We all know the cost of seeing live music can quickly add up, and while it’s great to support bands at paid shows as much as you can, there’s also a fab range of free music events in Melbourne throughout the year.
Check out the suggestions below to see some great free live music in and around Melbourne CBD.
Looking for our full gig guide – that’s here.
We’ll also regularly update this when we hear of new events.
St. Kilda Festival
This is one of the biggest events in Melbourne’s free music calendar. Held every February in St. Kilda (it’ll be 14th-15th February 2026) over two days this large-scale, multi-stage event features over a hundred artists including some of Australia’s biggest bands and musicians, as well as a dedicated First People First day on the Saturday.
Social Sanctuary, Northcote Social
Mondays at Northcote Social are Social Sanctuary. A weekly roster of great local artists, or exciting up and coming talent that happen to be in town at the time. With 3 acts on the bill each week, $20 parmas and $10 pints, it’s a great way to check out some new music!
Dole Night, The Tote – Collingwood
Dole Night happens every Wednesday at Collingwood’s The Tote. The Tote is where real up and coming talent gets its start. Great local bands, snags and a BBQ and $8 pints – it’s another free night well worth checking out.
The Tote also often have bands popping up playing free gigs on other nights too, so it’s always worth keeping an eye on their socials and gig guide.
Fed Square, Melbourne CBD
Federation Square is a venue for arts, culture and public events on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD. Throughout the year it hosts a wide variety of events, including free live music. Recent free live music events include Melbourne Jazz Festival and Open Air In The Square – a massive three month festival of free live music.
Check out Fed Square’s website to see what they have coming up.
Baxters, Fitzroy
Baxters is located in the heart of Fitzroy, and it’s a live music gem – offering free live music every Tuesday to Sunday from 9pm. Passionate about Fitzroy’s live music scene and keen to support a wide range of up-and-comers, there’s always something different on offer here. The bar itself is open from 6pm too so you can get there early for a drink, and with opening hours until 1am there’s plenty of time to make a night of it.
Check out what’s coming up at Baxter’s here.
If you’re playing a free gig in Melbourne this year or you have free live music at your venue, please reach out to get it added to our list!