Queen Victoria Market fires up the barbecues for another summer of street food, live music and twilight shopping.
Wednesday nights are sorted, thanks to Queen Vic Market.
Summer Night Market kicks off its 25th season at Queen Vic Market on 19 November, bringing 15 weeks of after-dark eating, drinking and wandering through the open-air sheds. It’s Melbourne’s longest-running night market, and this year marks a quarter-century of the tradition that’s seen backpackers settle down, first dates turn into marriages, and kids grow up to bring their own families back.
Vijay Sivaraj from Drums Sri Lankan Street Food has been slinging curries since the very first Summer Night Market. He reckons the longevity speaks for itself; multiple generations now know exactly where to find their favourite street eats on a warm Wednesday evening, and that’s become part of Melbourne’s summer rhythm.
Queen Vic Market – Summer Night Market
- What: 25th season of Melbourne’s original night market
- Where: Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne
- When: Wednesdays from 19 November 2025 – 11 March 2026 (excluding 24 and 31 December)
- Time: 5pm–10pm
- Entry: Free
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Over 50 street food vendors and rotating trucks set up each week, mixing longtime favourites with newcomers. Drums keeps doing its thing alongside Entrecôte Steak House’s Parisian steak frites and The Cypriot Kitchen’s charcoal-grilled souvla. Braz Oz Brazilian BBQ joins after selling out Spring Night Market, while Frencheese brings French snails in butter sauce for anyone feeling adventurous.
Gelato Messina handles dessert with summer scoops and limited releases, St. Gerry’s fries up Greek loukoumades, and George the Fishmonger sorts seafood lovers with popcorn prawns and lobster rolls. Newer additions like Lisa Bakes pitch up with Cookie Pies and Loaded Brownies, Casa Nata bakes Portuguese custard tarts throughout the evening, and Oz Waffle stacks bubble waffles with soft serve.
Drink options span Brick Lane Brewing Co. beers, mojito slushies in watermelon or apple-strawberry, and a bunch of new arrivals. Isla Vodka pours sugar-free mixes, Compa Tequila does spritzes in grapefruit and blood orange, and Bella Spritzers bring limoncello and lime-elderflower combos. The Traditional Lemonade Stand keeps it simple with fresh-pressed classics.
Shopping spans another 50-plus artisan stalls. Mecino makes minimalist jewellery in Melbourne, Vintage Japanese Textiles imports hand-sourced kimonos, and BagU weaves colourful summer bags. Candle makers Green Candle Co. and Leaf Candle Co. stock soy blends and Australian botanical scents, while Cuddle The Cat covers scrunchies and hair accessories.
Grandma Funk curates vintage clothing and festival gear, Krazy Fluid Art sells bold homewares, and Fuwa Collections brings Japanese ceramics and gift pieces. The Muse Crochet handmakes accessories, The Paper & Wood Co. prints on wood and paper, and Himalayan Artifacts stocks carved items from Nepal and Tibet.
Entertainment runs throughout each session. Taste of Summer pop-ups showcase seasonal produce from market fruiters, live bands and buskers perform across different spots, and RMIT music students DJ from sunset onwards. Roving performers move through the crowds from opening week through to the final Wednesday in March.
Twenty-five years means plenty of regulars know the drill; rock up anytime between five and 10, grab food from multiple stalls, find a spot to sit, and let the evening unfold. No entry fee, no booking required, just Wednesdays at the market doing what it’s done for a quarter-century now.
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