What's free in Melbourne this month

Get behind the Tillies as they take on the United States at the Paris Olympics. Fed Square is screening the final round of the women's football group stages live on the big screen. Set your alarms and wake up early to get there for the 3am kick-off. Entry is free but you'll need to register to watch all the action.

This vibrant cultural fest kicks off with a colourful Independence Day party in Fed Square on 17 August. Don’t miss the flag-hoisting and high-energy performances. You can also catch new talent in the annual dance competition. If your budget allows it, spend the festival checking out the best new releases in Indian cinema.

Immerse yourself in the culture of Colombia, Venezuela, Chile and Brazil at this two-day Latin festival. Queen Victoria Market will be drenched in colour with live dance performances and pop-up market stalls. Got some spare cash to burn? Shop for traditional crafts and try authentic street food.  

See a mysterious new light show cast a glow over the Yarra River this winter. Set to an ominous electronic soundtrack, light projections dance off water particles to create this dazzling audiovisual art installation. Head to the river banks every night from 6pm during Now or Never to see the show. 

Head to the Science Gallery after dark for a sci-fi themed party during Now or Never. There'll be live music, food and drinks. Plus the opportunity to explore the brand new exhibition, SCI-FI: Mythologies Transformed. Expect curated roaming performance art plus a colourful food-themed installation!

Gather ‘round roaring fire pits every Wednesday for the final month of the Winter Night Market. Entry is free and there'll be roaming entertainment and silent discos. Factor in a few bucks to feast on winter comfort food. Warm up with a cup of hot mulled wine or boozy spiced rum Milo. Then order indulgent cheese wheel pasta, karaage fried chicken and sticky date pudding.

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.

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.