The free service, started by Aunty Dot Peters AM in 2006, returns to the Shrine of Remembrance on May 31 to honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans.

NGV Friday Nights returns with unlimited evening access to the exclusive CARTIER exhibition, live music residencies, opera tributes, film screenings and French conversation sessions every Friday from 12 June to 2 October 2026.

Florentina Holzinger’s provocative ‘A Year Without Summer’ headlines RISING 2026, a 13-day winter festival of over 100 events, world premieres, and free public art across Melbourne. Runs 27 May to 8 June.

The NGV's MOTHER exhibition at Fed Square presents more than 200 works on motherhood from across cultures and centuries, with free entry until 12 July. Curators Sophie Gerhard and Katharina Prugger drew on their own

Continue reading Curators’ ‘Relentless’ Motherhood Shapes NGV’s Free MOTHER Show

Since April, a new hub under Shed A at Queen Victoria Market has rescued over 700kg of fresh produce and redirected it to charities feeding hungry Melburnians.

Brimbank libraries are inviting children to add their brushwork to a collaborative mural that moves between branches during Reconciliation Week, with free drop-in sessions and a curated collection of First Nations books.

Life-sized animatronic dinosaurs have taken over the River Walk at Werribee Open Range Zoo, complete with smoking volcanoes and a sensory-friendly quiet hour. Free with admission until 12 July.

Healesville Sanctuary’s new eight-week playgroup for toddlers combines VEYLDF-aligned outdoor learning with wildlife experiences - but only Zoo members can book, and Term 2 spots have already sold out.

Australia’s largest short film festival returns to St Kilda 4–14 June with a gala opening at the Palais Theatre and almost 200 Australian shorts. Tickets on sale now.