4 Free Things To Do In Melbourne Right Now

If Luther Vandross and Janet Jackson taught us anything at all, it’s that the best things in life are free. And in Melbourne, it’s true. We’ve got the proof, right here. From a long list of cultural freebies, we’ve singled out four of the best free things in Melbourne to do right now.

MPavillion

“A new civic space, a cultural laboratory in which to experiment and experience, an event hub and a meeting place”. Which in layman’s terms means, a freshly-designed hotspot with lots of free events. There’s yoga, debates, DJ sets, orchestra performances, lectures, tree-tellings, workshops and gigs. And all bar a few of them are free.

The Holy Weekender

Finally. A free festival of art, fashion, dancing, beats, beers and pizza. It’s about bloody time. The Holy Weekender brings together local artists, designers, bars and grub merchants to make an all-day, all-night hullabaloo. A happy place where dance battles, rival brands, live art and shooeys live happily together as one.

Free Art

Whether you prefer sprayed murals in alleys or hanging canvases in galleries, Melbourne has plenty of paint to gawk at. From the permanent collection at The National Gallery of Victoria to the aboriginal works at the Ian Potter Centre and everything in the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, there are free exhibitions to take advantage of. And if Melbourne street art is more your thing, there’s an abundance of bombed laneways to explore.

Rare Finds

Although this is a few months away, it’s definitely one for the free-things diary. Rare Finds, a Sydney music artist management company, is touring a bunch of killer up-and-comers. The circuit includes Brisvegas, Sydney and Melbourne. The lineup includes Sunny Coast songstress, Ayla; as well as Magnets and British India DJs. And the best part? The Melbourne gig (Jan 19) at the Penny Black is free.

words by niall roeder.