Don't let an empty wallet stop you from enjoying Melbourne. These festivals and street parties offer free entry and tons of entertainment.

Rows of colourful Hoi An style lanterns, suspended from a permeable roof, at night, with a crowd of peopl walking around beneath them.

Asia Oasis Street Food Festival by the Yarra

Look for the glowing Vietnamese lanterns and make your way to this must-visit riverside festival. Then get ready for a big authentic Asian street food feast. We’re talking tasty noodles, steamy dumplings, sizzling skewers and more. There’ll also be loads of family-friendly fun including traditional games and live music. 

A group of traditional Indian dancers are performing on a stage.

Victorian Festival of Diwali

Celebrate India’s magical festival of lights right in the heart of Melbourne. Head to the main stage and enjoy traditional dances, live music, yoga and more. Plus there'll be heaps of activities to keep kids entertained like hands-on craft workshops and dance sessions. Just make sure you come with an empty stomach ready to fill up on authentic dishes and snacks.

A brick building with a large sign outside reading Boyd library and community hub.

Festival@Boyd Southbank

Until

A community festival dedicated to all things green and sustainable is coming to Southbank. Enjoy a free African drumming workshop, dog fashion parade and the chess tournament. Plus catch live music performances. Got some spare cash? Browse the market stalls selling preloved clothing, handmade crafts and food from around the world.

More free fun

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What's free in Melbourne this month

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The best free and cheap family activities

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Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu
Until

Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu

Each month, watch a movie on the big screen, including contemporary, classic and documentary films.

Melbourne Out Loud: Life through the lens of Rennie Ellis
Until

Melbourne Out Loud: Life through the lens of Rennie Ellis

Relive Melbourne's culture and fashion through the lens of iconic photographer Rennie Ellis.

Oktoberfest at Hofbräuhaus
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Oktoberfest at Hofbräuhaus

Melbourne’s most iconic Oktoberfest is back in the heart of Chinatown at Hofbrauhaus.

Melbourne United Multicultural Festival

Melbourne United Multicultural Festival

Melbourne United hosts its annual free Multicultural Festival at Grand Slam Oval.

Sea Shanties and Folk Songs
Until

Sea Shanties and Folk Songs

Join this free weekly celebration of rollicking and spirited singing.

Last updated on Mon 12 Aug 2024

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Melbourne Fringe Festival
Until

Melbourne Fringe Festival

Experience Victoria's largest independent arts festival.

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Melbourne's best blockbuster events

The best major events on in Melbourne this year.

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Christmas in the city

Christmas in the city

See the city light up with dazzling displays, festive events and activities for the whole family.

Midsumma Carnival

Midsumma Carnival

Midsumma Carnival is the iconic outdoor celebration that marks the opening of Midsumma Festival.

Polish Festival

Polish Festival

The Polish Festival is turning 20, and they're gearing up for the biggest celebration yet.

Cooked: Hot Nights Democracy Sausage

Cooked: Hot Nights Democracy Sausage

Tasty democracy snacks and bespoke site-responsive theatre for the right here, right now.