Lifestyle

The September school holidays are here, and if you’re on the lookout for fresh ideas to keep the kids active and entertained, you’re in the right place. While it might still be cool and crisp outside, it’s a great time to rug up and explore some of the parks, play spaces and low-key adventures in and around Fitzroy. From spacious parks and sandpits filled with toy trucks to farm animals and nature play, there’s something here for every kind of kid, and for grown-ups chasing a strong coffee. We’ve rounded up some of the best activities with kids in Fitzroy that they’ll actually love (and you won’t secretly dread).

Set behind an intriguing front door with a striking hand-shaped knocker, complete with a garnet ring, Atelier Claire Taylor is a light-filled jewellery studio and shopfront in Fitzroy North. Inside, art deco wallpaper, beautiful displays and a calm, creative energy set the tone, inviting visitors to browse, linger and chat. Claire Taylor creates handmade and bespoke pieces using precious metals, stones and enamel, drawing inspiration from her travels and residencies in India, Vietnam and Italy. Each piece of jewellery she creates reflects her love of craft, colour and connection. We caught up with her in her sunlit atelier to talk studio rituals, recent travels and what’s inspiring her work at the moment.

Father’s Day is just around the corner! This year, the occasion falls on September 7, the first Sunday of September. If you have yet to find the perfect Father’s Day gift or activity for the special dad/s in your life, look no further than our Fitzroy shopping guide! We’ve compiled a detailed list for nearly every dad under the sun. Best of all, you’ll be supporting Fitzroy small businesses and artisans when you check out the Fitzroy shops on this list while picking up some thoughtful gifts.

Ready to dive into the world of Fitzroy trivia? Whether you're a seasoned quiz champion or just love a fun night out with friends, an evening of trivia in Fitzroy offer something for everyone. With lively vibes, brain-teasing questions and fantastic prizes up for grabs, we have rounded up some great options for your next midweek escape. Explore a range of welcoming pubs and bars where good food, great company and friendly competition come together for an unforgettable evening. Round up a table and get ready to test your knowledge against the best in Fitzroy.

Photographer and street artist Zinos of MonoMelbourne brings a thoughtful eye to Fitzroy’s streets and laneways. Drawn to the softer winter light, longer shadows and the dappled effects on surfaces, especially on older buildings, his black and white images feel timeless and atmospheric. With a keen interest in vintage architecture, town planning and preserving history, Zinos captures the small moments and shifting moods that make this neighbourhood unique. In this piece, he shares the journey behind his creative work, what keeps him inspired and why he’s always drawn back to Fitzroy.

If you’ve ever scored a $6 spritz, found the coziest pub fireplace, or discovered a next level two-for-one ramen deal, you probably have Tightarses of Melbourne to thank. What started as a clever Instagram account sharing happy hours and tight deals has grown into a go-to guide for living your best life on a budget, all while celebrating some of Melbourne’s best spots. Tightarses of Melbourne call Fitzroy home, and prove that a great time out doesn’t have to cost a fortune. We asked the creative force behind the account to share how it all began, their favourite local haunts, the joy of trivia nights, and what’s next for this much-loved, cheeky guide.

If you’ve ever wandered through Fitzroy and wondered what stories the buildings could tell, Deb Huff’s art might just have the answer. A Perth-based artist and illustrator, Deb has a deep appreciation for old buildings, local legends and the quiet beauty of the everyday. Her black-and-white digital works celebrate the kinds of places we often overlook: heritage shopfronts, hidden terraces, long-loved pubs and corner stores with ghosts in the walls.

The Galerie Fitzroy is a bright upstairs studio built on decades of collecting, curating and chasing down bold, beautiful pieces from around the world. Founded by Shelley Collins after a serendipitous encounter with vintage posters in San Francisco, the upstairs Brunswick Street studio has become a destination for original works with heart, history and humour. In this Q&A, Shelley shares the story behind the gallery, what keeps her inspired and how she helps others find the poster that truly clicks.