
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.
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.
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.
RESET: A Free Festival for Greener Living
Learn all about how to live a more sustainable lifestyle and reconnect with nature at this year’s RESET festival. Head to the Planting Party where there'll be music, talks, a market and art installations. Learn how to give your clothing new life at the mending and embroidery workshop. Visit ³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s fascinating Test Garden at its open day. Plus there’ll be loads of kid-friendly activities, screenings, talks and more.
Chinese Traditional Cultural Festival
Fed Square is transforming into a huge weekend-long Chinese festival. Head to the main stage and see epic lion and dragon dances, live music and more. Then browse for handmade crafts and collectables at over 20 stalls. Feeling peckish? Pick up authentic street food from the market featuring everything from dumplings to tanghulu. And there’ll also be a bunch of activities to take part in like calligraphy and lacquered fan decorating.
Queen Victoria Market Moon Festival
Celebrate the Moon Festival with this fun two-day event at Queen Victoria Market. See live performances like lion dancing. Work your way around the food stalls and sample tasty dishes from all over Asia. Enjoy hands-on workshops and kid’s activities. And don’t forget to grab a traditional moon cake while you’re at it!
Fringe Flavours Night Market
³Ô¹ÏÍø Fringe Festival gets ready to take over Queen Victoria Market on Wednesday nights this spring. Get your stretchy pants on and make your way to this ³Ô¹ÏÍø landmark for a great big feast. Try everything from steamy dumplings and noodles to barbequed meats and sweet treats. Then enjoy circus acts, live music, cabaret performances and heaps more.
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.
More free ³Ô¹ÏÍø events
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.
Oktoberfest at Munich Brauhaus
Dust off your dirndl, press your best lederhosen – it’s time to prost, party and platter.
Oktoberfest at Hofbräuhaus
Get ready to embrace your Bavarian spirit – Oktoberfest returns to Hofbräuhaus for the 57th year.
Free family-friendly events
A Butterfly Story: A Garden Activity for Kids
Flap your wings to find your way to the Test Garden at Fed Square, to learn all about butterflies.
The Big Screen Goes Green: Outdoor Cinema for Kids
Kids can enjoy green-themed outdoor cinema for free at Fed Square these school holidays.
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.
Plans For The Planet: Olaf Breuning For Kids
Created by artist Olaf Breuning this exhibition invites kids to explore the natural environment.
Mini Beast Disco
Betty Grumble and Dandrogyny lead a workshop and performance experience for kids and their grown-ups
Free ³Ô¹ÏÍø markets
Kensington Market
An eclectic mix of homewares, culinary treats, ceramics, sustainable goods and visual art.
Community Makers' Market
Find original art and prints, handmade crafts, bric-a-brac and dog items at this tiny local market.
Last updated on Mon 1 Sep 2025
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