What’s on: The best events happening in Melbourne this October
photography by Linda Chen
WORDS BY FASHION JOURNAL
From runways to clothing swaps.
October is always our most-anticipated month of the year. Not only does it symbolise warmer days ahead, it also means Melbourne Fashion Week (M/FW) is about to start. Running for one week, it features a series of fashion runways, talks and free events. It’s a feast for the eyes in every sense, giving you a chance to dress up, sip bubbles and celebrate some of the city’s most talented designers.
Stay updated on the latest fashion and design events at FJ’s Events section.
Yet October’s festivities don’t quite end there. Beyond M/FW, there’s a range of pop-ups, vintage markets, art exhibitions and clothes swaps to fill your calendar. Below, find our guide to the best events happening in and around Melbourne this month.
Som Space Melbourne Pop Up
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When: October 1 to 4
Sớm Space, a platform for contemporary Vietnamese designers, is having a Melbourne pop-up. For four days only, discover over 20+ Vietnamese labels and shop new-season pieces and favourites from past collections. For more details, head here.
Find more here.
Fashion Thrift Society
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When: October 3
Fashion Thrift Society is coming to Melbourne for one day. Browse over 250 curated stalls selling vintage, pre-loved, designer and locally-made fashion, with local DJs and food trucks on-site. Plus, enjoy free nail manicures, permanent jewellery and hairstyling.
Find more here.
Sutram Pop Up at PDA Shop
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When: October 7 to 11
Cotton bedwear label Sutram is heading to PDA Shop for a limited pop-up. Explore the collection in person, and create your dream pairing.
Find more here.
The Finders Keepers Market
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When: October 9 to 11
The Finders Keepers Market is returning for three days of creativity and connection. Whether you’re getting an early start on Christmas shopping or want to treat yourself, you’ll have the chance to browse stalls from over 230 designers and makers.
Find more here.
Hawkeye Vintage Designer and K Beauty Melbourne Pop Up
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When: October 15 to 18
Hawkeye Vintage is hosting a four-day pop-up in Melbourne. Explore a curated collection of luxury designer handbags, accessories and more from brands like Chanel, Hermès, and Dior. Plus, Hawkeye Vintage is extending its offering to beauty products, featuring cosmetics and beauty products sourced from Korea.
Find more here.
Italian Film Festival
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When: Ends October 18
The St. Ali Italian Film Festival is one of the largest celebration of Italian cinema, Held at Palace Cinema venues across Melbourne, there are over 30 films to choose from.
Find more here.
Melbourne International Jazz Festival
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When: October 16 to 25
Melbourne Jazz Festival is returning for another year with 10 days of live music. Featuring over 500 artists from 18 countries, it will be held across the city, with shows at Hamer Hall, Royal Exhibition Building, the Forum and smaller, intimate venues.
Find more here.
Melbourne Fashion Week
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When: October 19 to 25
Returning from Monday, October 19 to Sunday, October 25, Melbourne Fashion Week (M/FW) brings together over 300 local designers and retailers across more than 100 free and ticketed events, including seven premium runways held at iconic locations throughout the city.
The week will kick off with the ganbu marra runway at the NGV, and include other highly anticipated shows, including the Student Collections runway and Wear the Moment runway. There will also be five fashion capsules on display across the city, M/FW Conversations series and other independent events.
Find more here.
The Emerging Artists Collective Independent Runway
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When: October 20
Held in collaboration with Melbourne Fashion Week, The Emerging Artists Collective is holding an independent runway at the Immigration Museum. ‘Double Take, EAC X MFW’ will feature the work of 20 independent designers, with three shows held one evening.
Find more here.
Out of Fashion Book Fair
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When: October 24
Held at ACMI in Federation Square, Out of Fashion Book Fair is bringing together independent booksellers, publishers and local creatives for Australia’s first-ever fashion book fair. Browse a huge collection of books, magazines and zines covering fashion, pop culture, cinema, beauty, visual culture, with free entry.
Find more here.
Kowtow Clothes Swap
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When: October 24
As part of Melbourne Fashion Week, Kowtow is hosting a curated designer clothes swap on Saturday, October 24. From now until October 19, bring up to five pre-loved Australian or New Zealand designer pieces you no longer wear to Kowtow’s Fitzroy store. The team will assess your items for quality and for every accepted item, you can choose one piece from the swap event to take home.
Find more here.
A Plus Market
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When: October 25
A Plus Market returns to Coburg Town Hall on October 25. Browse a wide selection of plus-size fashion ranging from sizes 16 to 32+ from independent designers, fashion brands and community closet clearouts.
Find more here.
Passage: The Art of Atong Atem at the NGV
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When: October 30 to June 17
Melbourne-based South Sudanese artist Atong Atem is presenting their first major solo exhibition of new and existing photographic works at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. Her work explores traditions and ancestral memories, and norms surrounding gender and race.
Find more here.
To explore more events in Melbourne, head here.
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