Is there a better way to shop than at the markets?
Whether it’s chatting to friendly stallholders, enjoying the open-air environment, dog-spotting, stuffing your face or stumbling across an unexpected item you simply must have, a visit to the markets is always a good time.
In Melbourne, we’re blessed with an abundance of markets – farmers markets, artist markets, makers markets, night markets, the list goes on – and while there are plenty of iconic ones you’ve definitely heard of, there are just as many hidden gems to be found, too.
That’s why we’ve rounded up a bunch of our favourite summer markets scattered around the city.
From locally-made wares to fresh produce and artisan treats, you’ll find whatever it is you’re looking for (and a bunch of other treasures) as you make your way around these stalls.
So, whether you want something close and convenient or you’d rather jump in the car and make a day of it, if it’s markets you want, here’s where to head.
Happy shopping!
South Melbourne Market
Meet SO:ME Space, the sprawling retail precinct taking South Melbourne Market to another level
SO:ME Space first originated in 2011. South Melbourne Market is one of Melbourne’s most iconic markets, but if you thought it was only about delicious things to eat and drink, think again. Introducing South Melbourne Market’s retail precinct, SO:ME Space.
Originating in 2011, SO:ME Space is dedicated to providing a home for a range of engaging design, fashion and creative pursuits. The unique retail concept has recently undergone an expansion to allow for even more permanent and pop-up stalls.
SO:ME Space’s pop-up stalls are used as business incubators for emerging small businesses, allowing them to trial a retail space. Rollie Shoes is one business that made their retail debut at the market and now continue to have a strong presence with a permanent stall.
Always on the lookout for new small businesses, SO:ME Space plays host to Melbourne’s most innovative and fresh designers with a focus on sustainability, handmade goods, and locally sourced and designed products.
The perfect destination for gift shopping, you can find a diverse range of fashion, jewellery, art and homewares to suit anyone. SO:ME Space is just one aspect of the sprawling South Melbourne Market – while you’re there, explore everything else the market has to offer, from bakeries to butchers, gelatarias, chocolateries and so much more.
South Melbourne Market is open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8am – 4pm (8am – 5pm on Fridays). Find out more about SO:ME Space here.
Rose St. Artists Market
Fitzroy’s Rose St. Artists’ Market showcases the best in Melbourne art and design
The Rose St. reputation has been built across more than 18 years. Melbourne’s home of original art and design, The Rose St. Artists’ Market is the perfect punctuation to a day in Fitzroy. The market has a stumbled-upon charm that makes you feel like you’ve uncovered a grand secret.
Founded in 2003 and inspired by the revered DUMBO Collective in New York, along with other markets in Berlin and London, The Rose St. Artists’ Market celebrates unique homewares, fashion, jewellery, artwork and more.
With an emphasis on artisans, this is no ordinary market. The wares on offer are impeccably designed and handcrafted, and with up to 120 emerging and established artists and designers to be found, The Rose St. Artists’ Market is a place to collect, source and commission original works. It’s a place for discovery, adventure and enlightenment.
With a reputation built across 18 years of sourcing handmade wares, the former junkyard-turned-treasure-trove now includes over 3000 individual artists and designers in their catalogue.
Rose St. not only provides creatives a much-needed platform to sell their work but it also fosters community, offering customers the opportunity to speak to artisans in person.
Fitzroy’s iconic Rose St. Artists’ Market is open each Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Find out more via the market website.
Gasworks Farmers Market
The rich and vibrant history of Gasworks Arts Park dates back to 1872 when the South Melbourne Gasworks was built on the site, providing more jobs than anywhere else in the district. What used to be a site for producing domestic heating and fuel for cooking is now the southside hub for artists, performers and actors to showcase new works and performances. Such is the versatility of Gasworks, the space is also home to the popular Gasworks Farmers’ Market.
Arts Centre Melbourne’s artisan market
Spend a sunny Sunday at Arts Centre Melbourne’s own artisan market
Give back to local creatives after the chaos of 2020. Central to the Melbourne CBD and vital to the city’s artistic culture, Arts Centre Melbourne is hosting weekly Sunday markets with over 20 local stallholders. Featured artists have been carefully curated, with organisers prioritising sellers that offer unique and versatile creations.
Swing by EcoSilk to pick up a decadent handmade silk scarf or top botanically dyed using Australian leaves, roots, flowers and barks. Relax with Earth Medicine’s range of heat bags and sleeping pillows that combine natural fabrics and aromatic spices to assist meditation, or treat yourself with a handmade, locally-sourced Sunday sweet from Sophisticakes.
Is there a better way to spend a summer Sunday than grabbing an iced coffee for a stroll along the Yarra in the sun followed by a browse of artistic wares under the Arts Centre spire? Only if you add a Turkish Gozleme from the Arslan Foods stall. By purchasing goods directly from the artists, you can ensure your support is felt after a trying 2020.
Elsewhere, punters can pick up jewellery, homewares, visual art, kids gear and even stationery. It’s clear, Arts Centre Melbourne has your market needs sorted this summer. The market runs every Sunday until February 28 from 10am to 4pm between Hamer Hall and the Theatres Building. Find out more here.
Belgrave Big Dreams Market
Belgrave Big Dreams Market is a mini festival in the Dandenong Ranges
It’s fruit, vegetables, teas and baked goods aplenty at Belgrave Big Dreams Market. With the emphasis on handcrafted and handgrown goods, they’re cutting out the middle man and connecting you directly with the source. There are organic, vegan and gluten-free options, as well as international street food. A handcrafted array of furniture, jewellery, homewares, art and clothing will be available. Keep an eye out for their upcoming installation to find the perfect one of a kind Christmas gift, or to stock up on some first-class produce for your end of year hangout.
Combining live music, food stalls, dog-friendly facilities and more. Grab your mates and head to the Dandenong Ranges for a day of exploration and adventure. There you’ll find Belgrave Big Dreams Market – a mini festival in Melbourne’s picturesque hills.
With live music, a range of delicious food stalls, a playground for the kids, and dog-friendly facilities, this is a market designed to foster connection for the whole community – whether you’re an east-sider or not.
At Belgrave Big Dreams Market, you’ll find bespoke timber furniture, handcrafted leather goods, jewellery, art, homewares, and produce. And all of it is designed, made, or produced by the sellers.
There’s a coffee cart to get you in the mood for a day of market fun, and if you still feel you need some pampering you can enjoy essential oil treatments, get a massage, or step up your look with some feather hair extensions.
With new stalls every month and the opportunity to meet makers and growers, this is one market not to be missed. Belgrave Big Dreams Market is open 9am – 2pm on the second Sunday of the month. Find out more here.
Slow Food Melbourne Farmers’ Market
Sustainable and diverse, Slow Food Melbourne Farmers’ Market could be your favourite new food market
Slow Food opens every second Saturday of the month at two different Melbourne locations. What’s the best way to support local farmers without leaving Melbourne? Located in the city’s west, Slow Food Melbourne Farmers’ Market could be your favourite new food market.
With fresh, local Victorian produce available directly from growers and makers, this market is perfect for both buyers and sellers. Taking over two different locations, Slow Food Melbourne Farmers’ Market comes to Tottenham every second Saturday of the month; every fourth Saturday, the setting is Spotswood. Melbourne’s bustling westside has never been better looked after when it comes to fresh produce from local farmers.
Slow Food’s philosophy boils down to three principles: good – providing produce that is good for you, your family and the planet; clean – making sure their produce is not genetically-modified or chemically-treated; and fair – providing a fair return for everyone in the supply chain.
Sounds like Slow Food have got their finger on the pulse.
Head along to the beloved market and expect produce from the likes of The Meat Room – where you can find Melbourne’s best salami, Thriving Foods Farm – for your farm fresh vegetables, as well as local gin legends Autonomy Distillers. That’s just the start. Slow Food Melbourne Farmers’ Market goes down every second Saturday of the month at the aforementioned locations, open from 8am – 1pm. Find out more here.
Coburg Night Market
Coburg Night Market boasts a staggering collection of local and international musical acts. This year, they’ll showcase the likes of Papa Chango, Rebetiko Ensemble, Mariachi Los Romanticos, Vardos, San Lazaro, Bobby and the Pins, La Voce Della Luna, Sugarfoot Ramblers and The Senegambian Jazz Band.
A global feast featuring more than 30 food vendors will include Babaji’s Kitchen (Indian), burgers from Beatbox, street food from Bun (Vietnamese), Cornidios and Perla tacos (Mexican), Flamin’ Lamb Spit (Cambodian), and Nepal Dining Room. Capping it off is a selection of beverages, as well as Brunswick Bitter bars on site.
Bridges Reserve, Coburg. Friday nights from Friday November 25 to Friday December 16.
Glen Eira Market
Glen Eira brings punters a selection of products ranging from bric-a-brac to furniture, art and craft and local produce. The December market will be the first time food and coffee will be served. In January, they’ll welcome Boeri Bros food truck. Glen Eira Market gives any member of the community the chance to be a stallholder, creating a real community feel, through wares like eye-catching jewellery from Honey Ginger Toast or delicate, woven designs from quirky cross-stitch artist, Ciki Con Con.
Glen Eira Town Hall, corner Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield on Saturday December 17 and then the second last Saturday of every month throughout 2017.
Mulgrave Farmers Market
Established in 2009, The Mulgrave Farmers Market was Melbourne’s first weekly Farmers market. 2010 saw the addition of a monthly Makers Market for 100% handmade craft and in 2014 they added a Rummage Market to encourage the community to reuse and recycle. While the Farmers Market is home to everything from fruit and vegetables to fresh-cut flowers, Mulgrave Makers Market is an opportunity to discover the hidden creative talent in the suburbs, showcase products before they reach boutique stores, as well as hosting workshops for those looking to get inspired and embrace their inner creative.
Jackson Road and Wellington Road, Mulgrave on the fourth Sunday of every month.
Northcote Town Hall Kris Kringle Night Markets
The Kris Kringle Night Markets will exhibit over 60 stalls of locally-designed, handcrafted items. This will be their tenth year of celebrating Northcote’s dynamic artistic community, with the likes of clothing, homewares, ceramics, candles, skin products, prints, crafts, jewellery, and gifts for young ones to choose from. There will also be free live music from Babaganoush, Vardos, La Mauvaise Réputation and Bohemian Nights. If you’re thirsty or after a bite, Northcote Town Hall’s licensed bar will be open and meal options will be available on-site.
Northcote Town Hall, 189 High St, Northcote. Every Thursday from 5.30pm-10pm from Thursday December 1 to Thursday December 22.
Preston Market
Operating for over 45 years, Preston Market is one of Melbourne’s most renowned markets
Preston Market is open Wednesdays to Sundays. The hallowed Preston Market certainly needs no introduction. The northside hotspot for fresh produce, head along to Preston Market and you’ll have your weekly dining schedule sorted in one hit.
The revered food and multicultural hub has been operating for over 45 years, playing an important role in the everyday lives of Melburnians and beyond. As they say on the Preston Market website, “It’s not just a market, it’s a community”.
There’s no denying that – bringing together traders from all backgrounds and professions, people come to Preston Market to not only acquire their essentials but to hang out and converse.
Open every Wednesday to Sunday, Melbourne’s second-largest market will satisfy your bread and pastry desires with Dragisha & Nikola Bakery, Panetteria No 4 and Publique Bakery. If you’re after fruit and veg, check out The Fruit Station, Rhubarb Rhubarb Organics, Chau Tan Hung Asian Grocery or J&M Fruit Supply.
They’ve also got you sorted for any meat and poultry needs, seafood and deli items. That’s just the start when it comes to fresh food produce.
What’s more, Preston Market also houses a host of fashion and clothing retailers for those looking to spruce up their wardrobe. There’s also nurseries, hairdressers and home and living options, among many others.
For 45 years, the Preston Market has been the home to fresh food and produce, offering a range of delicatessens and groceries, quality meat cuts, poultry and a fresh flowing fruit and vegetable selection. They’ve also introduced Preston Art Market, showcasing everything from African art, crafts and home accessories from African By Design, to the Pop Up Wine Shop. Other gems include quirky furniture, custom artworks, intricate jewellery and unique boutique fashion. If you’re looking for tasty food, grab a cake and coffee from one of their many family owned cafes, share a classic cheesy margherita from Peter’s Pizza & Takeaway or crunch on a freshly made taco from Cornutopia.
Preston Market is open every Wednesday to Sunday. Find out more via the market website.
Cramer St and Mary St, Preston on every Wednesday through to Saturday from 8am.
Shirt and Skirt Markets
Don’t be fooled by the name, the market offers much more than the simple shirt and skirt, with a variety of fashion boutiques, homewares, handmade jewellery and beauty products on offer. Regular stallholders include offbeat fashion label Two Threads, which specialises in up-cycled, sustainable garments, children’s clothing to make you smile by Retrobub and many more. Other highlights include wares from Studio Antic, Jude, Mills Road, Shonah, Harper & Edie, and a slew of fine-crafted clothing to choose from, offering up pieces you won’t find anywhere else.
Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford on the third Sunday of each month from 10am to 4pm.
Sisters’ Market
Running for its eighth year in a row, this casual and cosy market was established by local sisters Roberta Parisi and Marianna Gentillin and is home to a handpicked selection of over 60 high-end craft, jewellery, ceramic, beauty, art and fashion stalls. One off items on offer include unique jewellery, homewares and upcycled textile items from Clan Collective, sustainable and cruelty free beauty products from Freya’s Nourishment, Merino wool scarves and accessories from Merino Knits, unique crystal jewellery from Northern Sky and handcrafted illustrations from artist children’s author, Elise Hurst.
Brunswick Town Hall, 233 Sydney Road, Brunswick on Friday December 9 and Saturday December 10.
St Kilda Esplanade Market
Featuring over 150 unique, makers’ market stalls featuring everything from artworks and wooden crafts to glittering jewellery and screen printed T-shirts. You’ll find yourself spoilt for choice with a melting pot of homemade bags, hats and handmade knick knacks all along the road. The market’s ‘Foodie Zone’ offers up a diverse and global palette of flavours. Food trucks galore will make sure you’re never hungry or thirsty in the heat. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, there’ll be a variety of buskers and musicians playing.
Upper Esplanade beside Luna Park between Fitzroy St and Acland St every Sunday from 10am- 5pm.
Supper Market
Featuring a selection of unique and exciting stalls with summer threads, hand crafted jewellery, second hand books, plants and more ready for the taking. Food truck favourites The Little Mushroom Co., Senor Churro, Taiwanese Ghost Kitchen and more are all on hand too. Head over to the dancefloor to boogie the night away to weekly live music, with performances ranging from African dance troop Asanti Dance Theatre, hot swing number Balajo Jazz Manouche or electronica extraordinaires Zucchini Clan.
Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford on every Friday from Friday January 6 to Friday February 24 from 5pm-9.30pm.
