Coburg Town Hall is hosting a witchcraft and dark art expo this month, and it's Melbourne's weirdest, most fun weekend out

Melbourne, if you have ever wanted to buy a hand carved bone pendant and a jar of spellcraft herbs from the same stallholder, your Saturday just sorted itself out.

The Dark Alchemy Expo takes over Coburg Town Hall on 22 August, bringing more than 55 creators together under one roof for what is basically a market crossed with a curiosity cabinet. Think dark art, witchcraft, folklore and the kind of beautifully odd craftsmanship you will not find at your local Sunday market.

Expect handcrafted jewellery, gothic art, occult curiosities, spellcraft supplies, books, dark homewares and taxidermy, alongside genuinely one of a kind pieces from makers across Victoria. There are immersive workshops running throughout the day, roaming cosplayers wandering the hall and plenty of chances to actually chat with the people who made what you are buying, rather than just scrolling past it on Instagram.

Food trucks will be parked outside if the browsing works up an appetite, and organisers are recommending you arrive early and bring cash, since some of the smaller makers will not take card. Coburg Town Hall itself is an easy tram ride from the CBD, so there is no excuse about parking to fall back on.

This is exactly the kind of event Melbourne does better than most cities. It is niche, it is a little spooky, and it does not take itself too seriously while still being a genuinely well organised market with a loyal following that turns up every year. If your winter so far has mostly involved doom scrolling dark academia content on TikTok, this is your chance to actually buy something from it instead of just saving the post for later.

There is also something genuinely nice about a market this specific still pulling a crowd. Fifty five creators is not a small number for a niche like this, and it says a lot about how much appetite there is in Melbourne for stuff that is a bit weird and a lot handmade.

Coburg Town Hall, Saturday 22 August. Bring cash, bring a tote bag, and maybe leave the good coat at home if you are getting close to the taxidermy table.