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.
Making Good: Redesigning the Everyday
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.
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.
Taste of Persia: Food, Music, Dance and Art
Celebrate Persian culture at this free festival in Melbourne. See Fed Square come alive with beautiful traditional dance performances. Then dance along to traditional music and DJ sets. Got a little one in tow? Head straight to the dedicated kids zone with heaps of fun hands-on activities.
Christmas Tree Lighting
The lighting of Melbourne's dazzling Christmas tree officially marks the start of silly season. Bring the family to Fed Square to catch all the action from 6pm. Think free face painting, roving entertainment and festive giveaways. Then catch spectacular nightly light and sound shows.
Distraction
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.
More free Melbourne events
MECCA X NGV Women in Design Commission: Nipa Doshi
Designer Nipa Doshi explores beauty, plurality and diversity in her handcrafted cabinet.
Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu
Each month, watch a movie on the big screen, including contemporary, classic and documentary films.
Our Way: Celebrating Indigenous Art
Exploring how Indigenous artists reimagine storytelling today, expanding on artistic traditions.
Swinging 60s
Did the sixties really swing in Victoria? A new exhibition from the Old Treasury Building.
Free family-friendly events
Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure
A free fun outdoor seek and find adventure around the Fitzroy Gardens.
Fam Jam
Create your own video clip and celebrate movement, connection and creativity across generations.
Shrine Kids
Embark on a family adventure with this engaging program designed for discovery at every turn.
Deaf Art Science Festival
A free festival for young people, families, members and allies of the Deaf community.
Free Melbourne markets
Kensington Market
An eclectic mix of homewares, culinary treats, ceramics, sustainable goods and visual art.
Community & Arts Market
Find original art and prints, handmade crafts, bric-a-brac and dog items at this tiny local market.
Last updated on Thu 13 Nov 2025
Christmas
Christmas things to do
The city’s wrapped and ready with magical moments, twinkling lights and festive fun.
Christmas eat and drink
Savour the city’s festive flavours with rooftop bars, laneways and menus made for merry moments.
Discover more
DONE/UNDONE
Vogue Living Style Editor Joseph Gardner curates an exhibition of Australia's most talented artists.
Rigg Design Prize: Next in Design
The Rigg Design Prize is Australia’s most prestigious accolade for contemporary design.
The Sweet Stuff: Fashion as Confection
This exhibition explores fashion as confection, the craft of making and pleasures of indulgence.
Eucalypts of Hodogaya
An exhibition that reflects on a remarkable story of post-war reconciliation and remembrance.