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

Man slurping noodle with right hand holding chopsticks in pink bowl; kitchen counter and shelves behind.

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.

A laneway market

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.

Group of people singing and clapping, outdoors Some with handheld drums and illustrated animal placards.

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!

Two people behind a food stall dishing up food into takeaway containers.

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.

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