Gone a bit too hard on the wallet lately? These awesome activations, pop-ups and exhibitions won't cost a cent.

A neon-lit exhibition featuring video game iconogprahy

Melbourne Now

Until

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.

Man slurping noodle with right hand holding chopsticks in pink bowl; kitchen counter and shelves behind.

Free things to do at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

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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.

Group of people singing and clapping, outdoors Some with handheld drums and illustrated animal placards.

South Asian Festival

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!

A large food van in front of a market shed

Easter Family Fun at Queen Vic Market

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.

A large outdoor market building at sunset

Hawker 88 Night Market

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.

Three women in red and gold Sri Lankan dancing costumes, smiling at camera and standing in a  pose with their hands pressed together.

Sri Lankan Festival: Awurudhu Pola

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.

A couple walking through a market on a sunny day

Eid

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.

Art installation of a newsagency with the mural of a face painted on the wall, strewn newspapers and tattered displays.

TIME • RONE | The Newsagency

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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.

A woman standing in the middle of an installation that looks like a Greek temple

NGV Architecture Commission: Temple of Boom

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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.

The MPavilion building, featuring a saffron-coloured sail design, in a park with people gathering around.

MPavilion

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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.

People on a walking trail surrounded by trees on a sunny day

Run the Tan: Run Club

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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.

Free Melbourne markets

Pop Up Art Book Fair
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Pop Up Art Book Fair

A pop up sale of art books, hardcovers $10 and softcovers just $5.

Kensington Market
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Kensington Market

An eclectic mix of designer fashion, culinary treats, ceramics, homewares and visual art.

Melbourne Craft Fair
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Melbourne Craft Fair

Enjoy a contemporary craft fair at Queen Victoria Market.

Makers Market at The District
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Makers Market at The District

This outdoor undercover family-friendly market at Docklands features craft, gifts, fashion and food.

More free Melbourne events

Library Cinema
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Library Cinema

See contemporary, classic and documentary films on the big screen at Library at The Dock.

Music Matinee
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Music Matinee

Live and free fine music at lunchtime on Tuesdays in the city.

Break the Binaries
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Break the Binaries

Bend, blend, blur or break society’s binary codes as part of this exhibition.

Free family-friendly events

Air Camp Exhibition

Air Camp Exhibition

Walk through a camp of tents magically lit up with children’s ideas.

Rally4Ever Free Tennis Program
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Rally4Ever Free Tennis Program

Free tennis program at Powlett Reserve for all community members.

Good Friday Community Fun Day

Good Friday Community Fun Day

Enjoy a family community day out at Flemington & Kensington Bowling Club.

Pop-up Roving Performances
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Pop-up Roving Performances

Enjoy free pop-up performances in Fed Square.

Last updated on Sun 26 Mar 2023

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