Get those sensible walking shoes ready because The Finders Keepers spring/summer markets are making their merry way to Sydney and Melbourne. And look, as much as we’d like to bury our Christmas-cracker-paper-crowned head in the sand, that date in December is looming. Just think how much less stressful it would be if you nabbed all your presents in one market swoop?!

TOP PHOTO: SAMEE LAPHAM

LEFT: CLUMSY CLAY RIGHT: LEANNE ALLISON DESIGNS

First stop is Carlton, Naarm, where more than 260 makers will descend on the Royal Exhibition Building from October 10 to 12, 2025. If it’s dog mum hats, lorikeet earrings and naughty ceramics you’re after, the good folks at The Finders Keepers have you sorted (see the full stallholder line-up here).   

Expect some 50+ first-time stallholders, plus a pop-up vase showcase Museum of Modern Craft (MoMC*), curated by furniture maker Dowel Jones and supported by Craft Victoria. Featuring work from more than 60 Australian craft practitioners, MoMC* will present a broad cross-section of artworks using the vase as a medium. Be sure to swing by the stall of Our Songlines, which will be in Melbourne as part of Finders’ Indigenous Program. Brand founder Kayla is big on mindful activities that encourage cultural learning – think weaving and ochre kits, books by Indigenous writers and self-care goodies (we love the Native Lavender Haze weaving kit). 

LEFT: AUSTIN FLOWERS RIGHT: FLAVEDO

Next, it’s Sydney’s turn. From November 14 to 16, hundreds of makers, buyers and purveyors of fine foods will be at Carriageworks in Eveleigh for a celebration of kitchen condiment vases, plastic-free beauty and cardboard dinosaur costumes. We’re hoping to catch Meagan Gardiner, of Albany, Western Australia, who’ll be selling her intricate found-object artworks. Meagan says that her work “pays homage to the beauty of the world around us”. She’ll be in Sydney as part of Finders’ new Regional Program, which helps independent brands bring their wares to the big smoke.  

And the Dining Room is back! Cure those market munchies with a hot meal and drink while listening to live music in the extended market room.   

As always, both market events will have a low-sensory hour, plus food trucks, live music, crafty activities and all-round good vibes. Bring your shopping totes and get set for some mindful spending. 

THIS ARTICLE WAS CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR GOOD FRIENDS AT THE FINDERS KEEPERS. MELBOURNE’S SPRING/SUMMER 2025 MARKET RUNS FROM 10 TO 12 OCTOBER AT THE ROYAL EXHIBITION BUILDING. THE SYDNEY EVENT RUNS FROM NOVEMBER 14 TO 16 AT CARRIAGEWORKS IN EVELEIGH.