Federation Square

The beloved Boho Luxe Market returns to Melbourne for a special Mother's Day edition, making buying a gift for mum super simple with a one-day shopping event.  Shop from a curated selection of more than 100 designers and makers that you won't find at your average market, with local jewellers, fashion designers, illustrators, artists and more. You'll find plenty of wares that mums will love, like slow fashion pieces, handcrafted ceramics, hand poured candles, art prints and illustrations. Plus, you can partake in creative workshops, psychic readings and more – with free aura photos on offer for the first hour on the day.  The Mother's Day edition of the Boho Luxe Market will be held at Federation Square on Sunday April 28 and entry is free. Head to the website for more information.  Looking for more ways to spoil your mum? Here are the best florists in Melbourne to buy her a special bunch. 

There's never been a better time to go vegan, with so much plant-based food available across Melbourne making the choice easier and more delicious than ever. And now, there's a free festival celebrating the vegan lifestyle, and you don't want to miss it. The Vegan Market will return to Melbourne on April 28 at The Edge in Federation Square, with stacks of local plant-based businesses selling their wares. There will be a ton of brands to explore at this healthy paradise, with everything from sweet treats and veggie delights to ethically made homewares and loads of health-related products. Also, it's taking place just before Mother's Day, so it's the perfect gift shopping opportunity.  Shop vegan baked goods, skincare, chocolate, grocery products and slow fashion. Bring the whole family with kids activities, product tastings and creative workshops. Plus, there'll be a vegan food truck hub with heaps of tasty plates to enjoy.  Shop at the market and support independent, ethical and sustainable Australian companies that are all 100 per cent vegan. And as a bonus, entry is completely free. Register to attend here. Want to shop more sustainably? Here's a list of eco-conscious clothing stores in Melbourne. 

From May 3 to 5, head to Federation Square for the Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival, a three-day event celebrating the birth of Buddha and Melbourne's multi-faith community. This year, the festival boasts a huge line-up of traditional ceremonies, concerts, transformative digital activations, art, live music and immersive experiences. On the first night, visitors will be treated to the Light It Up Opening Ceremony featuring performances from the Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne, National Boys Choir, Taiko Drums, as well as guest speakers. The ceremony will conclude with an epic fireworks display and the lighting of all the festival's illuminated installations. Throughout the rest of the event you can visit the Lumbini Garden (home to giant-sized sculptures), which replicates the garden where Buddha was born and provides a calming oasis for prayer and mindful relaxation. Nearby is the Lotus Flower Sanctuary filled with 30 giant LED statues of lotus flowers and a Mindfulness Forest filled with illuminated columns for visitors to colour their way to calmness. Dance workshops on the main stage and guided Ch’an meditation classes will be offered. For the kids, there will be face painting, giant bubble blowing, mindfulness colouring and dragon dance workshops. The festival is free for all to attend and bookings are not required. Find out more at the Buddha's Day website.  Looking for more things to do? Check out our round-up of the best things happening in Melbourne this we