Father's Day at Makers & Shakers Market

Overview

Just in time for Father's Day, the Makers & Shakers Market returns with a stacked line-up of stallholders, showcasing more than 180 designers, makers and gourmet producers. Held at the Melbourne Royal Exhibition Building, this year's Makers & Shakers Market will be the biggest yet.

Explore Australian-made designs perfect for Dad from Saturday, September 6 to Sunday, September 7. There's even a dedicated "Dad's Zone" to make last-minute gifts a breeze, and also keep your dad occupied while you go exploring for something yourself.

Visitors can sit for a custom portrait by Melbourne artist Frances Cannon or sample Ballarat's award-winning Raspberry Goldfields Cookie Pie from Mrs Browne Bakes. You'll also have the chance to snap a family photo that you'll be laughing about for years at Awkward Portraits. We've heard the theme is double-denim.

For a bite to eat, there is no shortage of food stalls to satisfy those hunger pangs. Keep an eye out for Rocco's Bologna Discoteca serving up their famous Italian sandwiches, bao buns from Wonderbao, Greek Street Food and Hamsa Hummus Bar. For take-home food and drink options, try Six-Eyed Scorpion chilli oil, ramen kits from the Naked Asian Grocer, and gin from Daylesford Spirits.

Returning this September is the popular Mini Makers & Shakers Market, giving kids the chance to play stallholder for a day. For adults, there's a plethora of interactive workshops allowing patrons to try their hand at needle-felting, collaging, jewellery making and gin tasting.

The Makers & Shakers Market will run from 10am–4pm across the Father's Day weekend. Tickets are $5 (free for kids under 12) and can be purchased online or at the door.