The best free festivals you need to visit in Melbourne this year

There’s another cultural food fest taking over Queen Vic Market this September, and it’s a celebration of all things Malaysian. Factor in cash for laksa and mooncakes at the hawker market and look out for roving performers. If you’ve ever wanted to try the world’s smelliest fruit, there’s also a free durian tasting that is not for the faint-hearted. 

See Queensbridge Square aglow as lanterns illuminate the night sky for a two-day festival. The event brings Melbourne’s Asian communities together to celebrate and give thanks to the moon. Feast on street food then watch cultural performances, including Bollywood and lion dancers. Bring the entire family for kids rides, lantern-making activities and more. 

Don your dirndls and lederhosen, Oktoberfest is coming to Melbourne. For six weeks, the Hofbräuhaus will transform a Chinatown laneway into a pop-up beer garden. Join the revellers singing and dancing on tabletops to live music from German bands. It’s free to join in the party, but bring some extra coin for ridiculously cheap beers and a hearty Bavarian feast.

Melbourne Fringe is turning 40 and throwing a giant free party to celebrate. Swing by the Fringe Parade to see a bevy of colourful and creative characters marching to the beat of their own drum. Then join the revellers at the Lygon Street Block Party in Argyle Square. There’ll be live performances and plenty of foodie treats from Lygon locals.

Melbourne’s largest Greek cultural celebration is back for another epic street party. This year’s Greek fest will take over Lonsdale Street for a weekend packed with music, dancing and carnival rides. Eighty-plus food, drink and craft stalls will take your Hellenic experience way beyond souvas and baklava.  

The Melbourne International Film Festival is back in cinemas for the first time since 2019. There’s a ton of free events in the lineup. Cinephiles will love the MIFF talks series. Join your fellow film buffs for conversations on iconic Melbourne creators, what's trending and the punks of filmmaking.

After a two-year hiatus, Melb’s annual literary fest returns this September. As always, there’s a stacked lineup of free events for word nerds. Sit in on a live podcast recording of Conversations with Richard Fidler. Meet the ‘book of the year’ winners. Or strike up a chat with your favourite storytellers. 

For one day only, see Melbourne's most fearless (and possibly foolish) rev-heads as they battle it out for Billy Cart glory. Head down to watch weird and whacky creations speed along Lansdowne Street. Costumes, novelty designs, gravity-defying displays - nothing is off limits at this free spectator event. Stay tuned for more info on activations taking place during the race!