
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.
NAIDOC Week events in Melbourne
Celebrate the history and culture, of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with a huge program of city-wide events for NAIDOC Week. Kick off the week with a free family day at Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre on 6 July. There'll be market stalls, artist talks and kid-friendly activities. Or enjoy a free festival at Fed Square on 11 July and check out performances by the likes of ARIA-winning Electric Fields. Plus there'll be food trucks, a pop-up market and heaps more fun.
Open House Melbourne Weekend
Get rare access to Melbourne's most beautiful buildings at Open House Melbourne. Visit Melbourne Recital Centre and explore this stunning live music venue. Check out impressive modern design at Koorie Heritage Trust's Birrarung Building. Or go on a tour of Melbourne's Art and Heritage Collection and browse through thousands of the city's artworks and artefacts.
Winter Night Market
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.
Auto-Photo: A Life in Portraits
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. The dive a little deeper and join free workshops and talks to learn about the technical side of these complex machines, taking self portraits and more.
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
Plans For The Planet: Olaf Breuning For Kids
Created by artist Olaf Breuning this exhibition invites kids to explore the natural environment.
How Fashion Gave Birth to Art Deco
A talk on how fashion illustration evolved into a new style of art.
Making Memoir of a Snail
Explore handmade sets, props and characters from Adam Elliot's claymation film Memoir of a Snail.
Top Arts
The annual Top Arts exhibition provides a platform for emerging artists from across the state.
Free family-friendly events
Plans For The Planet: Olaf Breuning For Kids
Created by artist Olaf Breuning this exhibition invites kids to explore the natural environment.
Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure
A free fun outdoor seek and find adventure around the Fitzroy Gardens.
Free Melbourne markets
Creative Society Markets
An exciting new market where you can meet Melbourne's best creators, designers, makers and foodies.
Kensington Market
An eclectic mix of homewares, culinary treats, ceramics, sustainable goods and visual art.
The Sunday Market at Southgate
After decades positioned around the Arts Centre, the Sunday Market is now at Southgate.
Last updated on Tue 1 Jul 2025
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RISING: Swingers — The Art of Mini Golf
The art of mini-golf, for anyone who swings outside the lines.
Einder
Look up, the roaring sea meets the sky in an aerial dance in a fabric installation by Boris Acket.
NGV Friday Nights: French Impressionism
Enjoy an after-hours exploration of French Impressionism at NGV International.