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 2025 (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.
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
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.
The Knitters Lounge
New to Melbourne, 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.
Major Quilt Exhibitions in 2026
TBC – more information coming soon.
AQC Challenge – “On The Map”: See stunning quilts interpreting this year’s theme.
Australian Quilt Show: Award-winning works from across Australia.
Victorian Quilters Showcase: Hundreds of local quilts on display.
One Red Thread Exhibition: International fibre art exploring global connection and sustainability.
Meet the Makers
Learn directly from renowned artists including guest Louise Saxton, who will guide participants in creating a “Momento Monogram” using vintage textiles.
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
Early Bird Tickets were available until 30 May 2025.
General Admission:
- Adults: $27
- Concession Card Holders: $23
- Children 12–18: $13 (under 12s free)
- Family (2 adults + children): $65
- Multi-Day Pass: $49
- VIP tickets: $110
Book tickets online here.
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 2025, 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 is such a mindful and hands-on experience, and a great way to get stuck into a craft without needing prior experience.
The Craft & Quilt Fair isn’t just about browsing – it’s also your chance to roll up your sleeves and try something new. A variety of workshops are on offer, from jewellery making to basketry, with expert tutors guiding you through each step. Here are just a few highlights:
UV Resin Cherry Blossom Jewellery Workshop – Divergent Designz
Thursday, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | $65 per session
Create your own cherry blossom-themed jewellery using UV resin. Choose from a silver or gold-toned earring and pendant set, or make two pendant necklaces. You’ll learn to safely use UV resin, mix pigments, and cure and assemble your own wearable art. Suitable for complete beginners.
Glass Painting Workshop – Be-Ras Creatives Art Café
Thursday, September 4, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM | $90
Paint a light-up acrylic panel to take home, learning how to layer colours and patterns to create a custom night light. This session is beginner-friendly and offers a creative keepsake to display.
Mosaic Workshop – Be-Ras Creatives Art Café
Thursday, September 4, 10:15 AM – 12:45 PM | $95-$115
Design and create either a vibrant mosaic pot ($115) or a colourful coaster ($95). Learn the full process from design to grouting, using a wide selection of glass and materials suitable for indoor or outdoor display. All tools and materials are provided.
Coiled Basket Workshop – Basketmakers of Victoria with Vicki Fowler
Wednesday, September 3, 10:15 AM – 12:45 PM or 1:15 PM – 3:45 PM | $100
Learn the traditional coiling technique using hand-dyed raffia and colourful fabric. With Vicki’s guidance, you’ll explore texture, pattern, and form while creating your own coiled basket. Suitable for all skill levels.
These are just some of the creative workshops available during the fair, offering something for every skill level and interest. Find more workshops here.
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 2025.
Plan your visit via the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre website.
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