Queen Victoria Market

Prepare to enter the pearly gates of doughnut heaven, sweet Melburnians. Queen Victoria Market's free Donut Festival is back for its fourth year, from Saturday June 1 to Sunday 2. It's bigger and better than ever before in 2024, with twelve of Melbourne's most dough-licious creators and bakers set to make an appearance, plus a fun program that features roving entertainment and a huge 4-metre inflatable donut to add to the fun.  Go nuts with glazed Golden Gaytime doughnuts from Daniel's Doughnuts or take a walk on the wild side with savoury spaghetti and mac and cheese doughnuts from Pasta Face. If you're loopy for loukomades, try a few from St. Gerry's, or chow down on churro bowls from Churro Kitchen – drizzled with as much Nutella as you like. The friendly faces at Jamm'd Dessert Bar will be serving up hot Danish dougnuts, cheesecake on a stick and sundaes, while OMG Decadent Donuts cater for the oft overlooked gluten free, vegan and nut free crowds (and reach OMG levels of delicious). And if you like your doughnuts on the boujee side, Shortstop Donuts is the vendor to visit for brown butter and maple walnut, vanilla and Aussie honey and sea salt doughnuts. There are also three brand new traders to the fold this year, so be sure to check out Pecks Road for cinnamon and Caramilk crullers, apple fritters and biscott buns; MochiMelb for mochi doughnuts; and Manny's Doughnuts for classic peanut butter, jam and Nutella doughnuts. The free weekend-long fest is all about indulging

When revolutionaries stormed and captured the Bastille fortress – which was used to imprison political and religious dissidents – on July 14, 1789, it was considered the start of the French Revolution and the beginning of the end for the French monarchy. That fateful day became known as Bastille Day, and celebrations are held annually all across France. If you're keen to join in on the fun, swap your beanie for a beret and head over to Queen Victoria Market on July 13 and 14.  Sheds C and D will transport you to a wintery French town square complete with vendors peddling cheeses, crêpes, Champagne and pastries (it wouldn't be a Gallic celebration without the scent of croissants in the air). While you feast, live entertainment like acrobatic performances, dancers and jazz musicians will take over the main stage.  Ticketed talks, walking tours and masterclasses will also run over the two days – and if you can't make it in person, you can still tune into some Bastille Day-themed online events. Best of all, think of it as an opportunity to practice your French language skills amongst French expats, Francophones and Francophiles – oui, oui! For more information, visit the Bastille Day French Festival website. Craving French food? Consult our guide to the best French restaurants Melbourne has to offer. Plus, here are Melbourne's best patisseries.