Victoria comes alive this May with regional festivals and markets serving up flavour, craft and community.

From Italian feasts in Myrtleford to cool-climate Pinot in Geelong, quirky tea cosies in Fish Creek, and vibrant local markets statewide, this is just a taste of how to discover small businesses across Victoria.

LaFiera Italian Festival, 14–18 May

From handcrafted goods to local wine and traditional Italian food, La Fiera brings together the passion of Italian family-run businesses in the Myrtleford region.

Now in its 18^th year, the event runs across 5 days. Visitors can indulge in the best of the regions’ flavour makers, with regional Italian stalls and pop-ups including gnocchi, woodfired pizza, polenta and much more.

Sip wines from the Alpine Valley’s wine region, test your culinary skills with a cooking class and enjoy La Festa on Saturday 15 May, with dancing, singing and entertainment on the main stage.

For the cycling enthusiast, follow up the festivities with the Giro di Myrtleford - a gentle 1 hr ride on the Sunday morning that finishes at Il Mercato, where you can grab a coffee and fill your bag with local seasonal produce.

Victoria’s High Country brings the drama in the best way, with alpine views, mountain adventures, ski slopes, cosy stays and standout food and wine. It’s rugged, beautiful and seriously good for a getaway.

Pinot Affair – at the wineries, 15–17 May

If sipping wine by the bay is more your style, then Pinot Affair is the event for you. Now in its 7^th year, the festival showcases world-class cool climate Pinot Noir from Geelong’s Bellarine, Surf Coast and Moorabool Valley regions.

Pinot Affair uncorks the best drops from family-owned wineries who have spent generations using the region’s cool climate to craft their signature Pinot Noir enjoyed around Australia.

The must-attend event in Victoria returns with masterclasses, special lunches and dinners, live music, and more. Meet the makers and taste exceptional wines all weekend long.

Pinot Affair is the perfect excuse to pour, sip and stay a little longer in Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast. Wander through cellar doors, coastal towns and local food spots while you’re there.

Fish Creek Tea Cosy Festival, 16–24 May

In Victoria, there is a festival for everything. Fish Creek Tea Cosy Festival doesn’t disappoint.

In Fish Creek, tea cosies take centre stage for 9 days of craft, creativity and a feature tea cosy competition. With over 200 entries on display, the festival proudly holds the title of the biggest tea cosy festival in the world. In 2022, it even broke the world record for the largest hand-knitted tea cosy, using an estimated 2,000 balls of wool.

Beyond the exhibition, the festival includes craft workshops and talks, artistic performances, gallery exhibitions, high tea, Devonshire teas, and the Bendigo Bank Market Day.

Fish Creek, known as ‘Fishy’ to the locals, is a small but wonderfully vibrant town and community in South Gippsland. Snuggled near Wilson’s Promontory and Cape Liptrap Coastal National Parks, with beaches and bushwalking options close by, there’s a perfect blend of activities to enjoy while visiting.

Make the most of your stay and drive to the towns nearby to check out local artisan and producers in the Gippsland Region, of beaches, lakes, mountains, forests, vineyards and gourmet villages.

Visit a local market this May

Victoria’s markets are in full swing this May, showcasing fresh produce, handmade goods and local makers across the state.

Warragul Farmers' Market, Saturday 16 May

Held in the heart of one of Victoria’s most productive food regions, Warragul Farmers’ Market brings together local farmers and food producers. Shoppers can buy fresh seasonal produce, artisanal foods and handmade goods while supporting Gippsland small businesses and enjoying a welcoming community atmosphere.

Creswick Market, Saturday 16 May

Creswick Market is a much-loved regional community event showcasing local small businesses and locally sourced produce. With live music, family-friendly spaces and a strong focus on regional stallholders, it offers a relaxed country experience that connects visitors directly with passionate producers and makers of the area.

Castlemaine Artists’ Market, Sunday 24 May

The Castlemaine Artists’ Market celebrates the region’s creative small businesses, featuring established and emerging artists, designers and craftspeople. Visitors can meet makers face to face and shop unique, handcrafted products, from jewellery and ceramics to textiles and homewares.

Mount Martha Briars Market, Sunday 31 May

The Mount Martha Briars Market showcases homemade, home-grown products at the Briars – a beautiful property comprising of a wildlife sanctuary, heritage homestead, nursery, eco-living display centre, eco-camp, eateries and astronomy centre. Find fresh food, unique gifts and the most innovative homewares from across the peninsula.