It was a full house at the opening of the Queen Victoria Winter Night Market. Circling the perimeter were dozens of vendors selling delicious foods and drinks. Underneath the historic shed was an Etsy paradise: scores of artisan vendors were selling trendy jewelery, houseplants, candles, housewares, etc. Customers brave enough to face the cool winter temperatures were treated to a fun evening of live music, toasty fire pits, and excellent shopping.
Some things that caught my eye: watching a man toss pasta in a giant wheel of cheese. The famous Australian fair grand concert street organ serenading both locals and tourists. The fantastic live music at the entrance of the market. The complementary cider samples from Robello’s Cheeky Rascal Cider were a hit as well.
My favourite part of the Night Market was warming up by the fire pits with a cup of hot mulled wine and watching the local performance artists. A gold sequined hula hooper, a lady clown juggling glo-in-the-dark balls and bowling pins, and two silver costumed entertainers on stilts wowed crowds.
The market showcases over a dozen international cuisines so there is something tasty for everyone. The queues for food can sometimes be long, so use the buddy system to divide and conquer the long lines. Consider sending a friend or spouse to get an appetizer while you wait in line for the main entrée. I recommend the savoury pies from the Gourmet Pie Truck and the mushroom burgers from The Little Mushroom Co.
The Queen Victoria Night Market is a great event for tourists and locals. This is a mid-week winter Melburnian tradition that I plan on adopting. Next Wednesday, I’m coming back for a taste of the Aussie Bush Tucker menu and some virgin apple cider.
– Vanessa
Vanessa W. is recent Melbourne transplant from California and a great enthusiast of Australian pies.
The Queen Victoria Winter Night Market runs every Wednesday night, 5-10pm, from 1 June to 31 August 2016. The market is accessible.
Disclosure: The Plus Ones were invited guests of Q Strategies.
Image credit: Sifra Netta.
