What's free in Melbourne this month

Learn all about how to live a more sustainable lifestyle and reconnect with nature at this year’s RESET festival. Drop into the Fed Square test garden and see a sculpture designed for birds to collect nesting materials. Then join an expert discussion all about our delicate urban waterways. Plus hands-on kids activities, outdoor movies and more.

Melbourne’s favourite free outdoor cinema is back for the school holidays. And your eyes aren’t deceiving you, the big screen has had a big upgrade! Across three afternoons, the program will focus on ‘90s family favourites. Catch the cute flicks Free Willy and Fly Away Home. Each holds an important message about our responsibility for protecting the homes of our animal friends. 

Science Gallery brings together artists, scientists and collaborators from around the world for its newest exhibition. Immerse yourself in artworks representing our future and our ever-changing world. Discover fashion made from fungus, coral soundscapes, a vertical city farm and First Nations knowledge of the Birrarung.

Games Week gears up for a huge festival celebrating the industry and its developers. Head to ACMI for a mind-blowing showcase of over 100 indie games from all over the world. Then check out must-watch films, meet fellow gamers, join hands-on workshops and heaps more. 

Prefer your music analogue? Queen Vic Market is hosting an entire event dedicated to vinyl. Flip through more than 20,000 new and used records. Expect plenty of old favourites and rare finds. A line-up of DJs will set the scene, spinning tunes on vinyl, of course! Plus, find plenty of food trucks to refuel at.

Watch North Melbourne’s iconic billy cart race in action at the Queensberry Cup. See speed demons fly down Errol Street hoping to take home the number one spot. Then check out all the action at the free street festival. There’ll be live performances, hands-on workshops and kids’ activities. And be sure to visit the food stands, local pubs and nearby cafes for a bite to eat. 

Royal Exhibition Building transforms into a buzzing Italian hub for this year’s festa. Sample everything from freshly-made pasta to the creamiest gelato. Sip on Tuscan wines and spritzes alfresco style in the beer garden. And check out live music, kid-friendly activities, a baking competition and heaps more.

Melbourne Fashion Week returns with a bunch of free pop-ups, runways and more. Head to City Square for two must-see fashion shows and loads of inspiration for your new-season wardrobe. Discover a series of exhibitions around town at the Fashion Capsules and see rare Vivienne Westwood and Vera Wang bridal gowns. Explore the full list of M/FW events that won't cost you a cent.

An entire festival dedicated to Indonesian food and culture is coming to Melbourne. Load up on authentic street food like flaming skewers, nasi uduk and refreshing iced drinks. Then head to Fed Square’s main stage and experience cultural performances. Or learn all about traditional arts and crafts and join a hands-on batik patchwork workshop.

Celebrate Diwali in Melbourne with city-wide festivals and parties. 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.