There’s more than one reason to make a trip to the Market this spring
Queen Victoria Market is welcoming the warmer months with new season produce, limited-edition eats and a line-up of food, cultural and creative events running from September through November.
Across the Market, spring means strawberries, artichokes, asparagus, Asian greens and zucchini returning to produce stalls, alongside spring lamb, fresh seafood and armfuls of seasonal flowers. Meanwhile, a new caviar-loaded creation from RIPE Cheese and a calendar spanning donuts, dumplings, coffee, craft and Filipino culture give Melburnians plenty more to seek out over the coming months.
25 GRAMS OF CAVIAR, ONE VERY INDULGENT TOASTIE
After spending winter shaving Australian black truffles over thousands of toasties, RIPE Cheese is turning its attention to another premium Australian ingredient for spring: caviar.
The team behind Melbourne’s Most Truffle’d Toastie is launching its warm-weather counterpart, Melbourne’s Most Caviar Toastie, combining thick-cut brioche with Japanese-style egg salad, mozzarella and Long Paddock fromage frais, topped with 25 grams of Petuna Tasmanian trout caviar, chives and crushed salt-and-vinegar potato crisps.
Priced at $26, the limited-edition toastie will be available Friday to Sunday from 23 October to 29 November, with just 50 toasties available each week. The toastie takes caviar out of its traditional fine-dining setting and serves it in a decidedly more casual form.
WHAT’S IN SEASON
As the weather warms, the seasonal produce offering continues to change across the Market with mandarins, grapefruit, mushrooms, spring onions and radishes among the produce to look out for this spring.
At the butchers, spring lamb returns alongside cuts ready for the barbecue while fishmongers, delis, cheesemongers and bakeries are stocked for the return of picnics, long lunches and outdoor entertaining.
WHAT’S ON THIS SPRING
A packed calendar of food, cultural and creative events will take over the Market’s historic sheds throughout spring.
Melbourne Donut Festival | Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October
The Melbourne Donut Festival returns for two days dedicated to the city’s favourite fried treat, bringing together some of Melbourne’s top donut makers and bakers under one roof.
Oktoberfest Pinoy | Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October
Oktoberfest Pinoy brings a distinctly Filipino take on the world-famous Oktoberfest tradition to Queen Victoria Market. The free two-day celebration brings together Filipino food, music and live entertainment, with plenty of authentic flavours to discover alongside an ice-cold beer.
Melbourne International Dumpling Festival | Monday 2 November | 12pm-10pm
The Melbourne International Dumpling Festival returns to Queen Victoria Market with a global celebration of one of the world’s most-loved foods. Expect everything from momo, pierogi and gyoza to ravioli, khinkali and manti, alongside live chef demonstrations, food tastings and a lively multicultural atmosphere.
Coffee Festival | Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November
Australia’s biggest filter coffee tasting festival returns to Queen Victoria Market, bringing together more than 40 roasters from across Australia and around the world. Coffee lovers can taste their way through an impressive line-up of brews, discover new favourites and meet the passionate roasters behind them.
CRFT*WRK | 5 September, 3 October and 28 November
Curated by the team behind The Rose St. Artists’ Market, CRFT*WRK brings contemporary locally made craft to the Market’s open-air sheds, showcasing independent makers and one-of-a-kind wares.
Swap Meet | Sunday 1 November
Collectors and enthusiasts can browse and trade cards, memorabilia and collectables from more than 45 exhibitors, accompanied by a live DJ.
From what’s growing and arriving on traders’ counters to limited-edition dishes and weekends built around some of Melbourne’s favourite things to eat and drink, spring offers plenty of reasons to make a trip to Queen Victoria Market.
FAST FACTS
- The Spring Series: 1 September – 30 November 2026
- Location: Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne
• Entry: Free
• More information: Visit qvm.com.au/the–spring–series