They’ve even played on ABC’s Spicks and Specks, so you know they’re good.

Sift through the bric-a-brac, vintage clothing, jewellery, handbags, handmade journals, tea products, environmentally friendly toys and fair trade goods. For something out of the ordinary, bare your soul to the resident clairvoyant, or take a peek at your future with a tarot card reading. Or you could just munch on a bretzel, which is German for ‘big soft pretzel’. Probably.

If you have a bottomless stomach after eating your way around the stalls from Nice to Nepal (we recommend trying Mama’s gözlemes), you can always pop into Lentil As Anything or the Convent Bakery. If you can find it, Handsome Steve’s House of Refreshments is also worth a visit.

Should the clouds look threatening, sign up online to the SMS service, so you can be notified of any rainchecks. Otherwise, pack your picnic blanket and head to Abbotsford for supper this Friday night.

Location: 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford
When: Every Friday until 24 Feb | 6-10pm
Details: suppermarket.com.au