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Melbourne loves a market, but the newest addition to our late-night line-up comes with a little extra meaning. For the first time in its 146-year history, Queen Victoria Market is hosting a dedicated Ramadan Night Market, transforming the C Shed into a glowing evening hub of food, culture and community for two special nights this month.
Running from 5-10pm on Friday, February 20 and Saturday, February 21, the event invites Melburnians to experience the rituals, flavours and atmosphere of Ramadan in one of the city’s most beloved spaces. As the sun dips and the market lights turn on, the familiar bustle of Queen Vic will transform into a more culturally fascinating communal rhythm.
Food, of course, will be front and centre. More than ten halal-certified vendors will be serving dishes designed for breaking fast. You can expect a solid mix of comfort and creativity, from Halal Fusion Taco’s bold mash-ups of Southeast Asian spice and Mexican flair, to golden, syrup-soaked doughnuts from Sweet Lokma and Loukoumades. Indonesian favourite Dapurnya Bubu will be dishing up rich beef rendang with rice, alongside pandan drinks, desserts and traditional Ramadan cookies that make for the perfect post-sunset treat, fasting aside.
But Melbourne’s first Ramadan Night Market is more than a food crawl. Throughout the night, visitors can wander between free live calligraphy demonstrations, henna artistry, kids’ face painting and specialty retail stalls – making it just as appealing for families as it is for market devotees chasing their next great feed.
In the spirit of Ramadan, the market will also provide a welcoming space for Iftar, with complimentary dates and water available once the fast is broken. A dedicated prayer space will ensure the evening remains respectful and inclusive, grounding the festivities in the traditions they celebrate.
Whether you’re observing Ramadan, visiting with family, or just curious to see the market after dark in a completely new light, Melbourne’s inaugural Ramadan Night Market is set to deliver two nights of guaranteed excellent eats.
You can find out more over here.
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