Summer highlights

The Big Design Market

It’s called the Big Design Market for a reason – because it’s the biggest of its kind in Australia!

This year the market is taking place at the Royal Exhibition Building from Friday, December 4 until Sunday, December 6.

The market showcases the best of independent Australian and international design. This year promises a terrific line-up of more than 230 stallholders across home wares, textiles, fashion, furniture, lighting, stationery, lifestyle and children’s products.

There’s also a variety of food and drink stalls available – and a dedicated children’s area so parents can enjoy their shopping time!

It’s also a great place to get an unusual Christmas gift.

Entry costs $2 for adults, and is free for children under 12. For more information, visit www.thebigdesignmarket.com

Twisted Tales Walking Tour

Have you ever wondered about Melbourne’s past? The Twisted Tales Walking Tour is a spooky way to discover the strange and twisted events that have helped shape Melbourne. (This may be a good point to mention this tour is not suitable for children!)

The tours run for approximately two hours and 20 minutes and are free.

Aside from learning about the creepy ghost in the Princess Theatre, the tours are treated to entertaining and unsavoury historical stories about Melbourne.

It’s a chance to explore the wonders of Melbourne and it’s fabulous architecture, along with hearing some grizzly tales.

The tours take place every Saturday (starts at 11am) and Sunday (starts at 9.15am). The meeting point is at the Tianjin Gardens, between the two big lions. For more information visit www.m3tours.com.au Melbourne Latin

Summer Festival

The Melbourne Latin Summer Festival 2016 is a celebration of all things Latin American. The festival is a free event that features all categories of Latin art, culture and entertainment.

The varieties of entertainment include circus-style performances, multiple parades, live performances and outdoor dance classes. There will be a wide range of take-away foods available with a focus on Chilean, Mexican, Colombian, Argentinian and Brazilian cuisine.

And for those looking for a relaxing beverage after a dance class, there is also a fully licensed site bar.

The festival is on Saturday, January 9 (from 12pm-9pm) at Federation Square.

Visit www.melbournelatinsummerfestival.com to find out more.