What's free in Melbourne this month

See the best local, emerging talent before they blow up at this amazing six-month showcase. Melbourne Now will feature contemporary pieces across all disciplines, from fashion and ceramics to performance, painting and printmaking. The fan-fave design wall will be back too, celebrating more than 35 products designed in Melbourne over the past decade.

There are plenty of unticketed events at this year's MFWF. Head to the festival hub at Fed Square for a carb-loaded bake sale, celebrity sausage sizzle and a cool new pop-up bar. Melbourne's bougiest 7-Eleven is back too, serving Slurpee cocktails, panettone hot cross buns and special edition lamingtons.

Feast on your fill of delicious South Asian cuisine at this two-day foodie wonderland. Peruse traditional jewellery, handcrafted items, clothing and more in the market stalls. End the weekend with an epic fireworks display over the city!

Cooking classes, Easter egg hunts and a surprise visit from the Easter bunny! Visit the market across the long weekend to keep your little mates entertained. Pre-book their spot in a foodie workshop, where they can learn to make everything from sushi rolls to mini banh mi and even cute fruit bunnies. Or collect a Kids Passport and set off on a scavenger hunt to collect stamps from local traders.

There's no need to wait until winter for another delicious night market in Melbourne! Hawker 88 returns for five weeks of foodie fun, with a different theme each Wednesday night. Start with all your fave Asian snacks, then go deep on Durian at the Malaysian night, try the best treats from Korea and Japan, plus heaps more.

Need something to look forward to after the Easter long weekend? Spend two days immersed in Sri Lankan culture, from delicious cuisine to traditional performances. Explore handcrafted wares at the market stalls and join a workshop activity. Entry is free, but come with an appetite (and some coin) for roti-loaded kottua and deep-fried coconut kokis.

Celebrate the end of Ramadan with an epic, food-fuelled weekend. Try local delights from Africa, the Middle East, Turkey, Bosnia and more in the heart of the Queen Victoria Market. Plus explore the diverse art and shopping scene these cultures have to offer.

Want a glimpse into Rone's jaw-dropping new exhibition TIME without buying a ticket? Make a beeline to this pop-up at Flinders Street Station. A little slice of mid-century Melbourne, The Newsagency is a shop trapped in time. Enter under the gaze of one of Rone's signature portraits. Then admire work from local artists, makers and brands in the Mixed Business Store.

An epic, evocative reimagining of The Parthenon has emerged in the NGV courtyard. The 'Temple of Boom' is a large-scale architectural commission. It features overlapping artworks by Melbourne-based artists. It's free to visit, or book into NGV Friday nights and see the space play host to a stacked program of live performances.

Australia’s leading architecture and design event takes place at MPavilion – a cultural laboratory where the community can come together to engage and share. It's located in the Queen Victoria Gardens, with five months of free events. There are talks, workshops, performances, family-friendly experiences, community projects and installations.

This weekly group running session is the best way to start your weekend. All skill sets and fitness levels are welcome, and more experienced runners can give you some tips on your technique. Make a habit of it and train up for the official Run the Tan event on 30 April.