What's free in Melbourne this month

We can hardly believe our eyes. A floating tennis court is docking at Afloat for two sun-soaked weeks of fun. Visit the tennis club for a cocktail or join the waitlist to make a booking for a hit on the full-sized court. The Australian Open will be playing on big screens for those who’d rather watch the action while kicking back poolside. 

Enjoy the fun of the Australian Open without the crowds and head to the Hilltop. Unwind on the beanbags for pre-game drinks and watch all the live action on the big screen. Plus, listen out for free pop-up gigs.

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. 

Melbourne’s most romantic live music series is back. See Fed Square aglow with thousands of candles as performers take the stage. Bring a picnic blanket and get in early to score the best views. Catch Folk Bitch Trio (10 Feb) and Dean Brady (11 Feb). Then see beloved Aussie singer-songwriter Tina Arena for a huge finish on 12 February. Fed Square is also hosting free movies and gigs all month long.

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra returns to the Bowl for three magical nights of live music under the stars. This free summer concert series takes place on 10, 11 and 13 February. Choose from Find Your Voice Collective, Symphonic Celebration or the Australian Youth Orchestra. Pack a picnic and get in early before it fills up.

A free family-friendly Indonesia festival is popping up in Fed Square. Visit the twilight fair for live music, dance performances and a makers market. Pick up snacks from the food carts including local favourite Indonesian sandwich shop Warkop. Plus learn a new skill in traditional art and craft workshops. 

Melbourne's Afro-Caribbean festival returns this month, and it’s set to be a massive day of free fun. See Fed Square transformed into a pumping party with legendary DJs and local sound systems. Join in the dancing. Then feast on carnival food like jerk chicken and fiery BBQ.

Welcome the Year of the Horse at Melbourne's Lunar New Year festival. Head to Chinatown for a day-long celebration, catch live performances on the main stage and look out for roaming lion dancers. Browse the market stores around Russell Street. Then explore more of the best Lunar New Year events.

Melbourne’s largest Greek cultural celebration is back for another epic street party. This year’s Greek fest will take over Lonsdale Street for a weekend packed with music, dancing and of course, traditional Greek cuisine! Dozens of food, drink and craft stalls will take your Hellenic experience way beyond souvas and baklava.