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 Fashion Week
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.
Diwali
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.
Distraction
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.
Making Good: Redesigning the Everyday
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.
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
Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu
Each month, watch a movie on the big screen, including contemporary, classic and documentary films.
Our Way: Celebrating Indigenous Art
Exploring how Indigenous artists reimagine storytelling today, expanding on artistic traditions.
Oktoberfest at Munich Brauhaus
Dust off your dirndl, press your best lederhosen – it’s time to prost, party and platter.
Oktoberfest at Hofbräuhaus
Get ready to embrace your Bavarian spirit – Oktoberfest returns to Hofbräuhaus for the 57th year.
Free family-friendly events
Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure
A free fun outdoor seek and find adventure around the Fitzroy Gardens.
Shrine Kids
Embark on a family adventure with this engaging program designed for discovery at every turn.
Free Melbourne markets
Kensington Market
An eclectic mix of homewares, culinary treats, ceramics, sustainable goods and visual art.
Last updated on Tue 30 Sep 2025
Discover more
Friday Night Social: Halloween Party
A free party featuring live music and performances as the Distraction exhibition stays open late.
Closing Runway: 101 Collins
Expect the unexpected at this showcase of iconic independent and underground Australian fashion.
Bainz Jewlz
Bainz Jewlz is a major retrospective exhibition survey of Australian artist-jeweller Robert Baines.