The Makers & Shakers Market features an all-Australian line-up of stallholders, food, entertainment and extra fun for fathers and those who love them
Returning to Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building on Father’s Day weekend Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September, the Makers & Shakers Market spring edition is set to be its biggest yet, celebrating Australian-made design, creativity and craftsmanship.
From homewares to slow fashion, skincare to stationery and small-batch treats, The Makers & Shakers Market will showcase more than 180 designers, makers and gourmet producers, including 35 exciting new stallholders making their debut.
For the first time, patrons can have a custom-made portrait made by Melbourne-based artist Frances Cannon or get creative in one of That Paper Joint’s inspiring collage workshops. Pie lovers with a sweet tooth will also have the chance to taste the newly crowned winner of Ballarat’s Best Pie of 2025, Mrs Browne Bakes’ Raspberry Goldfields Cookie Pie.
As the only makers market that partners with the Australian Made Campaign, every product on offer is both designed and made in Australia, making shopping locally, consciously and sustainably easy and fun.
Father-friendly highlights include a dedicated “Dad’s Zone” and plenty of local and handmade last-minute gifts to choose from. Stop by Awkward Portraits for a family photo – with a cheeky double denim theme, the shoot promises a hilarious and memorable experience, forever immortalised in a cheesy family portrait that will bring giggles for years.
Rocco’s Bologna Discoteca’s iconic hot Italian sandwiches will be in the house, along with Wonderbao, Greek Street Food, Hamsa Hummus Bar and the OG Taco Truck among those serving up great eats all weekend.
A bigger-than-ever Kids Zone will keep little ones entertained throughout the day, with loads of activities on offer including a Kids’ Crafting Station where they can create their own cards for the father figure in their life.
The popular Mini Makers & Shakers Market will also be back, giving kids the chance to play stallholder for a day and play out their entrepreneurial dreams.
Interactive workshops will give patrons the opportunity to meet the makers and try their hand at something new – from painting, drawing and felting, to jewellery making, visitors will come away with new knowledge, skills and their own artistic project to take home.
With vinyl DJs providing the good vibes across both days, interactive workshops and a huge array of tasty food and drink options, discover incredible products and support real people doing good things – all under one iconic roof.
Tickets are just $5 for adults (under 12s free). Beat the queue and book online at themakersandshakers.com.au