Quilt & Craft Fair Melbourne 2026: A Creative Day Out
Melbourne’s favourite craft fair and quilt show is back this spring – bigger, brighter, and more inspiring than ever.
The Melbourne Craft & Quilt Fair 2026 will transform the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre into a creative playground from Wednesday 9th to Saturday 12th September 2026 (10am–4pm daily). Whether you’re a seasoned maker, a quilting enthusiast, or just love browsing beautiful handmade work, this quilt and craft fair Melbourne offers a fun, friendly day out filled with inspiration, shopping, and hands-on experiences.
Use our discount code SENIORS10 to save 10% at checkout!
Related reading: 29 Best Hotels in Melbourne CBD: A Senior-Friendly Guide
Check out this similar event held in April: AQC Quilt Show Melbourne: a Must-See for Craft Lovers
When is the Craft & Quilt Fair Melbourne 2026?
Dates: Wednesday 9th – Saturday 12th September 2026
Times: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily
Location: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), South Wharf
Special offer: Use our discount code SENIORS10 to save 10% at checkout!
Book tickets online here.
What’s on at the Craft & Quilt Fair 2026?
Make & Takes and Studio Workshops
Try your hand at everything from egg decorating and appliqué to watercolour painting and candle making. Walk away with your own handmade mini project and some new skills. Bookings essential.
There’s also the free, drop-in Craft Bar for a quick hands-on activity with no bookings needed, and the Skills Studio, running short demonstrations and skills-building sessions throughout the day.
The Knitters Lounge
This relaxed, sales-free space offers cosy seating, yarn, and tools for knitting and crochet — perfect for connecting with fellow fibre lovers.
Yarn & Thread Market Launch
A brand-new curated marketplace where small-scale yarn, fibre, and thread makers showcase their unique creations to passionate craft audiences.
Threaded Connections Wall
Add your touch to this large-scale string art installation and contribute to a collective work celebrating the shared journey of creativity.
Community Inspiration Wall
Share what inspires you to craft. From heartfelt quotes to quirky sketches, your contribution becomes part of a colourful public display.
Expert-Led Seminars
Enjoy free daily sessions from experienced artisans on quilting, embroidery, small business tips, and more.
New for 2026: Cake Decorating & Sugar Art Pavilion
New to the fair this year, the Cake Decorating & Sugar Art Pavilion (presented by Cake Alley) is dedicated to the skill and artistry of sugar craft. Even if you’ve never picked up a piping bag, it’s worth a wander — the detail on display rivals anything in the quilt hall.
Major Quilt Exhibition in 2026
AQC Challenge – “Connections”: See stunning quilts from finalists interpreting this year’s theme, exploring connections with family, nature, community and memory.
Australian Quilt Show: Award-winning and finalist works from talented quilters across the country.
Victorian Quilters Showcase: Hundreds of local quilts on display.
Meet the Makers
This year’s Guest Artist is Natalie Jayne, known for her colourful alcohol ink and collage work. She’ll be on hand throughout the fair to share her creative process and techniques — a lovely one for anyone keen to try a new medium at home.
Shopping Heaven
Browse aisles of quilting tools, artisan fabrics, papercraft supplies, beading materials, patterns, and more.
Tip: you can pre-order craft supplies! Simply purchase your merch when you purchase your ticket online and pick it up at the fair.
Terrie’s Experience
Melbourne City is wonderful—there’s always something happening! The Craft & Quilt Quilt Fair at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is coming up again soon, and I can’t wait. Last year was such a fantastic day out!
At first, I wasn’t sure if it would be my kind of thing, but the quilts on display were absolutely incredible—just like walking through an art gallery. The detail and creativity were amazing.
There must have been about 100 quilts to admire, plus so many great stalls to browse. My daughter and I had a great time exploring everything from fabrics and sewing machines to handcrafted jewellery, bags, and even homemade makeup.
Of course, we had to stop for lunch, and the cafés didn’t disappoint. A delicious roast lamb meal followed by a shared cheesecake made the day even better!
If you’re looking for an interesting and enjoyable outing, I highly recommend it. I’ll be heading back again this year—maybe I’ll see some of you there!
Craft Fair ticket information
General admission:
- Adults: $28
- Concession & Seniors Card Holders: $24
- Children 12–18: $13 (under 12s free)
- Family (2 adults + children): $67
- Multi-Day Pass: $50
- VIP tickets: $113
Book tickets online here.
Use our discount code SENIORS10 to save 10% at checkout!
Browse or book a workshop here.
Tip: if you book a workshop you need to also book entry tickets to the Fair, separately.
VIP Tickets – your all-access Craft & Quilt Fair experience
If one day at the Craft & Quilt Fair simply isn’t enough, the VIP ticket is your passport to four full days of creativity, shopping, and inspiration. Enjoy unlimited entry between 9-12 September 2026, plus a VIP gift pack brimming with exclusive goodies and a High Tea voucher to make your visit extra special.
With hands-on workshops, free seminars, live demonstrations, artist meet-and-greets, and breathtaking quilts on display, the VIP experience ensures you won’t miss a moment.
Bring a friend for free!
If you’re purchasing an Adult (1-Day) or Concession ticket for the Melbourne Craft & Quilt Fair, you can bring a friend aged under 30 for free! Just select the “I would like to book an Under 30’s Ticket” option during checkout, fill in their details, and collect their free ticket from the Help Desk at the fair. Photo ID will be required.
Plan your visit via the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre website.
Workshops at the Craft & Quilt Fair
We love starting our day with a workshop – the coiled basket session with Vicki Fowler last year was such a mindful, hands-on experience, and a lovely way to ease into the fair before the crowds arrive. This year’s line-up is completely fresh, with new tutors and techniques across Wednesday to Saturday.
Playing with Stitches – Nicole Gammie
Wednesday, September 9, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM | $58
Create a unique embroidered wall hanging while learning a variety of stitches. A relaxed, seated session that’s a lovely way to experiment with colour and build confidence, even if you’ve never picked up a needle before. All materials provided.
Wet Felted Bowl – Amanda Oakley
Thursday, September 10, 1:00 PM – 3:45 PM | $80
Learn the art of wet felting as you shape your own woollen bowl using simple techniques with wool, soap and water. No prior experience needed, and there’s no minimum age for this one. All materials included.
Suncatcher or Macramé Plant Hanger – Wak Wak Studio
Friday, September 11, 10:15 AM – 12 Noon | $85
Choose between a colourful suncatcher or a stylish macramé plant hanger, learning simple techniques either way. Beginner-friendly, with all materials included.
Charm and Stone Earrings – Wak Wak Studio
Friday, September 11, 12:15 PM – 2:00 PM | $85
Design and create two pairs of handmade earrings using gemstones, pearls, beads and metal accents. A gentle introduction to jewellery-making, with all materials provided.
These are just some of the creative workshops available during the fair, offering something for every skill level and interest. Find more workshops here.
Tip: if you book a workshop you’ll also need to book entry tickets to the fair separately.
Craft & Quilt Fair Melbourne FAQs
Is there a cloakroom available?
Yes! A cloakroom is located at the Information Booth.
- Small items: $2
- Large items: $5
Can I come and go during the day?
Absolutely. Just ask for a stamp at the door when you exit, and you’ll be able to re-enter later that day.
Are children allowed at the event?
Yes, children are welcome!
- Under 12s: Free entry
- Ages 12–18: Require a ticket
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Yes, tickets are available at the door—unless the event sells out in advance. To guarantee entry it’s best to book online ahead of time.
Is there a discount for tickets to the Craft & Quilt Fair Melbourne?
Yes! Use our exclusive discount code SIM15 and save 15%. Book tickets online here.
Tip: Take breaks when you need them – there are plenty of seating areas throughout the fair, and the café options are perfect for a relaxing lunch or tea. We particularly enjoyed the casual atmosphere of the fair and the chance to chat with stallholders while exploring all the creative displays. The Knitters Lounge is a great spot to rest and recharge!
Terrie’s review
The 2025 Craft and Quilt Fair at the MCEC was once again a delightful event to attend. I love all kinds of craft, though I don’t actually make quilts myself — but I always enjoy this fair. The whole place was buzzing with excitement and anticipation.
The quilt displays are truly works of art, with fascinating subjects and techniques to admire. There’s always something new to discover. This year I was captivated by a piece called Born to be Wild by Sue de Vanny, featuring an elephant’s head. Just like a painter’s canvas, the more you looked at it, the more detail you saw — amazing!
The stalls are another highlight, with everything from quilting fabrics, cottons, laces and tools to unexpected treasures. I loved visiting the Victorian Egg Decorators Guild stand, which brought back memories of decorating goose eggs with my three daughters, even trying to make Fabergé-style eggs. They had kits for sale as well as a Snow Queen Egg Workshop to try on the day.
There were also beautiful jewellery stalls — I treated myself to a pair of wattle earrings — plus some gorgeous buttons on sale (I can’t resist a bargain!). For the first time, my daughter and I joined a basket weaving workshop run by the Basketmakers of Victoria. As a senior who had never tried this before, it was a wonderful reminder that you’re never too old to learn something new. I’m very proud of my little basket, and while I may not make another, the experience was fun, satisfying, and gave me a real appreciation for the talent of the makers.
The venue itself is excellent, with plenty of space between aisles. There are good food and coffee options onsite, with tables and chairs for a comfortable rest.
I think the ticket price is fair, with other options available for families or early birds. There’s just so much to see, learn, and enjoy — a truly great day out!
Getting There
- By Public Transport: The MCEC is easily accessible via tram routes 96, 109, and 12, stopping at the Clarendon Street entrance. Southern Cross Station is a short distance away.
- By Car: Parking is available at MCEC and nearby facilities.
- Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair-friendly, with wide aisles and accessible restrooms. Plan your visit via the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre website.
Amenities
- Dining Options: Enjoy a variety of café-style food and beverages within the venue, perfect for a relaxing lunch or tea break.
- Help Desk: An information booth, separate from ticketing, is available outside the entrance.
- Rest Areas: Designated seating areas are available throughout the exhibition space, providing comfortable spots to rest and recharge.
If you’re looking for art and craft markets in Melbourne, this quilt and craft fair is a standout event. For a day packed with creativity, community, and colourful inspiration, mark your calendar for this Quilt & Craft Fair Melbourne.
Plan your visit via the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre website.
Heading off on your own Melbourne adventures? Join our Facebook Group and share your stories, ask questions and connect with others for further inspiration.
