Here’s the latest news from Queen Victoria Market, including the inaugural Sweet As Festival in collaboration with The Bearded Bakers and MFWF, Indonesian and Turkish Pazar festivals and an array of delicious market tours, exploring favourites from Chilli to Cheese.
FESTIVALS
- Sweet As Festival: Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 March, 9am to 4pm | Free entry
Queen Victoria Market is thrilled to announce the first-ever ‘Sweet As’ Festival, a two-day dessert extravaganza in collaboration with Melbourne Food & Wine Festival and The Bearded Bakers. Taking over the Market’s open-air sheds, ‘Sweet As’ will feature over 20 dessert traders offering a delectable array of treats.
The Bearded Bakers, renowned for their famous knafeh and vibrant Middle Eastern baking traditions, will be at the heart of the festival. They’ve even created a signature knafeh inspired by the Market’s diverse traders: Knafeh and Fig.
- Indonesian Festival | Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 March, 9am – 4pm | Free entry
Indonesia Spice up the World initiative will bring this vibrant celebration of Indonesian culture, flavours and heritage to Queen Victoria Market! Expect art workshops, cultural performances and delicious street food.
A traditional Indonesian lunch box packed with signature dishes from the islands of Indonesia, including flavourful beef rendang, crispy fried chicken, rice, dessert and a drink will be available for purchase on the day.
- Turkish Pazar Festival | Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 April, 9am – 4pm | Free entry
Bringing all the delights of Turkish Ramazan Festival, the Turkish Pazar Festival is a free and family-friendly celebration of food, music, dance and culture to mark the end of the fasting month.
Highlights of this weekend celebration include traditional street food like gözleme, döner kebab and Turkish Coffee, beautiful handcraft displays including ebru (paper marbling), demonstrations and live music including the Australian Ottoman Mehter Band performing on Sunday 13 April.
NEWS
- New Exhibit ‘Oysters and Sustainability: From Harvest to Market’ | 25 March – 30 June
Crafted by visual artist Louise Marson, this new exhibit in the Queen’s Food Hall will explore the fascinating journey of oysters from harvest to plate, while uncovering the profound history of Melbourne’s forgotten oyster reefs.
This unique installation features ten sculptural panels crafted from repurposed oyster shells from Queen Victoria Market’s fishmongers. Five panels showcase Melbourne’s typography, with the Birrarung (Yarra River) flowing through the artwork.
Look for the abstract representation of Bunjil, the Creator Spirit in Wurundjeri Dreaming, which will be incorporated into this thought-provoking work.
Marson’s recent work includes ‘Flourish: Echoes of History’ a powerful tribute to place at the Abbotsford Convent.
TOURS
- Sweet As Tour | Saturday 29 March, 10am – 12pm | Tickets $99 per adult
Indulge in the sweet side of Queen Victoria Market’s autumn charm on the Sweet As Tour, where guests can enjoy a curated selection of delicious treats; from a warming chai to the iconic Hot Jam Doughnuts, melt-in-the-mouth Greek Spoon Sweets, creamy Sicilian Gelati and luscious seasonal fruit.
- Ultimate Chilli Lovers’ Tour | Saturday 5 April, 10am – 12pm | Tickets $99 per adult
Queen Victoria Market’s Ultimate Chilli Lovers Tour is turning up the heat this season, offering a fiery exploration of the 6,000-year-old fruit that’s scientifically proven to boost your mood. Sample fresh chillies and unique chilli-infused products, led by expert guides, before cooling off with a frosty treat to end the adventure.
- La Dolce Vita Taste of Italy Tour | 10 May, 10am – 12pm | Tickets $99 per adult
Celebrate Melbourne’s rich Italian heritage on Queen Victoria Market’s Taste of Italy Tour, where an expert guide takes you on a journey through the Market’s finest Mediterranean delights, featuring fresh mussels (cozze), artisan Italian cheese, exquisite salumi, succulent antipasto and luscious gelati crafted by Queen Victoria Market’s very own fourth-generation Sicilian gelatiere.
- Ultimate Cheese Tour | Saturday 17 May, 10am – 12pm | Tickets $99 per adult
Queen Victoria Market’s Ultimate Cheese Tour lets cheese lovers indulge in the finest local and imported cheeses, fresh bread, seasonal fruit, creamy desserts and a refreshing Brick Lane beer.
- Ultimate Foodie Tour | Every Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 10am – 12pm | Tickets $99 per adult
A two-hour guided tour of the Market’s best food spots, featuring generous tastings, insider shopping tips and a free Queen Victoria Market shopping bag.