Free events in Melbourne in August 2019There is no need to spend big to enjoy Melbourne this August, with plenty of amazing free events to keep you entertained. Join the crowds the iconic annual White Night in the city, split your sides with free comedy, or explore the history of Melbourne Central - click through for more details.

White Night is a must-see free event in Melbourne. Image: White Night.
White Night Melbourne - Reimagined
The city will be transformed into art with the return of
White Night - this time in 'Reimagined' form. The iconic free festival sees city buildings lit up in colour. Public parks Birrarung Marr, Treasury Gardens, and Carlton Gardens will be the three themed "realms". with art, performances, music, and food. Around the city, the National Gallery, the State Library, the Museum and the Arts Centre will be running events as part of the White Night program. There is so much to do and see - most of it totally free. To get the most out of White Night, plan your itinerary ahead of time.
White Night will take place on Thursday 11 August to Saturday 24 August, beginning at 7pm and finishing late.
Be aware that White Night attracts massive crowds, so this may not be suitable for those with sensory issues.

White Night Reimagined returns to Melbourne in 2019. Image: White Night.
Free comedy at Lido
Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn is a hub of entertainment - movies, festivals, live music, and now comedy. You can catch
free stand-up comedy shows on Tuesday evenings at 7:30pm. You can book your (free) ticket ahead of time via
Eventbrite, and don't forget to check their
Instagram page for the details on which comedians you can see each week.
Entry is free, though the starving comedians do appreciate donations!

Catch free comedy on Tuesday evenings at the cosy Lido Cinemas. Image: Lido Cinemas.
Hawthorn Town Hall Gallery After DarkThe stunning Hawthorn Town Hall is opening its doors to the public, with exhibitions showing as part of their free
After Dark series of events. Live music will set the ambience as you take in the Town Hall Gallery's art collection.
Entry to the event is free, with drinks available for purchase. The August edition will take place on Friday the 23rd, from 6pm and 8pm. If you miss it, the next After Dark event is not until October!

Drink in the art and wine at the After Dark series. Image: Hawthorn Town Hall Gallery.
Free family science games night
Free, fun, and educational? Sign me up! For National Science Week, Deakin University in Burwood will be hosting a free family science board games nights. They will provide a variety of educational board games to teach scientific concepts. There will be games suitable for different age ranges. The event is organised by science communicator PopSciGuy, and faciliated by science education specialists from the university.
The event takes place on Thursday the 15th of August from 6pm to 8:30pm. Free tickets can be booked in advance via
Eventbrite.

Move learning out of the classroom and into board games at the free science board games night at Deakin Uni. (Free image from Unsplash)
Melbourne Central Unlocked ToursSee the historical side of shopping centre Melbourne Central by joining a
free Unlocked tour. Under the guidance of local historians, you will see hidden aspects of the busy shopping centre, including the view from the rooftop, and of course the famous Shot Tower.
The Unlocked tours will be running for Open House Melbourne weekend in July, but there is a second (and third!) chance to explore Melbourne Central with the free tour being repeated on the 24th and 25th of August.

The iconic Melbourne Central shot tower and more will be explored in the free Unlocked tours. Image: Melbourne Central.