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+ 94 773 27 5582Friday. In Hiriketiya, the word hits different. It’s not just the end of a work week; for many, it’s a seamless blend of sun, surf, and salty air. The morning is spent in the sacred, glassy embrace of the bay, paddling out, catching waves, and soaking in the golden, tropical sun. The afternoon is a slow, blissful unwind. But as the sun begins its spectacular descent, painting the sky in strokes of fiery orange and soft lavender, a new energy starts to buzz. The lazy, horizontal vibe of the day begins to turn vertical. The question starts to ripple through the coconut groves and along the sandy beach: "What's the plan for tonight?"
You’re not just looking for a place to eat. You're looking for the epicenter. You want the spot where the music is just right, the people are vibrant, and the atmosphere is electric. You're looking for the vibe.
In Hiriketiya, the answer is clear, and it’s an all-day affair. Forget waiting for the sun to go down; the party starts at 9 AM. Welcome to The Hangout Hiriketiya’s Pop Up Market—the undisputed, all-day champion of the Friday vibe. This isn't just a collection of stalls; it’s a 12-hour festival in miniature, a sensory celebration that perfectly captures the "Eat | Surf | Relax" spirit. It's the ultimate invitation to shop, sip, and vibe.
The magic of The Hangout's market is that it’s not a static event. It’s a living, breathing entity that changes with the rhythm of the day, and it's all anchored by one extraordinary promise: live music from 9 AM till late.
Arriving in the morning is a special kind of bliss. The sun is bright, the air is fresh, and the market is just waking up. This is when you’ll catch the first live set of the day. Think soulful acoustic guitar, a smooth voice carrying over the gentle sound of the waves. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a relaxed browse. You’ll see people fresh from their morning surf, salty hair and all, sipping on a fresh coconut or a hot coffee as they wander between the stalls. The energy is calm, optimistic, and full of promise. It’s the perfect, gentle way to start your day.
As the day's heat reaches its peak, the vibe shifts. The music picks up—a little more rhythm, a little more funk. The market is now in full swing. It’s a vibrant, colorful, bustling hub of activity. This is the prime time for "Sip & Shop." Grab a cold Lion Lager or a fresh-pressed passionfruit juice and dive into the throng. The crowd is a beautiful mix of sun-kissed travelers, local families, and the ever-present Hiriketiya surf crew, all mingling, laughing, and hunting for treasures.
This is the golden ticket. As the sun sets, The Hangout transforms. The market stalls, which were bright and sunlit, now glow under their own strings of fairy lights. The live music deepens, becoming more soulful, more electric. The "All Day Music" promise is fulfilled as a DJ might take over between sets, spinning chill-house and disco beats that make you want to move. This is no longer just a market; it's the pre-party for your Friday night. The air is electric. You’re not just shopping; you’re vibing, ready for wherever the Hiriketiya night takes you.
The core of the market is, of course, the shopping. This is a treasure hunter's paradise, a far cry from any generic souvenir shop. The Hangout curates a fantastic collection of local artisans and vendors, each with a story to tell. This is where you find the real Hiriketiya.
Find Your Vibe: The stalls are a visual feast. You’ll find row upon row of handcrafted goods that perfectly capture the boho-chic, surf-centric aesthetic of the South Coast.
Handcrafted Jewelry: Forget mass-produced trinkets. We’re talking intricate silver rings set with moonstones, delicate necklaces made from locally-sourced shells, beaded anklets that are the perfect surf accessory, and bold, handmade earrings that make a statement.
Artisan Goods: This is where you find your unique piece of Sri Lanka. Discover beautiful, hand-woven rattan bags, vibrant sarongs dyed in a rainbow of colors, leather sandals crafted by hand, and colorful, quirky pottery that will make your morning coffee back home feel a little more tropical.
Boho & Beachwear: Need to upgrade your beach look? This is the place. Flowy linen dresses, vintage-style t-shirts, custom-printed surf wear, and colorful bikinis—it’s all here, curated by local designers and sharp-eyed vendors.
Local Art & Crafts: Take a piece of the magic home with you. You’ll find stalls selling stunning prints and paintings of the local coastline, small wooden carvings, and other unique, handcrafted items that are bursting with soul.
The best part of the "Shop" experience is the connection. You’re not just buying a thing; you’re buying a story. You can talk to the artisan who hammered that silver ring, or the designer who sketched the print on that t-shirt. It’s a personal, mindful, and deeply satisfying way to shop.
Shopping and vibing is hard work, and The Hangout has you covered with a full menu of food and drinks to keep you fueled all day long.
Sip on This: The image on the flyer, with happy shoppers holding fresh coconuts, is the quintessential market experience. Start there. There is simply nothing better than sipping on sweet, hydrating coconut water while you browse.
Morning Fuel: Start your day with a perfectly crafted cappuccino or a fresh, zesty juice (the passionfruit is a must-try).
Afternoon Refreshers: As the heat rises, an ice-cold Lion Lager, a frosty ginger beer, or a vibrant fresh-fruit smoothie is the only way to go.
Evening Sips: As the market transitions into a night-time party, so do the drinks. This is the time to grab one of The Hangout’s famous cocktails. A zesty Margarita, a classic Mojito, or a chic Aperol Spritz is the perfect companion for browsing under the stars.
The Food: The food is designed to be as mobile and fun as the market itself. Think delicious, handheld bites that you can eat while you wander. The Hangout’s famous tacos are always a crowd-pleaser, alongside fresh-off-the-grill seafood skewers, savory wraps, and other delicious bites that are fast, fresh, and bursting with flavor.
The Hangout Pop Up Market is more than just a place to buy things. It’s the social and cultural heartbeat of Hiriketiya. It’s a 12-hour celebration of everything that makes this place special: creativity, community, incredible music, delicious food, and a vibe that is purely magical.
It's the perfect place to meet people, find inspiration, and just soak in the electric energy of a Friday in paradise. Whether you come for an hour to find a quick gift or settle in for the entire 12-hour journey from acoustic sunrise to a funky, starlit groove, you’re guaranteed to leave with a full stomach, a unique treasure, and a smile on your face.
This is your official Friday plan. We’ll see you at the Hangout.