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Swipe right without swiping your debit card and check out our fave free date ideas. Think romantic picnics, interactive exhibits and sea shanty singalongs. Plus some ideas for the perfect (and cheap) Valentine's Day.

Plan a sunset picnic by Princes Bridge

There’s not a more romantic date idea than watching the sun go down over the city skyline. Roll out your picnic rug and bring along your date's favourite snacks. We’ve got the perfect spot, right next to ³Ô¹ÏÍø’s iconic Princes Bridge. Stay back after the sunset for Moomba Festival fireworks in early March. Then explore more picnic spots around the city.

Wander hand-in-hand through a gallery

Add a bit of culture to your Valentine's Day and meander through ³Ô¹ÏÍø's free exhibitions. See a showcase of Australia's most extensive street art collection at The Outsiders. Or if music is more your jam, visit ³Ô¹ÏÍø's Australian Music Vault. Compare music tastes with your date before you share the AUX cord. Then take them to more free museums and art galleries.

People standing at the corner of Hosier Lane and Flinders Lane with a view of a lit-up street art exhibition.
The Outsiders

Catch a free movie

Movie dates are always a safe bet, so why not catch a free one? The Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu plays contemporary, classic and documentary films on the big screen. Or you can make the most of the warmer nights and pull up a chair at Fed Square's outdoor cinema. Rooftop bar Miscellania is also hosting free screenings of David Lynch films every Wednesday until 5 March.

Take a romantic stroll through The Conservatory

Smell the roses and take a romantic walk through The Conservatory. Housing magnificent floral displays that change five times a year, the indoor garden is perfect for ³Ô¹ÏÍø’s four-seasons-in-one-day weather.

A wide shot of an indoor garden with hanging plants and flower beds surrounded by dirt paths.
The Conservatory

Singalong at sea shanties

Break the ice with a sea shanty singalong at The Mission to Seafarers. It’s not your average karaoke night, but instead a singalong of folk songs. Join in the chorus or be the star of the show. Open every Thursday from 7pm to 10pm.

Tour the best secret gardens

Stroll through ³Ô¹ÏÍø's urban forests and secluded nooks in these city-side parks. These secret gardens will impress anyone. They also make for beautiful pictures, snap a selfie together in the Royal Botanic Gardens. Use the free walking map to help you find your way.

A wide shot of a girl in the Royal Botanic Gardens on a walking bridge looking up at trees.
Royal Botanic Gardens

Have a rom-com level meet-cute at the State Library

If you want a classic rom-com first date experience, try this word-nerd friendly idea. Find a cute book in the State Library that sums up your date, then exchange them beneath the majestic domed ceiling. Pull up a chair and flip the pages to see if they’ve read you right. If the weather permits, rent your books and take them out on the library lawn.

Make movie magic in a nostalgic cinema exhibit

Take a journey through the past, present and future at ACMI. The Story of the Moving Image is the perfect date if you love unique and interactive art. Think ancient shadow puppets, original cameras, iconic costumes, movie sets and contemporary art. Catch an Aussie classic, we’re talking good old Blue Heelers, Full Frontal, All Saints and Heartbreak High.

A man and woman playing an arcade game in a low-lit exhibit with neon lights.
The Story of the Moving Image

Visit a tranquil pop-up pavilion

Unwind with your favourite person and visit an impressive installation at MPavilion. Tucked away in Queen Victoria Gardens, you'll find this modern structure designed by a famous Japanese architect. Take a seat and soak up the chilled out vibes. Or sign up for one of the free workshops, performances or experiences.

Free events

Sidney Myer Free Concert: Dvořák, Gershwin and Ravel

Sidney Myer Free Concert: Dvořák, Gershwin and Ravel

A magical evening of music at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl with the ³Ô¹ÏÍø Symphony Orchestra.

Afro-Caribbean Carnival

Afro-Caribbean Carnival

This summer, ³Ô¹ÏÍø comes alive with the vibrant energy of the Afro-Caribbean Carnival.

Asia TOPA x Fed Square Live

Asia TOPA x Fed Square Live

Enjoy a free, all-ages concert to celebrate the opening of the Asia TOPA festival.

Sidney Myer Free Concert: Symphonic Showcase

Sidney Myer Free Concert: Symphonic Showcase

A magical evening of free music at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl with the ³Ô¹ÏÍø Symphony Orchestra.

Nongkrong Festival: Roots and Routes
Until

Nongkrong Festival: Roots and Routes

A two-week arts festival with multiple events celebrating Australian-Indonesian culture.

Antipodes Festival
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Antipodes Festival

Enjoy a giant street party as Lonsdale St is transformed into a celebration of Greek culture.

Asia TOPA: Nongkrong – Sarapan

Asia TOPA: Nongkrong – Sarapan

A free, all-day event of sarapan (breakfast) and performances presented by Nongkrong Festival.

Outdoor Cinema
Until

Outdoor Cinema

Enjoy a program of free outdoor cinema on the Big Screen, from blockbusters to Dolly Parton faves.

Silent Cinema with Live Scores
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Silent Cinema with Live Scores

See classic silent films from across the world, paired with live music scores.

Section 8 Beach Party
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Section 8 Beach Party

Section 8 is once again bringing its famed Beach Party to music lovers this summer.

The Lygon Street Market

The Lygon Street Market

Celebrating community, culture and creativity in the heart of ³Ô¹ÏÍø’s iconic Italian precinct.

Peach PRC with George Alice and Carla Wehbe

Peach PRC with George Alice and Carla Wehbe

A massive, free, all-ages, high-energy pop party at Fed Square on the Labour Day long weekend.

Moomba
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Moomba

An annual free festival held along the banks of the Yarra River.

Summer Night Market
Until

Summer Night Market

Everybody’s favourite Summer Night Market returns to Queen Victoria Market!

The Sims 25th Birthday at ACMI
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The Sims 25th Birthday at ACMI

Step back in time as The Sims celebrates 25 years with a Y2K-inspired pop-up at ACMI.

NGV Architecture Commission: Home Truth by Breathe
Until

NGV Architecture Commission: Home Truth by Breathe

The NGV's 2024 Architecture Commission is designed by architecture and design studio Breathe.

The Outsiders ³Ô¹ÏÍø
Until

The Outsiders ³Ô¹ÏÍø

An exhibition of the largest street-art collection in Australia, including a whole room of Banksys.

Sci-Fi: Mythologies Transformed
–

Sci-Fi: Mythologies Transformed

This exhibition highlights science fiction’s connection to ancient philosophy and mythologies.

Younghusband Rose Street Market
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Younghusband Rose Street Market

Popping up monthly in Kensington with 60+ curated artisan stalls.

More date ideas in ³Ô¹ÏÍø

³Ô¹ÏÍø’s most romantic date-night restaurants

³Ô¹ÏÍø’s most romantic date-night restaurants

Find the best restaurants to book for birthdays, anniversaries or just because.

The best first date bars in ³Ô¹ÏÍø

The best first date bars in ³Ô¹ÏÍø

These cute hidden gems and fun date-night spots will give you something to talk about. 

Unique first date ideas in ³Ô¹ÏÍø

Unique first date ideas in ³Ô¹ÏÍø

Ban boring dates with these cute night spots and fun activities for two.

³Ô¹ÏÍø's best rooftop bars

³Ô¹ÏÍø's best rooftop bars

Schedule in a rooftop sesh at Morris House, Good Heavens, Fable, Ocean 12 and more.

Last updated on Tue 11 Feb 2025

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