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.
Sci-Fi: Mythologies Transformed
Create your own AI monster avatar. Enter a Japanese-inspired glowing silk shrine. Then draw demons inspired by Filipino folk stories. The Science Gallery’s new exhibition explores the connection between science fiction and mythology. Expect art installations, film and curious immersive experiences. Photo by Matthew Stanton.
Welcome Home: Victoria Congratulates our Athletes from Paris
Celebrate our athlete's epic success in Paris with this welcome home party. Throw on your green and gold and congratulate the returning Olympians and Paralympians. You might even get chance to snap a selfie with your favourite medallists! There'll also be live sport activations, entertainment, DJs and food trucks.
Zero Waste Festival
Want to live more sustainably but need a little inspo? This festival is dedicated to all things green. Hear fascinating panel talks about reducing waste. Find some new (old) threads at the clothing swap. Or get an old favourite mended at the Repair Cafe.
Mid-Autumn Moon Festival
Mark the changing of the seasons with a two-day harvest festival at the Vic Market. See lion dancing, lantern displays and live music throughout the day. Join traditional mooncake making workshops and catch cooking demos. Don’t forget to bring cash for sizzling street food.
Chinese Traditional Cultural Festival
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture at this pop-up festival. Held to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, expect to see lion and dragon dancing, live performances and traditional costumes including Hanfu. Join a calligraphy or lantern crafting workshop. And visit the market stalls to try mooncakes and street food.
Oktoberfest at Hofbräuhaus
Dust off your dirndl, bring out the lederhosen and release your inner Bavarian at this iconic beer hall. Enjoy free entry and traditional live music at the Hofbrauhaus’ Oktoberfest celebrations. Budget for a few imported beers and all the comfort food your bratwurst-loving heart desires. Then watch the stein-carrying champs in action or join a yodelling contest for the full experience.
Wurrdha Marra
Explore homegrown art and exhibitions at the NGV's free Australian gallery, the Ian Potter Centre. The current exhibition Wurrdha Marra features art and design from First Nations peoples across time and place. The pieces focus on the importance of passing down cultural knowledge and also creating new forms of expression. While you're at NGV Australia, find more works from emerging artists at Country Road + NGV First Nations Commissions: My Country.
Sea Shanties and Folk Songs
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.
More free Melbourne events
Library Cinema
See contemporary, classic and documentary films on the big screen at Library at The Dock.
Melbourne Out Loud: Life through the lens of Rennie Ellis
Relive Melbourne's culture and fashion through the lens of iconic photographer Rennie Ellis.
Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu
Each month, watch a movie on the big screen, including contemporary, classic and documentary films.
Making Memoir of a Snail
Explore handmade sets, props and characters from Adam Elliot's claymation film Memoir of a Snail.
Free family-friendly events
ACMI Preschoolers
A fun, free program created for 2-5 year-olds to enjoy ACMI with their parent, grandparent or carer.
Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure
A free fun outdoor seek and find adventure around the Fitzroy Gardens.
STEAM After School at North Melbourne Library
Explore the fun of science, technology, engineering, art and maths with hands-on activities.
4, 5, 6 Club
Join the fortnightly 4, 5, 6 club for an epic after school adventure at North Melbourne Library.
Free Melbourne markets
Queen Victoria Market
This beloved Melbourne landmark is the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere.
Melbourne Book Market
Melbourne Book Market is a curated collection of more than 5,000 new and pre-loved titles.
Docklands Sunday Community Craft and Food Market
Enjoy a food and craft market every second Sunday of the month.
Kensington Market
Showcasing the local talent that is alive and thriving in the Kensington and Flemington precincts.
The Community Grocer Carlton
A weekly pop-up market with fresh fruit and vegetables at affordable prices.
Last updated on Thu 5 Sep 2024
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