Queen Vic winter night market extended

Reporter: Ruby Taylor.

Despite the cost of living crisis, the Winter Night Market in Melbourne’s CBD is attracting huge crowds and organisers have extended its annual run by two weeks.

The market is a part of the Queen Victoria Market’s Winter Series, which highlights in-season produce and retail items. Specialty traders set up at the Night Market every Wednesday from June through to August, but due to high demand have extended their stay.

Retailer Marshall Waters said, “There’s just about something for everybody.”

Mr Waters, owner of Rewine, has been a part of the Winter Night Market since it began in 2013. Rewine sells spiced mulled wine in reusable cups, inviting customers to bring back their cups for a $2 return.

“The diversity of food” is one of Mr Waters’ favourite things about the Market, with stalls selling Nepalese, Italian, Greek and Filipino cuisines, among others.

The additional two weeks will introduce new features to the Market, including an NFL theme for String Bean Alley and [CARDCORE], Australia’s largest trading card game and pop culture event.

“There are all sorts of weird and wonderful things…It’s quite good fun,” Mr Waters said of the silent disco that travels through the stalls.

Performers wander through the undercover sheds with an instrument, a trick, or a cool photo opportunity.

Queen Victoria Market management is focused on keeping the Night Market fun and fresh.

“The Market admin has been fairly energetic about keeping it moving, bringing new things in,” said Mr Waters.

The Night Market runs every Wednesday from 5pm-10pm and will remain open until the 9th of September. Entry is free.

String Bean Alley lit up at the Winter Night Market (Image: Ruby Taylor)