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

People walking towards a red illuminated archway that reads Winter Night Market.

Winter Night Market

Until

Gather ‘round roaring fire pits every Wednesday for the Winter Night Market. Entry is free and there'll be roaming entertainment and silent discos during the epic 13-week season. Factor in a few bucks to feast on winter comfort food. Warm up with a cup of hot mulled wine or boozy spiced Milo. Then browse vintage fashion, records and more in the specialty shops.

A family posing outside a retro photobooth.

Auto-Photo: A Life in Portraits

Until

Ever snapped a pic in the Flinders Street Photobooth? If so, you'll know how special and nostalgic these old-school selfie spots are. The man behind it, Alan Adler, ran photobooths in Melbourne for more than 50 years. Join this free exhibition at RMIT Gallery celebrating Alan and the delight his booths have brought to Melburnians.

People exploring an old church-like building with red carpet.

Sea Shanties and Folk Songs

Until

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.

More free Melbourne events

Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu
Until

Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu

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

The Jam
Until

The Jam

The Jam is a high-energy, full-venue jam with live music, DJs and unstoppable vibes.

Mark Chu: Eat With Our Eyes
Until

Mark Chu: Eat With Our Eyes

Showing everyday food culture in a wide range of food spaces from supermarkets to wine bars.

In Conversation with Rosalie Ham

In Conversation with Rosalie Ham

Rosalie Ham in conversation with Juliette K'Nell talking about her books.

Kathleen Syme Library is Turning 10

Kathleen Syme Library is Turning 10

Come along for a day of celebrations, with kids activities, face painting and a community lunch.

A Warm French Escape

A Warm French Escape

Great ready for A Warm French Escape and celebrate the opening of the Alliance Francaise French Hub.

Ayoung Kim – Delivery Dancer's Arc: 0° Receiver
Until

Ayoung Kim – Delivery Dancer's Arc: 0° Receiver

Korean artist Ayoung Kim creates a multiverse that blurs boundaries between space, time and self.

Free family-friendly events

Plans For The Planet: Olaf Breuning For Kids
Until

Plans For The Planet: Olaf Breuning For Kids

Created by artist Olaf Breuning this exhibition invites kids to explore the natural environment.

Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure
Until

Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure

A free fun outdoor seek and find adventure around the Fitzroy Gardens.

STEAM After School at North Melbourne Library
Until

STEAM After School at North Melbourne Library

Explore the fun of science, technology, engineering, art and maths with hands-on activities.

Stompers
Until

Stompers

Join in the Stompers fun with your toddler every Wednesday at East Melbourne Library.

Free Melbourne markets

Makers Market at The District
Until

Makers Market at The District

This outdoor undercover monthly Sunday market at Docklands features craft, gifts, fashion and food.

Younghusband Rose Street Market
Until

Younghusband Rose Street Market

Popping up monthly in Kensington with 60+ curated artisan stalls.

Creative Society Markets
Until

Creative Society Markets

An exciting new market where you can meet Melbourne's best creators, designers, makers and foodies.

Kensington Market
Until

Kensington Market

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

The Sunday Market at Southgate
Until

The Sunday Market at Southgate

After decades positioned around the Arts Centre, the Sunday Market is now at Southgate.

Last updated on Mon 26 May 2025

Only In The City

Young Marco / Logic1000 / Big Ever / KDV Performance Group

Young Marco / Logic1000 / Big Ever / KDV Performance Group

A night of deep feeling, delirious levels of up-tempo energy and full-sensory release.

DJ Python / DJ Plead B2B rRoxymore / Yarra

DJ Python / DJ Plead B2B rRoxymore / Yarra

This one’s for the rhythm-obsessed and the dance-floor faithful.

Ryoji Ikeda ultratronics / CORIN presents DIWA

Ryoji Ikeda ultratronics / CORIN presents DIWA

Two visionaries of live AV bend time and space in one transcendent night of sensory immersion.

Discover more

RISING: Swingers — The Art of Mini Golf
Until

RISING: Swingers — The Art of Mini Golf

The art of mini-golf, for anyone who swings outside the lines.

Einder

Einder

Look up, the roaring sea meets the sky in an aerial dance in a fabric installation by Boris Acket.

NGV Friday Nights: French Impressionism
Until

NGV Friday Nights: French Impressionism

Enjoy an after-hours exploration of French Impressionism at NGV International.

Designing Remembrance
Until

Designing Remembrance

An exhibition of alternate visions for Victoria’s war memorial.