What's free in Melbourne this month
Gone a bit too hard on the wallet lately? These awesome activations, pop-ups and exhibitions won't cost a cent.
Korea Festival
Celebrate all things Korean at this epic two-day festival. From high-energy K-Pop dance performances to taekwondo demonstrations and live K-food cooking. You can even play a real-life version of Squid Game... If you dare! Bring some coin to sample traditional street food.
The Long Walk: Naarm 2024
Get down to Yarra Park Gardens at the MCG for a First Nations festival and an afternoon of family-fun. There'll be live music performed by some of Australia’s leading Indigenous artists, plus free sport and art activations. Factor in some cash to feast at the food trucks. The festival ends with the walk to the 'G for the Dreamtime match.
Festival@Boyd Southbank
A community festival dedicated to all things green and sustainable is coming to Southbank. Join free workshops for all ages, from African drumming to Bollywood dancing. There'll also be live performances. Got some spare cash? Browse the market stalls selling preloved clothing, handmade crafts and food from around the world.
JXSH MVIR: Forever I Live
Step inside a stunning retrospective showcasing the life works of Josh Muir. See a collection of paintings and digital artworks created by the Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta and Barkindji artist. A colourful blend of pop art and street art, the works draw on themes of cultural identity, mental illness and more.
Wurrdha Marra
Explore homegrown art and exhibitions at the NGV's free Australian gallery, the Ian Potter Centre. The current exhibition Wurrdha Marra features art and design from First Nations peoples across time and place. The pieces focus on the importance of passing down cultural knowledge and also creating new forms of expression. While you're at NGV Australia, find more works from emerging artists at Country Road + NGV First Nations Commissions: My Country.
Sea Shanties and Folk Songs
Heave ho to the Mission to Seafarers and live like a pirate in a century-old building. Test your pipes at a free sea shanty sing-along session. These ever popular sessions are the ultimate way to blow off some steam, pirate-style. Raid your treasure chest for some coins to order a rum or two at the bar.
Free Melbourne markets
Queen Victoria Market
This beloved Melbourne landmark is the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere.
Kensington Market
An eclectic mix of designer fashion, culinary treats, ceramics, homewares and visual art.
Makers Market at The District
This outdoor undercover monthly Sunday market at Docklands features craft, gifts, fashion and food.
Melbourne Book Market
Melbourne Book Market is a curated collection of more than 5,000 new and pre-loved titles.
Free family-friendly events
First Nations Culture for Kids
Take part in very special Wurundjeri Cultural education workshops for kids.
ACMI Preschoolers
A fun, free program created for 2-5 year-olds to enjoy ACMI with their parent, grandparent or carer.
Mother's Day Storytime and Craft
Celebrate Mother's Day at this special storytime at Southbank Library.
National Simultaneous Storytime
Visit narrm ngarrgu Library for a joyful celebration for National Simultaneous Storytime.
Monster High
Step into the extraordinary world of Monster High and join an epic interactive adventure.
Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure
A free fun outdoor seek and find adventure around the Fitzroy Gardens.
STEAM After School at North Melbourne Library
Explore the fun of science, technology, engineering, art and maths with hands-on activities.
More free Melbourne events
Melbourne Conversations: City Food Heroes
Meet the heroes building a more sustainable future for us all.
Library Cinema
See contemporary, classic and documentary films on the big screen at Library at The Dock.
Festival@Boyd Southbank
Experience music, dance, craft stalls, delectable cuisine and more in the heart of Southbank.
Stanislava Pinchuk: The Theatre of War
Experience three captivating video performances inspired by Homer's Iliad.
Memo Akten: Distributed Consciousness
A digital work merging human and non-human consciousness – via the AI musings of octopus critters.
ACMI Crew Night
A monthly gathering for anyone interested in filmmaking, followed by a film screening.
Sketch the City: Nicholas Building Walking Tours
Sketch the city on a unique walking tour around laneways and little known streets.
Cultivating Community Gardening Workshops
Come along to this gardening workshop and be inspired by food economy.
Melbourne Out Loud: Life through the lens of Rennie Ellis
Relive Melbourne's culture and fashion through the lens of iconic photographer Rennie Ellis.
Library at The Dock 10th Birthday
Come along to Library at The Dock and celebrate ten wonderful years.
Last updated on Fri 3 May 2024
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