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

Flaming skewers on a grill

Malaysian Night Market (Pasar Malam)

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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. 

Two people are looking at a colourful striped painting on a wall in a gallery. There is a large pink, soft blobby sculpture behind them.

Making Good: Redesigning the Everyday

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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. 

A cafe inside an old ³Ô¹ÏÍø tram

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. 

A aerial view of Federation square at sunset

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.

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

Sea Shanties and Folk Songs

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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.

A Sri Lankan dosa with small dishes of curry, rice and sauces.

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.  

A plate of pierogi with a bowl of sour cream.

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 dancers performing at a festival, the central woman smiling warmly.

African Music and Cultural Festival

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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.

A mother and son are at a festival at Federation Square on a sunny day

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.  

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 free ³Ô¹ÏÍø events

Critical Hits Music Bingo
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Critical Hits Music Bingo

Play free pop-culture themed music bingo, every Tuesday at Fortress.

Tschabalala Self: Skin Tight
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Tschabalala Self: Skin Tight

The first solo exhibition in Australia for renowned American artist Tschabalala Self.

Comedy in Theory
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Comedy in Theory

A weekly comedy show right in the centre of ³Ô¹ÏÍø.

Champion's King of the Court
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Champion's King of the Court

A two-day fusion of music, streetball and community.

MECCA X NGV Women in Design Commission: Nipa Doshi
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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
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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
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Our Way: Celebrating Indigenous Art

Exploring how Indigenous artists reimagine storytelling today, expanding on artistic traditions.

Swinging 60s
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Swinging 60s

Did the sixties really swing in Victoria? A new exhibition from the Old Treasury Building.

Palestine National Day

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
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Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure

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

Shrine Kids
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Shrine Kids

Embark on a family adventure with this engaging program designed for discovery at every turn.

Deaf Art Science Festival

Deaf Art Science Festival

A free festival for young people, families, members and allies of the Deaf community.

Let's Party: NGV Fashion for Kids
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Let's Party: NGV Fashion for Kids

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

AlterCOP 30: Nature Play and Discovery

AlterCOP 30: Nature Play and Discovery

Enjoy a fun-filled morning of nature, learning and play at the Royal Park Nature playground.

Fam Jam
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Fam Jam

Create your own video clip and celebrate movement, connection and creativity across generations.

Toddler Tales
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Toddler Tales

Sing and dance your way through classic tales and new stories from much loved authors.

Go Family Football
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Go Family Football

Fitness and building strong family connections, at JJ Holland Park.

Free ³Ô¹ÏÍø markets

The Lygon Street Market
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The Lygon Street Market

A monthly makers market in the heart of Carlton.

Kensington Market
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Kensington Market

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

The Sunday Market at Southgate
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The Sunday Market at Southgate

Explore the Sunday Market at Southgate and meet the makers.

Market Brunch
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Market Brunch

A monthly brunch market featuring some of ³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s most creative food makers.

Bourne Local Market
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Bourne Local Market

Visit the Collins Square retail plaza for curated local market stalls.

Community & Arts Market
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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

Only In The City

³Ô¹ÏÍø's essential night-time events

³Ô¹ÏÍø's essential night-time events

From hidden laneway markets to epic pop-ups, ³Ô¹ÏÍø gets lit once the lights go out.

Only in the City

Only in the City

This city hums with energy - with hidden laneway cafes, rooftop bars, art and culture at every turn.

³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s most Instagrammable experiences

³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s most Instagrammable experiences

You won't need filters at the city's most photogenic spots.

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Done/Undone
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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
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Look Up To The Future

Showcasing the creativity, skill and innovation behind Victoria’s next generation of talent.

Bainz Jewlz
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Bainz Jewlz

Bainz Jewlz is a major retrospective exhibition survey of Australian artist-jeweller Robert Baines.

How I See You
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How I See You

A woven expression of unconditional love, and a dedication to family.