What's free in Melbourne this month
Gone a bit too hard on the wallet lately? These awesome activations, pop-ups and exhibitions won't cost a cent.
YIRRAMBOI Festival
Melbourne's unmissable festival of First Nations arts and culture is back. See Melbourne's streets and laneways aglow at Barring Yanabul, a free city-wide street party on 10 May. There'll be pop-up installations, drag acts, dance and more, across various locations. Kick on afterwards at Section 8 on 10 May with free music all night. The fun kicks off at 1pm as part of the Uncle Archie Roach Block Party.
Cachivaches Latin Market
Immerse yourself in the culture of Latin America at this two-day cultural festival. Queen Victoria Market will be drenched in colour with live dance performances and pop-up market stalls. Dip into your wallet to shop for traditional crafts and try authentic street food. Think Brazilian barbecue, empanadas, alfajores and more.
Beyond Barriers: Inclusive Design as a Creative Opportunity
Good design welcomes everyone, and you’re invited to this free panel discussion at the Victorian Archives Centre. The talk explores the importance of inclusive and equitable design. You’ll get a fascinating look at how disability rights activists have impacted our city’s urban spaces in the past. Plus ideas for how we can foster inclusion into the future, moving beyond ramps and railings to more creative solutions.
The Long Walk: Naarm
Get down to the Birrarung Marr Hilltop for a First Nations festival and an afternoon of family-fun. There'll be live music performed by some of Australia’s leading Indigenous artists, plus free sport and art activations. The festival ends with the walk to the 'G for the Dreamtime match.
Korea Festival
Celebrate all things Korean at this epic two-day festival. From high-energy K-pop battles to taekwondo demonstrations and live kimbap cooking classes. You can even play a real-life version of Squid Game... If you dare! Bring some coin to sample tteokbokki and more traditional street food.
The Outsiders Melbourne
Head to this secret gallery in one of Melbourne's most iconic laneways and you'll discover a treasure trove of paintings, sculptures and more. Get rare access to famous work by some of the world's best street artists – including Banksy. Plus locals like Adnate, Vexta and Tom Gerrard. You can also see Rone’s stunning immersive space, The Workroom. This sewing room was part of his iconic TIME exhibition at Flinders Street Station.
Sci-Fi: Mythologies Transformed
Create your own AI monster avatar. Enter a Japanese-inspired glowing silk shrine. Then draw demons from Filipino folk stories. The Science Gallery’s latest exhibition explores the connection between science fiction and mythology. Expect art installations, film and curious immersive experiences. Photo by Matthew Stanton.
More free Melbourne events
MeatShare Food and Music Festival
Two days of free meat tastings, diverse food vendors, live music, eating comps and family fun.
Melbourne Conversations: The 15-Minute City
Explore how Melbourne can become a true 15-minute city for a more sustainable and accessible future.
Koreatown Opening Ceremony
Celebrate Melbourne’s Koreatown opening with a Jang-seung totem pole unveiling!
Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu
Each month, watch a movie on the big screen, including contemporary, classic and documentary films.
Sketch Your Cake and Eat it Too
A fun workshop where you will learn to sketch food and drink with watercolour pencils.
Rewind Forward: Creative in Residence Group Exhibition
Drawing from State archives, artists create works that reawaken Victoria’s historical narrative.
Mark Chu: Eat With Our Eyes
Showing everyday food culture in a wide range of food spaces from supermarkets to wine bars.
Free family-friendly events
Enoki's Wonderland
Discover a world of visual art, music, movement and sensory play on the Birrarung.
STEAM After School at North Melbourne Library
Explore the fun of science, technology, engineering, art and maths with hands-on activities.
Collins Square’s Biggest Morning Tea
Step into a Parisian-inspired black-and-white café and raise a cuppa for a good cause.
Free Melbourne markets
Makers Market at The District
This outdoor undercover monthly Sunday market at Docklands features craft, gifts, fashion and food.
Kensington Market
An eclectic mix of homewares, culinary treats, ceramics, sustainable goods and visual art.
The Sunday Market at Southgate
After decades positioned around the Arts Centre, the Sunday Market is now at Southgate.
Last updated on Fri 9 May 2025
Only In The City
Melbourne's essential night-time events
From hidden laneway markets to epic pop-ups, Melbourne gets lit once the lights go out.
Only in the City
This city hums with energy - with hidden laneway cafes, rooftop bars, art and culture at every turn.
Meyers Place
Explore one of Melbourne's most iconic laneways, filled with bars, restaurants and murals.
Discover more
RISING: Swingers — The Art of Mini Golf
The art of mini-golf, for anyone who swings outside the lines.
Library Up Late x Make Believe
Party late into the night at the Library with an evening of dancing, art and discussions after dark.
