Queen Victoria Market is stepping into summer with a three month program of food, culture and curated experiences designed to draw Melburnians back into the city’s most iconic marketplace.
Running from December through February, the Summer Series brings new spaces, seasonal produce and limited edition treats, with the centrepiece being The Pallet Collective, a freshly created retail precinct showcasing independent makers and designers.
Opening Tuesday 9 December in D Shed, The Pallet Collective brings together a rotating lineup of artisans and small scale producers, expanding the Market’s retail mix with fashion, food, design and handmade pieces perfect for summer browsing.
Visitors can expect everything from Innocent Bystander’s custom Airstream cellar door to Tutti Dolce Tiramisu Bar’s pistachio and limone specialties, alongside inventive Thai chocolates from Siamaya Chocolate, handcrafted pieces from Billabong Crafts, collectible illustrated cards from The Postcard Makers and contemporary homewares by Milky Milk. New traders will continue to join across the season, ensuring the precinct keeps evolving.
The Summer Series also features a set of marquee events. The popular Swap Meet returns on 8 February with a Trading Cards and Fandom Edition, bringing collectors together for a buzzing morning of nostalgia and community.
The Ramadan Night Market on 20 and 21 February will offer Iftar dishes, traditional sweets and cultural experiences across two evenings. Food lovers can join the Summer Flavours Tour on Saturdays, while the beloved Summer Night Market continues each Wednesday until 11 March, filling the open air sheds with street food, drinks, live music and artisan stalls.
Shoppers can look forward to peak season produce including cherries from CherryHill Orchards, stone fruit, tomatoes, basil and summer seafood. Traders will also roll out limited seasonal treats, such as American Doughnut Kitchen’s 12 Flavours of Summer, featuring weekly rotating dipping pots.
“Summer is when Queen Victoria Market feels its most alive. The colours, the produce and the atmosphere make it a special time to visit,” said Queen Victoria Market CEO Matt Elliott.
“The Summer Series brings together everything people love about the Market, while introducing new spaces and new experiences such as The Pallet Collective. We are excited to showcase the best of summer in Melbourne and invite everyone to rediscover the Market in a new way,” he said.
