There’s a particular kind of joy that only happens when a market turns itself into a festival. Preston Market knows this better than most, and on Sunday 23 August 2026, it’s doing exactly that, transforming into a full blown Italian festa for one unforgettable day.
From 10am to 3pm, the market’s usual rhythm gives way to something louder, warmer and infinitely more delicious. Think live music drifting between the stalls, the smell of fresh pasta and grilled seafood in the air, and enough Italian flair to make you forget you’re technically still in Melbourne’s north.
This is not a day to arrive hungry and leave that way. Handmade pasta from Pasta Business sits alongside traditional meatballs from Mamas Polpette, while U Fucalari Sicilian BBQ fires up grilled calamari, octopus and prawns for anyone chasing that unmistakable seaside Sicilian flavour.
Save room for dessert, because Misu Tiramisu is bringing the real deal, and Sulmona Sweets will have Abruzzese confetti flowers and nougat for anyone with even a passing sweet tooth.
Glasses ready, too. A rotating lineup of cocktails pairs with gourmet Italian sausages from the Rustic Bean & Salsicce collaboration, and 36 GinShort rounds things out with premium gin and olive oil worth taking home. Of course, Preston Market’s own permanent traders will still be doing what they do best, so the fresh produce and everyday Italian staples are very much part of the day too.
The main stage is where the festa really comes alive. Local duo Lorenzo + Co and Italian choir groups set the tone early, before headline acts Pauly J, Toni Marchi and Claudio Parente take over with classic anthems and unmistakable Italian energy. Expect dancing. Expect it to be contagious.
Something for everyone in between courses
Between bites, there’s plenty to browse. Italian-inspired dog accessories from KKoncepts, hand-crafted permanent jewellery by Destino the Label, copies of The Runaway Panettone, and Italian-inspired home decor from Indigo Heart all make up a pop-up trail worth wandering. Little ones aren’t forgotten either, with free face painting and balloon twisting running from 10am to 2pm.
Unitevi a noi. Come down and join the celebration. Whether you’re after a quick espresso, a long and unapologetically hefty lunch, or an afternoon soaking up the music and the mood, Italian Day at Preston Market is shaping up to be one of the north’s best days out this August.
Preston Market Italian Day Festival 2026
Sunday 23 August 2026
10am – 3pm
Preston Market, 30A The Centreway, Preston VIC 3072
