What's free in Melbourne this month

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. 

Melbourne's winter festival returns with a stacked program of free immersive art in beautiful spaces. Don't miss MATRIA enveloping the Royal Exhibition Building in a glowing warm cocoon. Next, catch Einder at Melbourne Town Hall. Watch as a storm cloud forms above you, made of rippling fabric, sound and light. See the State Library taken over by immersive projections and reflect on the Evan Walker Bridge amidst a sonic installation.

Immerse yourself in the sounds, flavours and colours of Indonesia at this free two-day festival. Taste of Indonesia will take over Queen Victoria Market this month with traditional culture and live performances. Try street food like rendang, satay and nasi goreng. Take on the spicy sambal challenge. Then play nostalgic Indonesian festival games.

Add a touch of whimsy to your winter at this gorgeous market. Browse for fashion, jewellery, art and more from local Melbourne artists. Join a creative workshop or get a free photo of your aura. Don’t skip the vegan market in The Terrace. Find delicious plant-based chocolate, vegan skincare, food trucks and more earth-friendly goodies.

Gather ‘round roaring fire pits every Wednesday for the Winter Night Market. Entry is free and there'll be roaming entertainment and silent discos during the epic 13-week season. Factor in a few bucks to feast on winter comfort food. Warm up with a cup of hot mulled wine or boozy spiced Milo. Then browse vintage fashion, records and more in the specialty shops.

Ever snapped a pic in the Flinders Street Photobooth? If so, you'll know how special and nostalgic these old-school selfie spots are. The man behind it, Alan Adler, ran photobooths in Melbourne for more than 50 years. Join this exhibition at RMIT Gallery celebrating Alan and the delight his booths have brought to Melburnians. Then capture your very own portraits.

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.