The Winter Night Market has been extended into September, with a giant trading card takeover and an NFL-themed alley added to the closing nights.
Melbourne’s Winter Night Market has scored a two-week extension, adding two extra September nights at Queen Victoria Market before spring.
The headline addition to the Winter Night Market’s bonus run is the [CARDCORE] Night Market, billed as Australia’s largest free trading card game and pop culture event. It takes over almost 2,000m² of the market sheds in the extended footprint at the E Shed, Queen Street end, and runs across both 2 and 9 September. Punters can expect more than 75 traders, dedicated swap zones, gaming tournaments, giveaways, cosplay, hands-on activities and live DJs pulling collectors, players and curious browsers into the one space.
Winter Night Market
- 19 August – 9 September 2026
- Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne
- 5pm – 10pm, free entry
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
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The extended run also leans into gridiron. String Bean Alley transforms into Gridiron Alley to mark the NFL’s first Melbourne game at the MCG on 11 September, playing the laneway’s character off the city skyline for an American football-inspired photo moment that’s built to be shared.
That crossover builds to the closing night on 9 September, when the NFL fanfare hits its peak. Head to the iconic American Doughnut Kitchen van at 6.30pm and 7pm, with a couple of surprise appearances promised at one of the market’s most photographed spots.
Away from the new activations, the final stretch keeps the staples that carried the season. That means charcoal-grilled skewers from Hoy Pinoy, smash burgers and Nashville hot chicken from Smashville, baklava soft serve, German sausages and pretzels, warm wagyu meatball subs, matcha desserts, mulled wine and campfire cocktails, all eaten around crackling fire pits and glowing light installations. Roving performers, specialty traders and live music round out the last two outings. With the Spring Night Market taking a break this year, these are the final chances to soak it up before the warmer months arrive.
For more information, head here.
