What's free in Melbourne this month

Create your own AI monster avatar. Enter a Japanese-inspired glowing silk shrine. Then draw demons inspired by Filipino folk stories. The Science Gallery’s new exhibition explores the connection between science fiction and mythology. Expect art installations, film and curious immersive experiences. Photo by Matthew Stanton.

Celebrate our athlete's epic success in Paris with this welcome home party. Throw on your green and gold and congratulate the returning Olympians and Paralympians. You might even get chance to snap a selfie with your favourite medallists! There'll also be live sport activations, entertainment, DJs and food trucks.

Want to live more sustainably but need a little inspo? This festival is dedicated to all things green. Hear fascinating panel talks about reducing waste. Find some new (old) threads at the clothing swap. Or get an old favourite mended at the Repair Cafe.

Mark the changing of the seasons with a two-day harvest festival at the Vic Market. See lion dancing, lantern displays and live music throughout the day. Join traditional mooncake making workshops and catch cooking demos. Don’t forget to bring cash for sizzling street food.

Immerse yourself in Chinese culture at this pop-up festival. Held to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, expect to see lion and dragon dancing, live performances and traditional costumes including Hanfu. Join a calligraphy or lantern crafting workshop. And visit the market stalls to try mooncakes and street food.

Dust off your dirndl, bring out the lederhosen and release your inner Bavarian at this iconic beer hall. Enjoy free entry and traditional live music at the Hofbrauhaus’ Oktoberfest celebrations. Budget for a few imported beers and all the comfort food your bratwurst-loving heart desires. Then watch the stein-carrying champs in action or join a yodelling contest for the full experience. 

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.