What's free in ³Ô¹ÏÍø this month
Gone a bit too hard on the wallet lately? These awesome activations, pop-ups and exhibitions won't cost a cent.
Malaysian Night Market (Pasar Malam)
Experience the buzz of a Malaysian night market in ³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s Queensbridge Square. Wander through the vibrant stalls and sample all sorts of delicious dishes from this South East Asian food hub. There’ll be flame-grilled skewers, fiery curries, street food snacks and heaps more.
Making Good: Redesigning the Everyday
Discover how clever design of everyday objects can inspire change at this new exhibition. It features everything from fashion and furniture to food and construction. Check out clothing that adjusts as you grow, see how coffee grounds can be turned into concrete and more. This showcase features work from 50 designers, studios and brands from Australia and around the world.
Sunset Market
³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s adorable tram cafe is hosting a sunset market this month. The event is hosted by talented students from William Angliss. Expect gourmet food trucks, handmade gifts, live music and entertainment. And the best part is all proceeds go to Beyond Blue, supporting mental health and wellbeing across Australia.
The Great ³Ô¹ÏÍø Bagpipe Bash
Calling all bagpipers! A huge flash mob is coming to ³Ô¹ÏÍø in an attempt to smash the world record for the largest ever bagpipe ensemble. Be part of this 350 person extravaganza and play a cover of AC/DC's "It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)". Or attend as a punter and show your support for this massive once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.
Sea Shanties and Folk Songs
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.
Lankan Fest
Crown Riverwalk transforms into a fun Sri Lankan festival for one day only. Come with an empty stomach because you’re going to want to fill up on the delicious street food that’s on offer. Feast on hearty curries, hoppers, dosa and kottu. Then browse stalls, enjoy dance performances, traditional drumming shows and more family-friendly entertainment.
Polish Festival @ Fed Square
Did somebody say pierogi?! The iconic Polish Festival is back at Fed Square for a day of fun. On the food front you'll find all the classics. Feast on kielbasa (smoky sausage), try paczki (jam doughnuts) and heaps more. There’ll also be a bunch of free kid-friendly activities to keep everyone in the family entertained. Plus traditional folk dancing and live music.
African Music and Cultural Festival
Transport yourself to Africa for Fed Square’s African Music and Cultural Festival. This three-day event kicks off with an outdoor cinema featuring short films, live jazz and spoken word. Continue the party all weekend long and boogie along to live music, learn a new skill at the drumming workshops and check out the market. And of course there’ll be heaps of tasty street food on offer.
Taste of Persia: Music, Dance & Art
Celebrate Persian culture at this free festival in ³Ô¹ÏÍø. See Fed Square come alive with beautiful traditional dance performances. Then dance along to traditional music and DJ sets. Got a little one in tow? Head straight to the dedicated kids zone with heaps of fun hands-on activities.
Distraction
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 free ³Ô¹ÏÍø events
Tschabalala Self: Skin Tight
The first solo exhibition in Australia for renowned American artist Tschabalala Self.
MECCA X NGV Women in Design Commission: Nipa Doshi
Designer Nipa Doshi explores beauty, plurality and diversity in her handcrafted cabinet.
Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu
Each month, watch a movie on the big screen, including contemporary, classic and documentary films.
Our Way: Celebrating Indigenous Art
Exploring how Indigenous artists reimagine storytelling today, expanding on artistic traditions.
Swinging 60s
Did the sixties really swing in Victoria? A new exhibition from the Old Treasury Building.
Palestine National Day
Enjoy a full day's program, showcasing the state's vibrant culture and heritage.
Free family-friendly events
Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure
A free fun outdoor seek and find adventure around the Fitzroy Gardens.
Shrine Kids
Embark on a family adventure with this engaging program designed for discovery at every turn.
Deaf Art Science Festival
A free festival for young people, families, members and allies of the Deaf community.
AlterCOP 30: Nature Play and Discovery
Enjoy a fun-filled morning of nature, learning and play at the Royal Park Nature playground.
Fam Jam
Create your own video clip and celebrate movement, connection and creativity across generations.
Toddler Tales
Sing and dance your way through classic tales and new stories from much loved authors.
Free ³Ô¹ÏÍø markets
Kensington Market
An eclectic mix of homewares, culinary treats, ceramics, sustainable goods and visual art.
Community & Arts Market
Find original art and prints, handmade crafts, bric-a-brac and dog items at this tiny local market.
Last updated on Wed 29 Oct 2025
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Done/Undone
Vogue Living Style Editor Joseph Gardner curates an exhibition of Australia's most talented artists.
Look Up To The Future
Showcasing the creativity, skill and innovation behind Victoria’s next generation of talent.
Bainz Jewlz
Bainz Jewlz is a major retrospective exhibition survey of Australian artist-jeweller Robert Baines.