9 Great Things To Do in Fitzroy This Autumn

Start Your Day with Coffee and a Pastry 

Cool, autumn mornings are the perfect excuse to treat yourself to something warm and baked—ideally with a good coffee in hand. Fitzroy is home to some excellent bakeries, each with its own loyal following. On Brunswick Street, Babka is a long-standing local favourite known for its sourdough, generous slices of cake and seasonal hot cross buns. Around the corner, Lune turns out precision-crafted croissants and inventive specials. And in Fitzroy North, Dench Café and Loafer Bread are both known for their top-notch hot cross buns popular with locals at this time of the year, as well as a great selection of pastries and loaves. Whichever you choose, it’s a delicious way to start your day.

Wander Through the Markets

A Fitzroy weekend ritual, the Fitzroy Market and neighbouring Fitzroy Mills Market are the perfect way to start your Saturday or Sunday. You’ll find everything from handmade crafts and vintage fashion to fresh produce, records, homewares and street food. Together, these two markets create a one-stop hub with over 70 stalls—perfect for browsing in the autumn sunshine.Just down the road, the Rose Street Artists’ Market is a long-standing favourite where independent artists and makers showcase original art, ceramics, jewellery and more. Grab a snack, chat with the stallholders, and soak up the atmosphere—it’s Fitzroy at its best.

Explore Fitzroy’s Galleries

Autumn is a great time to slow down and immerse yourself in Fitzroy’s ever-evolving art scene. SOL Gallery is dedicated to showcasing talent from Australia and Asia through curated exhibitions and education program, while BSIDE Gallery continues to showcase fresh, contemporary works with a bold edge. North Gallery presents a tightly curated rotation of contemporary work by early-career artists in a beautifully lit upstairs space. If vintage posters are more your thing, stop by The Galerie Fitzroy, a family-run studio open Saturdays, filled with original poster art collected from around the globe. Fitzroy Public Gallery provides a bright, welcoming space for emerging artists, set in an airy, open-plan warehouse with polished floorboards and a strong community vibe. For more inspiration, check out our Art Lover’s Guide to the Best Fitzroy Galleries.

Hunt for Vintage Gems

Fitzroy’s vintage scene is a dream for lovers of pre-loved fashion, unique finds and retro flair. Step into American Vintage for timeless Americana looks, from classic denim to printed crew sweats. Hunter Gatherer offers a carefully curated mix of vintage clothing and accessories with a focus on quality and sustainability. At Lost and Found Market, you’ll find everything from fashion to furniture under one expansive roof—it’s easy to lose an hour or two wandering the aisles. And for something truly eclectic, Vintage Garage brings together multiple sellers offering everything from statement coats to rare collectibles. Keen to explore more? Explore our guide to The Best Fitzroy Vintage Shops for a Stylish Throwback and update your wardrobe for the season.

Enjoy an Afternoon at Edinburgh Gardens

Crunchy leaves, mild afternoons and plenty of space make Edinburgh Gardens is a classic autumn picnic destination. Bring a blanket, some snacks (or grab something from one of Fitzroy’s excellent local cafés) and settle under a tree. It’s great for a relaxed hangout with friends, a casual date or a solo afternoon of reading and people-watching. There are also two excellent playgrounds to keep the kids happy, plus a skate park that’s buzzing with energy. Whether you’re catching the last days of warmer weather or just enjoying the slower pace, it’s one of the best spots to soak up the season.

Catch a Football Match 

Autumn means the start of the local footy season, and Fitzroy’s home ground at Brunswick Street Oval in Edinburgh Gardens is the place to be. The Fitzroy Football Club men’s team kicks off the season on Saturday, 5 April against Old Geelong, followed by the Fitzroy women playing their first home game on Saturday, 12 April against Melbourne University. Grab a coffee from a nearby café, enjoy the sausage sizzle and settle in under the trees to watch the action unfold. It’s a welcoming, family-friendly vibe with plenty of locals turning out to support the Roys. Reserves play at 11.40 AM and Seniors at 2 PM. Check our Events Calendar for match details.

Test Your Knowledge at a Local Trivia Night

Fitzroy’s pubs offer some of the best trivia nights going—and it’s the perfect indoor plan for cooler evenings. Monday nights kick off at The Rose Hotel with a relaxed pub trivia session, while The Provincial Hotel also gets in on the action with trivia from 7:30 PM and $15 pizzas to fuel your team. On Tuesdays, The Railway Hotel in Fitzroy North runs their popular trivia night, and The Workers Club hosts a lively session with DJ Hot Wheels covering pop culture and general knowledge. Wednesdays are all about The Catfish, with three rounds of free-entry general knowledge trivia and plenty of banter. Thursdays are for theme lovers—Lost Boys Bar runs weekly pop culture trivia with rotating topics, and The Sugar Glider Bar offers a friendly, laid-back trivia night where tacos from next door make an excellent team snack.

Enjoy Live Music in Fitzroy’s Favourite Venues

There’s nothing like live music on a cool autumn night. Fitzroy’s venues are full of character, with plenty of gigs that don’t require a ticket, just grab a drink and settle in. The Old Bar hosts local bands most nights of the week, Baxter’s Lot mixes acoustic sets with DJ nights, and The Evelyn Bandroom is always buzzing on weekends. The Night Cat specialises in funk, soul, Latin, disco, hip hop and R&B, with a dancefloor to match. On Sundays, it’s all about salsa, with classes for all levels followed by live Latin bands and social dancing. And yes, Punters Club is back—this iconic venue has reopened with a fresh lineup of gigs that nod to its legendary past. Want more? Explore our full guide to The Best Fitzroy Live Music Venues.

Laugh Out Loud Fitzroy Comedy

If you’re in the mood for a laugh, Fitzroy has you covered. The Catfish hosts live comedy every Tuesday night with a rotating lineup of top Australian comedians. Doors open at 7 PM and shows start at 7.30 PM, with $10 pints to keep the good times rolling. Fitzroy is also home to a number of Melbourne International Comedy Festival shows, with venues across the suburb participating in this year’s program. For full lineups and local acts performing in Fitzroy, head to our Events Calendar to see what’s on.

Bonus: Settle in for a Sunday Roast

As the weather cools, there’s no better way to wrap up a weekend than with a hearty Sunday roast. Fitzroy’s pubs know how to do it right—golden roast potatoes, rich gravy, classic sides and even the odd vegan nut roast done properly. Some spots pair their plates with live jazz, others with footy on the big screen, but all offer the same inviting promise: settle in, relax and enjoy the season. Whether you’re tucking into a roast by the fire at Fitzroy Town Hall Hotel, soaking up the tunes at The Punters Club or enjoying a long afternoon in a sunny beer garden, a Sunday roast is pure autumn bliss. Find our full guide to Sunday Roasts in Fitzroy here.

Make the Most of Autumn in Fitzroy: From market mornings and gallery afternoons to golden-hour picnics and nights filled with trivia, comedy and live music, autumn brings a slower, richer rhythm to the streets of Fitzroy. Whether you’re planning a weekend visit or rediscovering your own backyard, it’s the perfect season to soak it all in.