July 30 to August 1 – Melbourne, Vic
Historic treasures from around the world will be offered at the 2026 Melbourne Rare Book Fair from July 30 to August 1 – including possibly the oldest book in Australia. Hosted by the Australian and New Zealand Association of Antiquarian Booksellers (ANZAAB), the 56th annual fair brings together the world’s leading rare book experts and dealers, to showcase stunning collections of rare books, maps, and works on paper at the largest antiquarian book fair in the southern hemisphere at Wilson Hall, within The University of Melbourne. “The Melbourne Rare Book Fair is a unique opportunity [for visitors] to immerse themselves in the world of rare books, history, art and design, and perhaps take some of it home with them,” says Fair convener and ANZAAB Vice-President Tim White. “It’s a highly anticipated part of the global rare book calendar and the quality of rare books displayed is unparalleled in the Southern hemisphere.” The Melbourne Rare Book Fair is open 6pm to 9pm on Thursday, 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. Entry is free.
July 30 to August 2 – Melbourne, Vic
The Melbourne Fair, which is on at Caufield Racecourse from July 30 to August 2, promises some stunning surprises for fashion lovers, starting with the Pucci & Co fashion show on the Saturday afternoon, which will showcase the extraordinary signature prints that defined some of the most influential designers of the 1960s and 1970s including Mr Dino, Paganne, Alfred Shaheen, Leonard of Paris, Maurice and, of course, the Prince of Prints himself, Emilio Pucci. If you’re looking for something a little more refined at your antique fair, the runway plays host to Valentino – A Parade of Elegance on the Friday afternoon, tracing the evolution of the fashion house from the dramatic evening silhouettes of the 1980s through to refined cocktail and daywear of the 1990s and early 2000s and ending with striking contemporary runway design. And if you have no interest in fashion you can instead enjoy a number of presentations ranging from the art of mourning to the history of colonial jewellery – and that’s after you’ve browsed the curated collections of more than 60 of Australia’s finest dealers offering everything from furniture, art and antiquities to jewellery, books, decorative arts and prints and posters. The Melbourne Fair is open 5pm to 9pm Thursday, 10am to 6pm Friday and Saturday, and 10am to 5pm Sunday. Entry $30 on the opening night. General entry $15. Tickets are available online.
August 8 and 9 – Mitchell, ACT
The ACT Seasonal Antique & Collectable Fair is being held at Quokka Pavilion in Epic Park, Mitchell, ACT on the weekend of August 8 and 9. Over 20 exhibitors from across NSW, Victoria and the ACT will be displaying a wide variety of quality antique furniture and interiors, bespoke jewellery and an eclectic range of ancient antiquities as well as religious art, Asian antiques and collectables, rare and out of print books, newspapers and magazines, Art Nouveau metalware, vintage needlework, linen and lace and quirky collectables. The perfect range for an interesting antique fair. The ACT Seasonal Antique & Collectable Fair is open 9am to 4pm Saturday and 9am to 4pm Sunday. Entry is $12.
August 8 and 9 – Morayfield, Qld
Aussie Fairs Collectormania Antique, Collectable & Record Fair is at Morayfield Sports & Events Centre at Morayfield, Qld on the weekend of August 8 and 9. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply love the thrill of discovering something unique at an antique fair, this fair offers something for everyone — from standout statement pieces to nostalgic favourites including antiques, collectables, retro décor, records, coins, banknotes, vintage homewares, jewellery, tools, toys and so much more, presented by over 60 specialist dealers. With food options available onsite and an ATM for convenience, it’s the perfect destination for a relaxed day out with friends or family. Aussie Fairs Collectormania Antique, Collectable & Record Fair is open from 9am to 4pm on Saturday and 9am to 2pm on Sunday. Admission is $8 per adult.
August 9 – Glebe NSW
Wentworth Park Antique & Collectables Fair is at the Wentworth Park Greyhounds Function Centre in Glebe, Sydney, on Sunday August 9. This well-established antique fair features over 140 stalls of everything vintage, antique and collectable, from clothing to records, ceramics and everything in between; you’re likely to come across anything from antiquity through to Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, post-Modern, ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s and up to 1980s designer Items. Early bird entry to Wentworth Park Antique & Collectables Fair is at 8am and is $12; general admission entry from 9am is $8.
August 14 to 16 – Clarendon, NSW
Organised by collectors for collectors, the Sydney Collectors Fair & Exhibition is at Hawkesbury Showgrounds in Clarendon, north-west Sydney, from August 14 to 16. More than 100 stallholders and dealers from across Australia and New Zealand will have for sale and on display all types of antiques and collectables as well as special exhibitions of colonial pottery, glass and Australiana. “The format of the fair is a unique combination of an historical exhibition and collectables fair,” says organiser Martin Ruckert. “The Exhibition contains over 100 different categories of collectables from private collections, providing a unique opportunity to view and buy rare and unique items from Australia’s history. It’s an all-new indoor central location with nearby accommodation, great food and atmosphere.” The Sydney Collectors Fair & Exhibition is open from 12pm to 6pm on Friday (early bird access $35), from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and from 9am to 2.30pm on Sunday. Entry is $10.
The weekend also includes two important auctions being held by Graham Lancaster Auctions at the same venue: Quality Antique Bottles & Stoneware from 7pm on Friday August 14 and Exceptional Australian Pottery from 2pm on Saturday August 15.
August 15 and 16 – Strathalbyn, SA
A must for anyone who loves antiques and collectables, the Strathalbyn Antiques & Vintage Fair is being held in the town of Strathalbyn on the weekend of August 15 and 16. Find something fabulous from stunning antique and vintage bling to unique and quirky antiques and collectables for the home, office, garden and man cave: the entire event is being held on one site at the Strathalbyn Oval between Coronation Road and Ashbourne Road. The ever-popular Rotary Treasure Market at the Oval will be on for two days, allowing more time to search for those elusive treasures, and a mini market will be held on both days in the Gilbert’s Motor Museum car park on High Street, where nearby cafes and hotels can cater for your refreshment needs. The Strathalbyn Antiques & Vintage Fair is open 9am to 4pm on Saturday and 9am to 3pm on Sunday, with the Rotary Treasure Market open 9am to 4pm both days. Admission is $5 per adult.
August 21 to 23 – Chiltern, Vic
Celebrating its 33rd year, the Chiltern Antique & Collectables Fair returns to the Chiltern Memorial Hall in Chiltern, Vic from August 21 to 23. Whether you’re a seasoned antique hunter or simply looking for a unique day out, the Chiltern Antique Fair air offers an inviting atmosphere where the past comes to life, hosting an impressive range of dealers from near and far. Visitors can expect to browse an eclectic selection of antiques, including fine furniture, vintage jewellery, rare books, ceramics, coins, art and decorative collectables. Each stall tells its own story, giving attendees the opportunity not just to purchase items, but to connect with history in a tangible and meaningful way. Chiltern also has a vibrant main street waiting to be further explored. The Chiltern Antique & Collectables Fair is open from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Friday (admission $10) and from 10am to 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $5 per adult.
August 29 and 30 – Gatton, Qld
Aussie Fairs Collectormania Antique, Collectable & Coin Fair is at Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre in Gatton Qld on August 29 and 30. This new Gatton location hosts a boutique-style antique fair offering a smaller, more intimate event that showcases a hand-picked group of specialist dealers offering a wonderful mix of antiques, collectables and retro finds. Fully indoors and air-conditioned, this fair offers a relaxed, comfortable and family-friendly shopping experience — perfect for collectors, decorators and casual browsers alike. With food options available onsite and an ATM for convenience, it’s the perfect destination for a relaxed day out with friends or family. The Aussie Fairs Collectormania Antique, Collectable & Coin Fair is open from 9am to 4pm on Saturday and 9am to 2pm on Sunday. Admission is $8 per adult.
For full details on all of these events, click here
Other events in August:
August 1: Fashion Thrift Society Fair Wollongong
August 6 to 9: Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair at Darwin Convention Centre, NT
August 8: Fashion Thrift Society Fair Canberra
August 9: Northern Rivers Bottle & Collectors Club Exhibition & Fair at Murwillumbah Civic
Centre, Murwillumbah, NSW
August 12 to 22: ABCR Auctions Sale 65 online
August 13 to 16: Queensland Stamp & Coin Show at Chandler, Qld
August 14: Graham Lancaster Auctions Antique Bottles & Stoneware auction at Clarendon, NSW
August 15: Graham Lancaster Auctions Exceptional Australian Pottery auction at Clarendon, NSW
August 22: Hobart Doll Club Show
August 22: Fashion Thrift Society Fair Wollongong
August 29 and 30: York Antique Fair at York, WA
