What's free in Melbourne this month

Gone a bit too hard on the wallet lately? These awesome activations, pop-ups and exhibitions won't cost a cent.

A yellow-coloured display of clothing and costumes in a shopping centre.

Melbourne Fashion Week

Until 26 Oct

Explore a packed program of free events when M/FW takes over the city in late October. See Little Bourke Street transform into a pop-up runway showcasing Emporium's luxury retailers. Or hit the market when Collins Square gets a fashion makeover. Shop handcrafted bags and jewellery then snap a pic of the stunning capsules. Wicked fans are in for a treat with a close up look at Elphaba and Glinda's Oscar-winning costumes.

A crowd of people with umbrellas watching a purple-lit stage outdoors.

Diwali

Celebrate Diwali in Melbourne at these major celebrations. Marvel Stadium will play host to a huge free party in Stadium Square. Watch dazzling dance competitions and indulge in legit Indian snacks. Across the city, Fed Square will light up for Diwali with a free festival. Get immersed in a bustling bazaar, learn a Bollywood dance or catch a magic show.

A woman standing in front of a glowing exhibition display with large screens and neon lights hanging from the ceiling.

Distraction

Until 7 Dec

Ponder the art of time wasting at this exhibition dedicated to distraction and doom-scrolling. Pledge back the time you’ve spent buried in your phone. Then explore weird and wonderful installations. See through the eyes of a cat in Japan. Play custom-built arcade games. Or join one of the workshops and lose yourself in creative flow.

Two people are looking at a colourful striped painting on a wall in a gallery. There is a large pink, soft blobby sculpture behind them.

Making Good: Redesigning the Everyday

Until 1 Feb

Discover how clever design of everyday objects can inspire change at this new exhibition. It features everything from fashion and furniture to food and construction. Check out clothing that adjusts as you grow, see how coffee grounds can be turned into concrete and more. This showcase features work from 50 designers, studios and brands from Australia and around the world.

People exploring an old church-like building with red carpet.

Sea Shanties and Folk Songs

Until 18 Dec

Heave ho to the Mission to Seafarers and live like a pirate in a century-old building. Test your pipes at a free sea shanty sing-along session. These ever popular sessions are the ultimate way to blow off some steam, pirate-style. Raid your treasure chest for some coins to order a rum or two at the bar.