Summer in the southeast: where to find the markets, festivals and fun runs
Looking for something to do this summer? Find every event close to you in the bayside suburbs from markets to marathons.
South East
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Summer is back and better than ever in Melbourne with a multitude of events to go with it, matching every pass-time style, from festivals to fun runs.
We have compiled a list of every event across the bayside suburbs happening in January and February.
Scroll through to see what piques your interest and book it in.
MARKETS
Sandy Twilight Market – Sandringham
Time: All Day
Date: January 13 – 14 / February 3 – 4
Location: Sandringham Foreshore
The Sandy Twilight Markets run once a month from October to March giving Melburnians a family friendly event to spend a weekend at.
Right on the Sandringham foreshore market goers can catch a sunset on the bay while strolling through the specially curated stalls, inclusive of art, fashion, homewares and much more.
The market hosts live entertainment with food and beverages available.
It is also a dog-friendly market, permitting your pooch is on-lead.
Hampton East Market
Time: All Day
Date: January 14 – 15
Location: Basterfield Park, Dane Rd – Hampton East
Get your steps up with a stroll through the all-day market in a southeastern Botanical Garden while also taking in a lake view.
Hampton East Market has it all with more than 100 stalls with the space for market goers to also picnic in the park.
Help every second Sunday from November to March at Basterfield Park in Hampton East, the market also hosts food trucks and more for a family friendly day out in the sun.
Brighton Beach Heritage Train Shuttle
Time: All day
Date: February 4 – 5
Location: Brighton Beach
Take a step back in time on February 4 when Steam-rail Victoria displays the “Red Rattler” on Brighton Beach.
The heritage style train will operate from Brighton Station to Flinders St for a one hour return journey, giving people a chance to hop into the 20th century commute experience.
The trains will also do one way transfers between Newport and Flinders St throughout the day.
Tickets cost $20 for adults, $10 for children between three years and 17 years old, a family ticket is $50 and children under three are free.
Soul Night Market – Brighton
Time: All Day
Date: February 2 – 3
Location: Green Point Reserve, Brighton Beach
Soul Night Market in Brighton gives residents of the southeastern suburbs a taste of the Victoria Market Night Market events within walking distance of their own homes.
Showcasing the best local made products for foodies and DIY connoisseurs, the Soul Night Markets also provide live music for those who want to enjoy a night out under the stars.
Thousands of people flock to the monthly summer markets at Green Point Reserve at Brighton Beach, which provides entertainment coupled with a spectacular view of the city skyline.
The market hosts 60 traders, with food trucks showcasing global cuisines, local craft beer, wine, champagne and cocktails, alongside artists, fashion vendors, home decor sellers and jewellery stalls.
The markets are held the first Friday of the month from December – March.
MUSICAL FESTIVALS/EVENTS
Sunset Sounds
Time: 5pm til late
Date & Locations: January 14 at Central Park, Malvern and January 21 at Victoria Gardens, Prahran
Sunset Sounds is happening in the City of Stonnington over two weekends, bringing music lovers a free evening of live music.
Held in Central Park in Malvern on January 14 and returning for a second weekend at the Victoria Gardens in Prahran on January 21, jazz, soul, folk music and more will echo through the summer night air.
Described as a “cemented highlight in the City of Stonnington’s annual calendar”, Sunset Sounds is great for dinner and a show – with food trucks available for an evening picnic.
Open to all ages, Sunset Sounds is free of charge.
A Midsummer Night’s Opera, Prahran
Time: 7.30pm - 9.30pm
Date: February 10
Location: Victoria Gardens, Prahran
Stonnington Council is bringing back a surprising crowd favourite - twilight opera.
Hosting A Midsummer Night’s Opera for one night only in February, 2024’s show is a rendition of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Held annually for more than 20 years, the twilight opera event is a free performance, with a 12 piece chamber orchestra supporting the ensemble
St Kilda Festival
Time: All Day
Date: 17 – 18 February
Location: St Kilda Foreshore
Australia’s largest community festival calls St Kilda home, and will be returning over two magical days in February.
The St Kilda Festival has been happening since 1980, making 2024 its 44th birthday.
Celebrating Australian talent and all things community, the two day festival will welcome more than 375,000 people.
Happening on February 17 and 18, St Kilda Festival is free, with three massive artists already announced to be gracing the festival stage: Mallrat, Bag Raiders and Mo’Ju.
Port Phillip Mussel & Jazz Festival
Time: 11am – 9pm
Date: March 9 – 10
Location: South Melbourne Market
Labour Day weekend will see the return of a Port Phillip favourite as Cecil St is closed off to make way for two days of seafood and jazz music.
The Port Phillip Mussel and Jazz Festival is making a return, giving foodies and music lovers the best of both worlds with the open air, two day street party.
Combining a delicious range of street food vendors (options for non-seafood lovers are also widely available), cooking demonstrations, live music and more, the festival is a family friendly way to spend the long weekend.
Entry to the festival is free.
HEALTH EVENTS
2XU Triathlon Series: Race 4, Sandringham
Time: First race starts at 6.45am
Date: February 11
Location: Trevor Barker Oval, Sandringham
The fourth race in the 2XU Triathlon Series is set to take place at the Trevor Barker Oval in Sandringham on February 11.
Giving athletes and amateurs the chance to challenge themselves, the 2XU series hosts six races from November to March in the bayside suburbs.
Five levels of competition are available to participants, including one kids level race.
Ticketing information can be found here.
Carman’s Fun Run
Time: All Day
Date: February 18 – 19
Location: Elsternwick Park, Brighton
Welcoming runners, walkers and joggers, Carman’s Fun Run is returning this year in Elsternwick Park in Brighton fundraising for breast cancer.
Athletes of all fitness levels and ability will lace up and run for the cause in either the half-marathon (21km), 10km or 5km runs.
The event partners with the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and Carman’s.
All tickets cost $44 and children under four years of age enter free.
