Every free-entry festival and big community event we could confirm for November 2026, in date order. Each date, time and price was read on the organiser's or council's own page on Sat 31 Oct 2026. Past dates drop off when we rebuild every Thursday.
When Mon 2 Nov 2026 (Cup Eve), 12pm for about an hour
Where Primrose Potter Salon, Melbourne Recital Centre, Southbank
Price Free, just turn up
Melbourne chamber musicians rehearse new programs in the open. Come and go any time during the session.
Checked Sat 31 Oct 2026 · Source
When Sat 31 Oct 2026, 2pm–10pm (lighting ceremony at dusk)
Where Marvel Stadium Square, Docklands
Price Free, no ticket needed
45+ live acts, 60+ stalls, henna and rangoli stations, kids zone, all undercover so it's on rain or shine.
Checked Sat 31 Oct 2026 · Source
When Sat 31 Oct 2026, 11:30am–10pm, fireworks in the evening
Where Fed Square (Main Square, Birrarung Marr Walk, The Edge)
Price Free
The 21st year of the city's big Diwali party: dance, music, bazaar, street food and evening fireworks.
Checked Sat 31 Oct 2026 · Source
When Sat 31 Oct, Sun 1 Nov, Sat 7 Nov, Sun 8 Nov 2026, 2pm–9pm
Where Queensbridge Square, 1A Queens Bridge St, Southbank
Price Free entry, booking not required (food for purchase)
Food and culture from Sabah and Sarawak right on the river.
Checked Sat 31 Oct 2026 · Source
When Sun 1 Nov 2026, 12pm–9pm; Catrina Walk leaves State Library Victoria at 2pm
Where Fed Square Main Square
Price Free
Mexican music, dance, food trucks, face painting and a community ofrenda; dress up for the Catrina parade.
Checked Sat 31 Oct 2026 · Source
When Mon 2 Nov 2026 (Cup Eve), 12pm–10pm
Where Queen Victoria Market, Queen St, Melbourne
Price Free entry with free online registration (Eventbrite); dumplings for purchase
Dozens of dumpling vendors on the night before the Cup Day public holiday.
When Sat 7 Nov 2026, 2pm–9pm; fireworks at 9pm (weather permitting)
Where High St at Police Paddock and the Melton Recreation Reserve, Melton
Price Free entry
Melton City Council's largest annual festival, with free children's activities, a market village, BMX and circus shows, then fireworks.
When Sun 8 Nov 2026, 10am–4pm
Where Town Park and Civic Square, Croydon
Price Free entry; unlimited-ride wristbands $49.95 (online only)
Live performances, rides, free kids' activities, market stalls and food trucks. Presented by Maroondah City Council.
Checked Sat 31 Oct 2026 · Source
When Thu 12 Nov 2026, 4:15pm–6:15pm
Where Performance Space, narrm ngarrgu Library, 141 Therry St, Melbourne
Price Free, no booking
A free screening of the fully painted Van Gogh feature. Also screening Thu 10 Dec.
Checked Sat 31 Oct 2026 · Source
When Fri 13 – Sun 15 Nov and Fri 20 – Sun 22 Nov 2026, 11am–10pm
Where Alexandra Gardens, 3 Boathouse Dr, Melbourne
Price Free entry; food costs extra
Asian street food, glowing lantern gardens, music and dance by the river across two weekends.
Checked Sat 31 Oct 2026 · Source
When Fri 20 Nov 11am–10pm; Sat 21 Nov 10am–10pm; Sun 22 Nov 10am–8pm
Where Federation Square, Melbourne
Price Free, no booking
Three days celebrating more than 35 African countries: music, dance, fashion, markets and free drumming workshops (Saturday).
Checked Sat 31 Oct 2026 · Source
When Sat 21 and Sun 22 Nov 2026, 9am–4pm
Where C–D Sheds (Peel St end), Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne
Price Free, no booking
50+ Latin-owned stalls: Colombian, Brazilian, Mexican, Argentinian and Venezuelan food, coffee and crafts.
Checked Sat 31 Oct 2026 · Source
Confirmed so far: the Djerriwarrh Festival in Melton (Sat 7 Nov), Maroondah Festival in Croydon (Sun 8 Nov), Colours of Asia at Alexandra Gardens (13–15 and 20–22 Nov), the African Music and Cultural Festival at Fed Square (20–22 Nov) and the Cachivaches Latin Market at Queen Victoria Market (21–22 Nov).
Yes. The festival's FAQ says there is no entry fee: "this is a free community event". It runs 2pm–9pm on Sat 7 Nov 2026 with fireworks at 9pm, weather permitting.
Entry is free. Unlimited-ride wristbands are optional and cost $49.95, sold online only.
