Royal Exhibition Building & Carlton Gardens

The Makers and Shakers Market is back for 2025, showcasing a host of established and emerging designers at Carlton's Royal Exhibition Building on April 5 and 6. Bring your bags and nanna trolleys, because this is a great opportunity to stock up on one-of-a-kind presents while also supporting local artists and creatives.  The market is a curated event that will feature more than 175 stalls run by independent Melbourne makers selling homewares, food and drink, art, accessories, ethical fashion, beauty products and more. It's also the only local makers market where the stallholders sell 100 per cent Australian-made products!  You won't go hungry, either – this year's tasty line-up of snack vendors includes Rocco's Bologna Discoteca, Gigi's Gelato, Taco Truck, Cobb Lane Bakery, Sebby's Scrolls, Pasta Face, Subtle Tea and heaps more. There will also be all-vinyl DJ sets, plus kids activities, tastings and creative workshops. Adult tickets are $5 and kids under 12 enter for free. You can pre-purchase tickets via the website.  Want more? Discover the best markets in Melbourne.

Calling all fromage freaks and pinot lovers: the team behind beloved cheese festival Mould and booze festival Pinot Palooza has revealed that an epic fusion of the two events will be returning to Melbourne in 2025. Following the success of last year’s hybrid celebration, events powerhouse Revel will be uniting wine and cheese lovers once more with an unmatched foodie tour that offers double the indulgence. For anyone who's ever paired a creamy camembert with quality pinot, this makes total sense! The program will offer world-class Australian artisan cheeses to sample – from the creamiest to the stinkiest (and always the tastiest, of course) – along with some of the finest pinot noir in the land.  New head of Revel Jessica Audas said, “More than just a tasting experience, this event is about discovering the magic of perfect pairings—where the right cheese and pinot can elevate each other in unexpected and unforgettable ways.” An excellent grape-stained handful of award-winning wineries will be in attendance, such as Innocent Bystander, Vinteloper and Yering Station, and more. Meanwhile, on the dairy front, the lauded Milawa Cheese and Bruny Island will be generously offering some of their best products for tastings.  Whether you prefer oozy camembert or nutty gruyères, we can guarantee there'll be something you'll want to add to your next cheese board.  Tickets cost $59 plus booking fees and include festival entry, all cheese and pinot tastings (no tokens needed!), a wine...