Federation square on a sunny day overlooking Flinders Station and the city skyline

What's free in Melbourne this month

Gone a bit too hard on the wallet lately? These awesome festivals, exhibitions and family-friendly activities won't cost a cent.

When is public transport free in Melbourne?

Public transport is free in Victoria from Tuesday 31 March to Thursday 30 April. This includes Melbourne trains, trams and buses as well as regional trains, coaches and buses. There's no need to tap on your Myki during this time but if you do, don't fret you won't be charged! Check the full details.

A crowded scene within the Queen Victoria Market, featuring various banners for a craft fair and market called 'CRFT*WRK'

CRFT*WRK Market

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Browse for stunning homewares, clothing, gifts and more at this monthly craft market. Featuring stalls by dozens of talented makers you’re bound to find a special treasure to take home. There’ll also be some yummy pantry treats for sale too like locally-made hot sauce, handcrafted chocolates and artisan jams. 

A group of tradtional Turkish muscians in red costumes, two with large drums.

Turkish Pazar Festival

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Melbourne’s favourite Turkish festival is back! Head to Queen Victoria Market for this weekend-long celebration. Feast on authentic street food like freshly-made gözleme, baklava and rich traditional coffee. And don’t miss a special performance by the Australian Ottoman Mehter Band on the Sunday.

A crowd of people are gathered at a festival in Fed Square. Some of the people are sitting on beanbags.

Little Food Festival

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Calling all future chefs, veggie gardeners and foodies. Head to the Little Food Festival – Australia's first and only food festival just for kids. There’ll be loads of things to do like hands-on activities, craft workshops, entertainment and talks. And everyone’s favourite garden expert Costa will be there too!

A group of traditional Indian dancers wearing red saris are performing on stage

South Asian Festival

Fed Square is set to transform into an epic South Asian festival to celebrate the region’s new year. Head straight to the main stage for traditional dance and music performances. Then get ready for a great big feast of flavour-packed, spice-loaded dishes. There’ll also be a market selling jewellery, handicrafts, toys and more. And once the sun goes down, check out the magical fireworks display and parade.

Three people interacting with a neon light installation in a gallery.

Distraction

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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. 

More of the best free events

A person spooning food from a large salad bowl onto a plate they hold in their hands.
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Local Lunch Club

Live well, eat well, together at Kathleen Syme Library.

Two First Nations individuals sitting back to back on the ground outdoors, engaged in a traditional weaving activity near a body of water.
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FUTURE COUNTRY: Country Road + NGV First Nations Commissions

The second iteration of the Country Road and NGV First Nations Commission initiative.

Painting of two individuals in a parking lot setting. A woman in a red top is perched on the roof of a vehicle, while a man stands nearby looking toward her.
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Top Arts

Top Arts 2026 offers a captivating look into the inventive and imaginative spirit of young artists.

A still from an animated film showing a black cat sitting on the bow of a small boat as it floats down a canal between Venetian Gothic buildings.
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Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu

Each month, watch a movie on the big screen, including contemporary, classic and documentary films.

A group of people on a guided walk of the Royal Botanic Gardens, with the tour guide pointing at plant specimen.
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Free Guided Walk

A free guided walk is the perfect way to enjoy the sunny weather in Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.

Free kids activities

Play School exhibition with signature teddy and toys.
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Play School: Come and Play

A hands-on, playful exhibition where families can discover how the beloved TV show comes to life.

A tan jacket made of squiggly fur on a white dummy torso.
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Let's Party: NGV Fashion for Kids

Step into a vibrant world of colour, creativity and celebration.

Side view of a child typing on a laptop.
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STEM Holiday Workshop for Young People: Auslan and English

Young people are invited to experience a free hands-on STEM workshop at Science Gallery Melbourne.

Young children and their parents listening to a story book being read aloud in a colourful environment with large dinosaur cutouts.
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Dino Days

Young dinosaur enthusiasts, aged 3-5 years, are invited to explore all things dinosaur.

Free Melbourne markets

Market stall tents with signage next to a heritage brick building, with greenery and families.
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Younghusband Market

With great music, curated stalls, hands-on workshops and delicious food, a vibrant scene awaits.

Market stallholder with her puppet toys, beside the Yarra River in the CBD.
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The Sunday Market at Southgate

Explore the Sunday Market at Southgate and meet the makers.

Selection of market goods including packets of teas and biscuits.
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Kensington Market

An eclectic mix of homewares, culinary treats, ceramics, sustainable goods and visual art.

Large room with artwork on walls and floor.
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Secret Cellar Market: Artists, Makers and Small-batch Finds

Find original art and prints, handmade crafts and clothing, and dog items at this tiny local market.

See all free events

Last updated on Tue 7 Apr 2026

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Flinders Street Station lit up in blue at dusk during Melbourne's RISING festival, with city buildings in the background.
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RISING: Melbourne

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A room with coloured vinyl records displayed on illuminated shelves and a person standing in front a mixing desk with four turntables.
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RISING: The Vinyl Factory – Reverb

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Artwork featuring a bright yellow flower against a patterned background.
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RISING: Flower Power

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