Melbourne’s Southbank Makers Market is putting local creativity centre stage, launching its first-ever Meet The Maker Day on Sunday, 8th November.
Set along the Yarra River, opposite Flinders Street Station, the special event will bring together between 20 and 50 local artisan stalls, with visitors invited to discover handmade jewellery, ceramics, candles, artwork, textiles and one-of-a-kind gifts.
There will also be live maker demonstrations and shopper giveaways, giving visitors the chance to meet the creatives behind the products and see their craftsmanship up close.
Meet Melbourne’s independent makers
Proud of its “homemade not mass-made” ethos, Southbank Makers Market champions independent creatives and small businesses, offering an alternative to mass-produced shopping.
Also among the featured stallholders is Pete Pascoe Art & Music, showcasing a collection of vibrant animal illustrations, coastal-inspired paintings and original prints.
Buyers can also browse handcrafted pottery and ceramic pieces from Bee Ceramics, alongside beautifully scented, hand-poured candles from Studio by Ceyda. Together, the makers offer a glimpse into the creativity and craftsmanship behind Melbourne’s thriving independent market scene.
Visitors can also browse handmade jewellery from Kamala Designs, design objects from Rael Solomon Studio and sustainable upcycled creations from Stitching Queens and Aoracreo.
Market chair Georgia Symmons said the market was probably Melbourne’s best-kept secret, hiding in plain sight. “We’re proud of our handmade credentials and that will be on show in our Meet The Maker Day,” she said.
A fresh start for Southbank’s creative market
The celebration marks an important milestone for the market, which spent months fighting for its future after its continued operation was threatened.
A cooperative of stallholders stepped in to take control of the attraction, securing permits and sign-off from the City of Melbourne and establishing a partnership with the Yarra River Business Association. Southgate has also supported the transition.
Meanwhile, the market officially adopted its new name, Southbank Makers Market, on 5th July, carrying forward a creative legacy that dates back to the former Arts Centre Sunday market on St Kilda Road.
Moreover, Symmons said the market aimed to become a centre for creativity, connection and discovery, encouraging visitors to explore and experience more of the Yarra River precinct.
Now, its first-ever Meet The Maker Day is inviting Melburnians to rediscover the riverside market and support the local creatives who make it special.
Key details
- What: Southbank Makers Market: Meet The Maker Day
- When: Sunday, 8th November, 2026
- Time: 10am–4pm
- Where: Southbank Promenade, opposite Flinders Street Station, Melbourne
- Entry: Free
- What’s on: 20–50 artisan stalls, live maker demonstrations and shopper giveaways
- What to find: Handmade jewellery, ceramics, candles, artwork, textiles and unique gifts
