
The best free festivals you need to visit in Melbourne this year
Don't let an empty wallet stop you from enjoying Melbourne. These festivals and street parties offer free entry and tonnes of entertainment.
Free things to do at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
There are plenty of unticketed events at this year's MFWF. Head to the festival hub at Fed Square for a carb-loaded bakesale, celebrity sausage sizzle and a cool new pop-up bar. Melbourne's bougiest 7-Eleven is back too, serving slurpee cocktails, panettone hot cross buns and special edition lamingtons.
Sri Lankan Festival: Awurudhu Pola
Need something to look forward to after the Easter long weekend? Spend two days immersed in Sri Lankan culture, from delicious cuisine to traditional performances. Explore handcrafted wares at the market stalls and join a workshop activity. Entry is free, but come with an appetite (and some coin) for roti-loaded kottua and deep-fried coconut kokis.
South Asian Festival
Feast on your fill of delicious South Asian cuisine at this two-day foodie wonderland. Peruse traditional jewellery, handcrafted items, clothing and more in the market stalls. End the weekend with an epic fireworks display over the city!
Eid
Celebrate the end of Ramadan with an epic, food-fuelled weekend. Try local delights from Africa, the Middle East, Turkey, Bosnia and more in the heart of the Queen Victoria Market. Plus explore the diverse art and shopping scene these cultures have to offer.
More festivals you need to visit in Melbourne
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Melbourne lights up with laughs when the Comedy Festival takes over town.
Bluesfest Melbourne
Australia’s premier contemporary blues and roots music festival is coming to Melbourne.
Last updated on Sun 26 Mar 2023
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