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.
Melbourne's best Holi festivals
Celebrate India's festival of colours at three vibrant free events. Wear something you don't mind getting dirty and prepare to be showered in rainbow-bright powders. There'll also be traditional dance performances, live music and authentic street food to keep the vibes high. Join the celebrations in the city or in Docklands.
Free dim sims and tacos during Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
Two foodie pop-ups are slinging free snacks in Melbourne this month! Don't miss Taco Toum Day 2.0 on 26 March. You can score Lebanese-style tacos and Mexico's answer to kibbeh, totally free. Or head to Emporium on 27 March to try free dim sims. The choices go beyond just steamed or fried (sorry dimmie purists). Three Melbourne food icons have put their own spin on the dish.
The Outsiders Melbourne
Head to this secret gallery in one of Melbourne's most iconic laneways and you'll discover a treasure trove of paintings, sculptures and more. Get rare access to famous work by some of the world's best street artists – including Banksy. Plus locals like Rone, Adnate, Vexta and Tom Gerrard.
Open Air at the Square
Pull up a deck chair and enjoy free events at Fed Square. Kick back with a screening of family-friendly Australian film Windcatcher on 23 March from 4pm. Or get your mates together for live music and DJs.
Sci-Fi: Mythologies Transformed
Create your own AI monster avatar. Enter a Japanese-inspired glowing silk shrine. Then draw demons from Filipino folk stories. The Science Gallery’s latest exhibition explores the connection between science fiction and mythology. Expect art installations, film and curious immersive experiences. Photo by Matthew Stanton.
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
Making Memoir of a Snail
Explore handmade sets, props and characters from Adam Elliot's claymation film Memoir of a Snail.
The best free festivals in Melbourne
The best free festivals you need to visit in Melbourne this year
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.
4, 5, 6 Club
Join the fortnightly 4, 5, 6 club for an epic after school adventure at North Melbourne Library.
Free Melbourne markets
Melbourne Book Market
Melbourne Book Market is a curated collection of more than 5,000 new and pre-loved titles.
The Sunday Market at Southgate
After decades positioned around the Arts Centre, the Sunday Market is now at Southgate.
The Lygon Street Market
Celebrating community, culture and creativity in the heart of Melbourne’s iconic Italian precinct.
Kensington Market
An eclectic mix of homewares, culinary treats, ceramics, sustainable goods and visual art.
Last updated on Wed 12 Mar 2025
Only In The City
The best things to do under $20 in Melbourne
The best cocktail deals, cheap eats and low-cost activities in Melbourne.
Discover more
Melbourne's essential night-time events
From hidden laneway markets to epic pop-ups, Melbourne gets lit once the lights go out.
12 reasons to leave work on time
Get the best happy hour deals, cheap tickets to amazing shows and more.
Melbourne’s most Instagrammable experiences
You won't need filters at the city's most photogenic spots.