Gather around shopaholics, The Big Design Market is returning to Melbourne with its dreamy ‘Almost Winter’ edition. Make a beeline for the Royal Exhibition Building and find an assortment of gifts, including ethically-made ceramics, jewellery, homewares, clothing and more. On top of that, the market will also feature plenty of delicious food and drink, a pop-up fashion runway, a creative play space for kids and more. The Big Design Market will have over 250 exhibitors from Australia, as well as over 70 artisanal food brands. It’s all happening from Friday May 23 to Sunday May 25.
The Big Design Market
For their ‘Almost Winter’ edition, the Royal Exhibition Building will be decked out in botanical designs by guest artist Irina Nazarova. Walk underneath a starry night sky, and browse through the stalls for sustainable goods, creative products, delicious dishes and tasty tipples.
Arrive early and get your hands on their exclusive show bags. These popular bags feature $140 worth of products from exhibitors, and cost just $25. There will be a different selection of show bags available each day for purchase at the door.
Then, spruce up your winter wardrobe by browsing through the range of sustainable clothes and accessories. Find homewares like kitchen products, ceramics, wall art, candles, pet products and more. You’ll also find gourmet packaged foods from over 40 brands, including Pistachio Papi, LaManna, Mamé Cocoa and more.
With over 250 stalls to rummage through, you’re bound to work up an appetite. Feast on savoury options like Banh Mi from Ca Com, Italian dishes from Ugo Burrata Bar, pastries from Wonder Pies and more. For something sweet, you’ll find ice cream from Billy Van Creamy, treats from All Day Donuts, Portuguese tarts from Casa Nata and cannoli from Cannoleria. Indulge in pastries and cakes from Cobb Lane or opt for cookies from Mrs Browne Bakes.
As for drinks, try a vodka iced tea from Subtle Tea, spirits and cocktails from Ester Spirits, limoncello spritz from Solbevi and more. There’s plenty of drops to look forward to from Pizzini Wines, Heathcote Gin, Cheeky Rascal Cider and more. You’ll also find non-alcoholic opens from NON, Freed Beverages, Mailer McGuire Kombucha and East Forged.
More fun stuff
Arrive between 4pm and 6pm on Friday and receive a free sparkling wine, known as Brachetto, from Pizzini Wines.
On Saturday at noon, there will also be a pop-up fashion runway, showcasing the latest items from fashion labels at the market. See ten models strut their stuff in pieces from Vow Studio, Gem the Label, Made For A Goddess and more.
Meanwhile, the kids will have plenty of fun in a specially designed kids area by Irina Nazarova. They can create their own flower crown and deck it out in all sorts of fun stuff like pom poms and glitter.
Dates and times
- Friday May 23 – 11am to 8pm
- Saturday May 24 – 10am to 7pm
- Sunday May 25 – 10am to 5pm
Please note that there is an admission price of $6 per adult, plus booking fee. Children aged 12 and under can enter for free.