The Best Free Things to Do in Melbourne This Month
Zero dollar shenanigans await.
Melbourne may be one of the most expensive cities in the world, but that doesn't mean folks don't put things on for free. If you know where to look (i.e. right here), you'll find free art, free classes, free parties — and sometimes even free wine. So swallow your disdain for crowds and curb your complaints about people who only go to exhibition openings for the complimentary drinks and get amongst these February events, which you can attend gloriously cash-free.
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Event
Margarita Month at The Espy
Friday, February 19 - Saturday, February 27, 2021
The Espy, St Kilda
Pop down to the St Kilda pub for fruity margs, Mexican-inspired bites and mariachi band performances.
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Event
Billy van Creamy Opening Party
Friday, February 12 - Sunday, February 14, 2021
Billy van Creamy Brunswick, Brunswick
This cult-favourite ice creamery has opened a new shop — and is giving away free scoops to celebrate.
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Event
Ultra Violette Airstream
Thursday, February 11, 2021
171 Domain Road, South Yarra, South Yarra
Look for the blue-hued van handing out free pizza, frozen margaritas and sunscreen.
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Event
Zero Waste Warehouse Market
Saturday, February 27, 2021
Mount Zero Olives Warehouse, Sunshine West
Stock up on olives, pulses, grains, honey and condiments — but you'll need to bring your own reusable containers.
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Event
3 Ravens Industrial Oasis Beer Garden
Saturday, February 13, 2021
3 Ravens Brewery, Thornbury
This northside brewery is sporting a new backstreet beer garden, complete with food truck eats, DJ sounds and fresh beer aplenty.
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Event
Topless Cinema
Thursday, February 4, 2021, Thursday, February 11, 2021, Thursday, February 18, 2021 and Thursday, March 4, 2021
Parkade, Melbourne
MPavilion is hosting free screenings of recent and classic films in a CBD carpark.
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Event
Free Coffee at Federal Coffee
Tuesday, February 9, 2021, Thursday, February 11, 2021, Tuesday, February 16, 2021 and Thursday, February 18, 2021
Federal Coffee, Melbourne
Caffeinating your return to the office.
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Event
Assembly Label Choose-What-You-Pay Sale 2021
Monday, February 1 - Sunday, February 28, 2021
Online
Nab some new summer threads at up to 50 percent off.
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Event
Garden Gathering Vol. 1
Saturday, February 20, 2021
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens, South Yarra
Get to know the Royal Botanic Gardens inside and out with this focused series of talks, workshops and tours.
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Event
PHOTO 2021 International Festival of Photography
Thursday, February 18 - Sunday, March 7, 2021
Various locations around Victoria, Melbourne
This new photography festival will transform streets and spaces across Victoria into mini outdoor galleries.
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Event
Triennial Extra
Friday, January 15 - Sunday, February 14, 2021
NGV International, Melbourne
A month-long series of tunes, performances, eats and drinks, to complement the blockbuster NGV Triennial exhibition.
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Event
Uptown: An Art Exhibition for Our City
Tuesday, December 15, 2020 - Sunday, February 28, 2021
Bourke Street, Melbourne
This new exhibition turns the top of Bourke Street into an outdoor art gallery.
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Event
The Exchange Beach Club 2020–21
Friday, December 4, 2020 - Sunday, March 21, 2021
Port Melbourne Dog Beach, Port Melbourne
This pop-up beach bar in Port Melbourne is back for another summer — with $2 oysters and weekend bottomless boozy brunches.
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Event
Lakeside at Carousel
Saturday, October 31, 2020 - Sunday, February 28, 2021
Lakeside at Carousel, Albert Park
A new lakeside picnic ground complete with food, booze and picnic gear to hire.
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Event
Know My Name: Australian Women Artists 1900 to Now
Friday, November 13, 2020 - Sunday, July 4, 2021
National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
This summer, catch the NGA's blockbuster exhibition that's bringing women into the spotlight.
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Event
MPavilion 2020
Thursday, November 12, 2020 - Sunday, March 21, 2021
MPavilion, Melbourne
Instead of building something new, the event is reactivating its previous six eye-catching structures.
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Event
Tipico's Pop-Up Passata Making Class
Saturday, February 27, 2021
Prahran Market, South Yarra
Tipico's head chef demonstrates the art of making perfect passata, at these free pop-up classes
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Event
Pooches & Prosecco
Saturday, February 27, 2021
The Ascot Lot, Ascot Vale
Have a day out with your pup — there will be lots of prosecco for you and heaps of treats for them.
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Event
Builders Arms Hotel Trivia
Wednesday, February 24 and Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Builders Arms Hotel, Fitzroy
This legendary pub trivia night will test your knowledge on food, booze and culture.
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Event
The Fitzroy Mills
Saturday, November 25, 2017
The Fitzroy Mills, Fitzroy
A new Fitzroy market showcase a top selection of local food producers each Saturday.
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Event
Quick Bites Comedy
Monday, October 16, 2017
Boney, Melbourne
A free weekly comedy night at Boney.