Heading into the city for the long weekend? Plan your journey ahead of time to avoid delays.
The best free festivals in Melbourne
Don't let an empty wallet stop you from enjoying Melbourne. These festivals and street parties offer free entry and tonnes of entertainment.
Free festivals
Lantern Riveredge Festival Cultural Market
Celebrate the Lantern Festival with glowing lanterns, riverside vibes and festive flavours.
Birdman Rally
Moomba's Birdman Rally returns to the banks of the Yarra for a hilarious display of sportsmanship.
Moomba Parade
The Moomba Parade returns with larger-than-life floats, dance troupes, community groups and more.
Melbourne CBD Holi Festival of Colours
Be covered in vibrant colours and dance to music at the Treasury Garden's Holi.
Festival of Veterans Arts
Enjoy this veteran-led arts festival with exhibitions, performances, workshops and family events.
Indonesian Festival
Experience Indonesia’s rich culture and diverse cuisine at Queen Victoria Market.
Kids Day Out
A family fun festival day out, hosted by The Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
Australian Sikh Games
The 38th Australian Sikh Games bring sport, culture and community together in Melbourne this Easter.
Turkish Pazar Festival
The Turkish Pazar Festival recreates a traditional street market at the Queen Victoria Market.
The Long Walk: Naarm
A First Nations event with entertainment, cultural activities and the iconic Long Walk to the G.
Melbourne Tartan Festival
Enjoy the Melbourne Tartan Day Parade with pipers, highland dancing, poetry readings and wee dogs.
South Asian Festival
Experience South Asian culture with street food, music and dance, stalls, fireworks and more.
More free fun
What's free in Melbourne this month
Everything to see, do and enjoy in Melbourne for free this month.
Free things to do in Melbourne every day
Have a grand day out on a budget at Melbourne's best free experiences, attractions and exhibits.
The best free museums and art galleries in Melbourne
Explore world-class museums, edgy artist-run spaces and blockbuster exhibitions for free.
Summer Night Market
Gather your crew for Melbourne’s favourite summer tradition – Wednesday nights from 5pm to 10pm.
Distraction
An exhibition that plugs into the torrent of content and places we go when craving distraction.
Younghusband Market
With great music, curated stalls, hands-on workshops and delicious food, a vibrant scene awaits.
World of the Book
Explore the rare, the sacred and the iconic in the 20th anniversary of this annual exhibition.
Laugh Lab
Come watch some of Melbourne's best comedians perform in the cosiest cocktail bar in town.
Lunchtime Concerts
Enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Cathedral and fine music during a weekly lunchtime concert.
Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu
Each month, watch a movie on the big screen, including contemporary, classic and documentary films.
Kensington Market
An eclectic mix of homewares, culinary treats, ceramics, sustainable goods and visual art.
Last updated on Tue 17 Feb 2026
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Festivals
Melbourne's festival calendar is jam-packed with film, comedy, arts, music, food and design.