250+ independent designers, 75+ artisanal food and drink brand, and big design ideas welcome winter

The Big Design Market returns for an ‘Almost Winter’ celebration.

As the chill starts to creep back in across Melbourne, the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton will once again transform into a vibrant haven for design aficionados and food lovers alike. From 22–24 May 2026, The Big Design Market returns with its eagerly anticipated ‘Almost Winter’ event, promising a sensory feast that blends the best of independent Australian design with culinary delights, all under a canopy of twinkling festoon lights and the immersive artistry of guest artist Xue Fei Art.

The Big Design Market ‘Almost Winter’

When: Friday 22nd May – 11am-7pm, Saturday 23rd May – 10am-6pm, Sunday 24th May – 10am-5pm
Where: Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton VIC
Tickets: Adults: $8, Kids(12 and under): free. Buy here

Keep up to date with all things arts, exhibitions and stage here.

 

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The market’s signature allure lies in its meticulous curation. Over 250 designers and 75 artisanal food and drink brands will converge, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to explore ethical, sustainable, and exquisitely crafted products. From ceramics, jewellery, and homewares to innovative lifestyle pieces, apparel, and pet wares, each stall tells a story rooted in passion, creativity, and uncompromising quality. Adding to the excitement, more than 55 new brands will debut their collections, accompanied by a lineup of exclusive product launches.

This year’s designers bring a compelling mix of originality and craftsmanship. Mariella McKinley Glass dazzles with hand-blown and cold-worked creations that celebrate colour, texture, and form, while e’serdiv introduces vegan footwear fashioned from AppleSkin—a sustainable, bio-based leather alternative made from discarded apple by-product. Mon Mannabu’s The Artist Nest offers premium 27-pocket tool bags for makers, and SMEC Eyewear presents bold titanium frames in a spectrum of colours. UKOO’s body care blends ancestral wisdom with modern science, nurturing the skin and celebrating familial bonds. Sustainability takes centre stage with ReRoped, a collaborative project turning old climbing ropes into bags, while Ignem Terrae’s handcrafted ceramics and Rittle King’s playful creations push the boundaries of design. Saddler and Co make a rare appearance with their handcrafted saddles and leather goods, showcasing the enduring appeal of time-honoured techniques.

Beyond design, Almost Winter is a haven for gastronomes. Visitors can savour gnocchi Sorrentina tossed in a 40kg Grana Padano wheel at Ugo Burrata Bar, or indulge in handcrafted bao buns from Wonderbao and top-tier Banh Mi from Ca Com. Sweet tooths are equally catered for, from artisanal tarts and pastries to decadent donuts and all-natural ice cream. Melbourne coffee icon Axil Coffee ensures every cup is a masterclass in flavour, while a curated selection of local and international spirits, wines, and sakes—including the exclusive Japanese range from Sakemate—promise to elevate the weekend.

Friday afternoon offers a particularly inviting incentive: between 4pm and 6pm, visitors are treated to Pizzini’s Spritzzini Prosecco Lime Spritz, a refreshing blend of mint and lime, the perfect prelude to a weekend of discovery.

Artistic flair is threaded throughout the market, with Xue Fei Art (Elaine Li) transforming the Royal Exhibition Building into a luminous, semi-abstract wonderland. Her large-scale installation, suspended from the grand dome, reinterprets landscapes through bold colours and playful forms, creating a space where personal memory and collective experience converge. Children can explore a dedicated creative zone inspired by Li’s designs, complete with badges, colouring sheets, and immersive activities, ensuring the market is a feast for all ages.

With its thoughtful combination of design, art, and food, Almost Winter embodies the essence of Melbourne’s creative spirit.

Find out more about The Big Design Market here.