What's free in Melbourne this month

Explore a packed program of free events when M/FW takes over the city in late October. See Little Bourke Street transform into a pop-up runway showcasing Emporium's luxury retailers. Or hit the market when Collins Square gets a fashion makeover. Shop handcrafted bags and jewellery then snap a pic of the stunning capsules. Wicked fans are in for a treat with a close up look at Elphaba and Glinda's Oscar-winning costumes.

Near the Indonesian end of Lygon Street, a vibrant free festival will take place in Argyle Square. Witness traditional dances, gamelan performances and learn how to cook authentic Indonesian cuisine. Then taste it yourself with food stalls showcasing dishes from across the archipelago. Think bakso (Indonesian meatballs), rendang and delicious satay chicken.

Come along to a two-day celebration of all things Italian at this charming free festival. More than 150 stalls will fill the iconic Royal Exhibition Building and surrounds. Break a sweat with a game of soccer, bocce or fencing. Entertain the little ones at the new kids zone and petting zoo. Then grab a bowl of pasta and pair it with a glass of red at the wine tasting pop-up.

Celebrate Diwali in Melbourne at these major celebrations. Marvel Stadium will play host to a huge free party in Stadium Square. Watch dazzling dance competitions and indulge in legit Indian snacks. Across the city, Fed Square will light up for Diwali with a free festival. Get immersed in a bustling bazaar, learn a Bollywood dance or catch a magic show.

Cheer on the billy carts at this quirky race day in North Melbourne. In makeshift carts, up to 50 daredevil racers will go head-to-head for the Queensberry Cup. Complementing the competition will be a free street festival with live music and performances. Stick around for the adorable dog show or slurp up a bike 'n' blend smoothie.

Calling all gamers! Australia's biggest celebration of games returns to Fed Square at Big Games Night Out. This massive free event brings together digital, arcade and tabletop gaming. See a parade of creative cosplay or catch a dance battle. Then wind back the clock and play iconic retro games at the Electric Arcadia Amusement Plaza.

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. 

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. 

Melbourne Fringe Festival gets ready to take over Queen Victoria Market on Wednesday nights this spring. Get your stretchy pants on and make your way to this Melbourne landmark for a great big feast. Try everything from steamy dumplings and noodles to barbequed meats and sweet treats. Then enjoy circus acts, live music, cabaret performances and heaps more.

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.