The best free festivals in Melbourne
Don't let an empty wallet stop you from enjoying Melbourne. These festivals and street parties offer free entry and tons of entertainment.
Festival@Boyd Southbank
A community festival dedicated to all things green and sustainable is coming to Southbank. Join free workshops for all ages, from African drumming to Bollywood dancing. There'll also be live performances. Got some spare cash? Browse the market stalls selling preloved clothing, handmade crafts and food from around the world.
The Long Walk: Naarm
Get down to Yarra Park Gardens at the MCG 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. Factor in some cash to feast at the food trucks. The festival ends with the walk to the 'G for the Dreamtime match.
Taste of Portugal
A huge free Portuguese festival is coming to the Vic Market and yes, there will be Portuguese tarts! Celebrate the tastes, sounds and culture of Portugal, Brazil and East Timor. Join a Latin dance class, catch live music and cooking demonstrations then try traditional street food.
Firelight Festival
Melbourne's epic free winter festival is back. Firelight Festival is taking over Docklands for three nights of fiery installations, mesmerising light shows, pop-up foodie feasts and more. From fire sculptures and flame jets to fire twirlers and flaming trumpeters, all the entertainment is entirely free.
Bastille Day French Festival
Swap your beanie for a beret at this annual festival dedicated to all things French and fabulous. Stop by the Queen Vic Market to see it transformed into a European winter wonderland. Pick up indulgent French cuisine and loads of freshly baked buttery croissants. There'll also be performances, walking tours and talks to celebrate the French National Day.
More free fun
What's free in Melbourne this month
Everything to see, do and enjoy in Melbourne for free this month.
RISING: Night Trade
Night Trade is back with micro-bars, food music and art — live in the Capitol Arcade.
Melbourne Conversations: City Food Heroes
Meet the heroes building a more sustainable future for us all.
Kensington Market
An eclectic mix of designer fashion, culinary treats, ceramics, homewares and visual art.
Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu
Each month, watch a movie on the big screen, including contemporary, classic and documentary films.
RISING: Acid Brass
Acid Brass brings together Melbourne’s own brass bands to blast acid house anthems for RISING.
RISING: The Blak Infinite
Leading First Nations artists and writers turn Fed Square into a canvas of art and stories.
RISING: The Rivers Sing
A large-scale audio artwork sings across the city’s riverbanks at dusk, each night of RISING.
RISING: 24 Hour Rock Show
Enjoy a 24-hour marathon of cult classic and rarely shown music docos screening at the Capitol.
Melbourne Out Loud: Life through the lens of Rennie Ellis
Relive Melbourne's culture and fashion through the lens of iconic photographer Rennie Ellis.
Indian Film Festival of Melbourne
Showcasing the best of Indian cinema with a variety of celebratory events.
Library at The Dock 10th Birthday
Come along to Library at The Dock and celebrate ten wonderful years.
Last updated on Fri 10 May 2024
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Festivals
Melbourne's festival calendar is jam-packed with film, comedy, arts, music, food and design.