Crowds enjoying an outdoor festival in a green space next to the city, with lanterns and tiki huts.

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 tons of entertainment.

Free festivals

Firelight Festival
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Firelight Festival

Epic free winter festival with fire performers, light installations, live music and foodie feasts.

Bastille Day French Festival
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Bastille Day French Festival

Rendezvous at the Bastille Day French Festival and join in the joie de vivre! 

Open House Melbourne Weekend
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Open House Melbourne Weekend

The Open House Melbourne Weekend invites you to explore Melbourne's great examples of good design.

PicklePalooza
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PicklePalooza

Free pickleball festival with games, clinics, food, music and fun for all ages.

The Artistry
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The Artistry

Get ready for a weekend filled with food, art, music and culture.

Indian Film Festival: Indian Independence Day Celebrations

Indian Film Festival: Indian Independence Day Celebrations

Join in the vibrant Indian Independence Day Celebrations at Fed Square.

Queensberry Cup

Queensberry Cup

Cheer on the billy cart racers at the Queensberry Cup, a fun community day for everyone.

Asia Street Food Festival by the Yarra
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Asia Street Food Festival by the Yarra

Experience authentic Asian street food that transports you to the vibrant streets of Asia.

Moomba
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Moomba

An annual free festival held along the banks of the Yarra River.

More free fun

What's free in Melbourne this month

What's free in Melbourne this month

Everything to see, do and enjoy in Melbourne for free this month.

The best free and cheap family activities

The best free and cheap family activities

Find family-friendly fun and free events in Melbourne.

Winter Night Market
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Winter Night Market

The Winter Night Market returns to the iconic Queen Victoria Market sheds.

Auto-Photo: A Life in Portraits
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Auto-Photo: A Life in Portraits

An exhibition celebrating the work of Melbourne photobooth technician Alan Adler.

65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art
Until

65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art

An exhibition featuring more than 450 works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

Sea Shanties and Folk Songs
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Sea Shanties and Folk Songs

Join this free weekly celebration of rollicking and spirited singing.

Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu
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Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu

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

The Artistry Drone Show

The Artistry Drone Show

A sky full of drones will light up Melbourne's sky.

Last updated on Thu 19 Jun 2025

Only In The City

Only in this City of Ours See what's on
Now or Never
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Now or Never

Arts, ideas, sound, technology; a festival of new dimensions for Melbourne/Narrm.

Ostro x Einder

Ostro x Einder

Julia Busuttil Nishimura crafts a feast beneath the striking installation, Einder by Boris Acket.

Burdi Burdi
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Burdi Burdi

A sonic installation along Evan Walker Bridge.

See what's on

Discover more

The best Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix events in Melbourne

The best Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix events in Melbourne

Map out your perfect Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix weekend in Melbourne.

Where to enjoy a European-style winter in Melbourne

Where to enjoy a European-style winter in Melbourne

Embrace the chill with warming treats, pop-ups and events worthy of a Northern Hemisphere winter.

Festivals

Festivals

Melbourne's festival calendar is jam-packed with film, comedy, arts, music, food and design.

Melbourne International Film Festival
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Melbourne International Film Festival

Melbourne International Film Festival lights up Melbourne this winter with over 250 titles.