Melbourne’s favourite winter ritual is back, and it’s set to light up the city once again. From the glow of open fires to the buzz of roving performers and the scent of global street food, the Winter Night Market returns to Queen Victoria Market every Wednesday night until 26 August.
A staple of Melbourne’s winter calendar, the beloved midweek event transforms the historic market into a vibrant, open-air playground of flavour, culture and connection. Running from 5pm to 10pm with free entry, the Winter Night Market invites locals and visitors alike to rug up, head into the city and experience one of Melbourne’s most authentic and atmospheric nights out.
The Market will come alive with a dynamic line-up of street food, warming drinks, specialty shopping, live music, roving performers and family-friendly entertainment — all set against a backdrop of crackling fire pits, glowing installations and the unmistakable energy of a Melbourne winter night.
FOOD & DRINK
From comfort classics to bold flavours, the Winter Night Market serves up a rotating line-up of street food, hot bevvies and winter warmers designed to be eaten with your hands and enjoyed by the fire.
- MELTED: raclette-loaded sandwiches, toasted brie and camembert croquettes with fig jam.
- The Soup Factory: winter-ready bowls of pumpkin soup, clam chowder and lobster and king crab chowder.
- Spud Pappi: loaded baked potatoes topped with butter chicken, mushrooms and Italian-inspired flavours.
- Claw and Bun: crispy soft shell crab burgers served with chips.
- Frasta Fried Pasta: crispy fried pasta cups inspired by Roman classics.
- Oh My Doner: Berlin-style doner kebabs loaded with meat, salad and sauce.
- Campfire Cocktails Bar: warming winter sips including Campfire Vodka Lemon Lime & Bitters, Winter Gin & Tonic, Fireside Mojitos and hot, spiced mocktails.
- Mulled Wine: the ultimate winter warmer and a returning market favourite.
- American Doughnut Kitchen: iconic hot jam doughnuts with exclusive seasonal dipping sauces.
- Mixed Bag: toasted marshmallows, gooey s’mores and campfire hot chocolates.
- MeowMeow Matcha: viral-worthy matchamisu, hojicha lattes and colourful matcha creations.
SPECIALTY TRADERS & NIGHT MARKET FINDS
Beyond the food, the Market is a treasure trove of unique finds with local makers, artisans and specialty traders offering everything from handcrafted goods to one-of-a-kind products. It’s the perfect place to browse, discover and take a little piece of the Market home.
- A Good Yarn: handmade jewellery, hats, beanies and scarves.
- Ladybird Clothing: vintage, recycled and new fashion finds.
- The Pet Central: gourmet dog treats, accessories, grooming products and custom pet keepsakes.
- The Hat Project: a curated collection of men’s and women’s hats.
ENTERTAINMENT
More than just a night market, this is Melbourne at its best: a place to gather, eat, drink and experience the city after dark.
FAST FACTS
What: Winter Night Market
Where: Queen Victoria Market
When: Every Wednesday, 3 June – 26 August 2026
Time: 5pm – 10pm
Entry: FREE
More info: thenightmarket.com.au
Image credit: Tim Grey