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

A woman walking into a silk shrine with glowing lights.

Sci-Fi: Mythologies Transformed

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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.

An aerial image of the sporting fields at the Melbourne Park precinct, with the Yarra River running through the centre and the city centre in the background.

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.

People at market stalls in the Atrium at Federation Square.

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.

People sitting in a space with coloured sashes decorating the ceiling while a person dressed up as a Chinese character roams along.

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.

A traditional Chinese dancer doing a backflip in a flowing purple outfit.

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.

People socialising and drinking in a tavern, some of them dressed in Bavarian costumes at part of Oktoberfest, holding large steins of beer.

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. 

A woman looking at a large abstract sculpture in a gallery with Aboriginal traditional paintings on the walls.

Wurrdha Marra

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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.

The exterior of Mission to Seafarers in Melbourne.

Sea Shanties and Folk Songs

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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

love.exe
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love.exe

Enter a world of digital romance, social surrogacy and immersive art.

Library Cinema
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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
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Melbourne Out Loud: Life through the lens of Rennie Ellis

Relive Melbourne's culture and fashion through the lens of iconic photographer Rennie Ellis.

Cook to Connect
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Cook to Connect

Learn new tips and tricks for cooking great meals.

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.

Making Memoir of a Snail
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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
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ACMI Preschoolers

A fun, free program created for 2-5 year-olds to enjoy ACMI with their parent, grandparent or carer.

Songbirds
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Songbirds

Come along to North Melbourne Library on Mondays and Wednesdays for Songbirds.

Shrine Kids
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Shrine Kids

A free self-guided program for visitors of all ages.

Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure
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Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure

A free fun outdoor seek and find adventure around the Fitzroy Gardens.

STEAM After School at North Melbourne Library
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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
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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

Queen Victoria Market

This beloved Melbourne landmark is the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere.

Bourne Local Market
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Bourne Local Market

Visit the Collins Square retail plaza for curated local market stalls.

Melbourne Book Market

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
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Docklands Sunday Community Craft and Food Market

Enjoy a food and craft market every second Sunday of the month.

The Sunday Market at Southgate
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The Sunday Market at Southgate

Meet makers and artists at this three-level, undercover market.

Kensington Market
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Kensington Market

Showcasing the local talent that is alive and thriving in the Kensington and Flemington precincts.

The Community Grocer Carlton
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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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