Six Free Events To Catch at Melbourne Fashion Week

Melbourne Fashion Week might conjure up images of models, influencers and designers decked out in their finest (and maybe priciest) threads, but your wallet doesn’t need to suffer to attend the yearly celebration of style, clothes and the fashion industry. In fact, many of the 100-plus events taking place all over the city are free. From premium runways and free fashion displays to talks and markets, here is our pick of six free events to catch at M/FW.

Little Bourke Street Runway presented by Emporium Melbourne

In a city known for its style, one event continues to draw fashion lovers year after year: the iconic Little Bourke Street Runway. It’s one of the few premium runways that are free to attend – a vibrant outdoor catwalk that showcases the very best of local retail in one of Melbourne’s most bustling laneways. Flanked by some of the city’s most beloved fashion institutions, this streetside spectacle has become an annual highlight of M/FW. It’s also one of the most popular, so arrive early for the best view of the action.
Little Bourke Street, Thursday October 23 at 5pm and 7pm

Revamped Sustainable Fashion Market at Spring Place

Fashion Week isn’t just about buying new. Embrace trends from this season (and seasons past) by shopping select vintage, second-hand and pre-loved pieces at this market, and support the circular fashion economy while you’re at it. There’ll be stalls for every shape, size and gender popping up, thanks to select influencers keen to open their wardrobes, and local purveyors of vintage goods bringing their best wares. You can also pick up pieces from local ethical labels keen to share their sustainability cred.
Spring Place, 50 Lonsdale Street, Tuesday October 21 to Thursday October 23 from 10am – 4pm

Fashion Capsules

Melbourne Fashion Week is known for curating stylish and thought-provoking pop-up showcases, and this year’s Fashion Capsules are set to spotlight everything from the elegance of the costumes from the Australian Ballet to the strong local cohort of First Nations fashion designers rooted in art and culture. You can even catch a celebration of the transformative power of drag fashion and its impact on the catwalk - all free. Hosted at Collins Square, 530 Collins Street, Emporium Melbourne, Melbourne Town Hall and Collins Place throughout the week, these five capsules are a vibrant addition to your M/FW calendar.
Various locations around the city, from Monday September 29 to Sunday October 26

Function Meets Fashion

What does the future of Australian fashion look like? Dive into the technology behind some of the most innovative high-performance design and wearable tech making waves in the fashion industry right now, and learn about how they’re transforming the future of clothing. How can Australia put its fashion design on the map? You might find out at this panel, featuring some of the most interesting designers and researchers in the fashion-tech space right now.
Level 1, 130 Lonsdale Street, Wednesday October 22 at 6pm

Wicked Wardrobes Exhibition

Melbourne Fashion Week isn’t all runways and street style – head to Fed Square this October for a free, world-first exhibition of Wicked ’s glamorous, Oscar-winning costumes presented by Universal Pictures. This Hollywood-tinged debut offers Melbourne the first look at the intricate designs behind the film’s two beloved witches, Elphaba and Glinda, allowing visitors a rare chance to see their costumes up close. On display ahead of the upcoming sequel Wicked: For Good , this exhibition lifts the curtain on the fantastical craftsmanship that brings Oz’s magic to life on screen.
Fed Square, from October 13

Justin Cassin Spring/Summer 26 Runway

While the Little Bourke Street Runway is one of the most popular at M/FW, seeing a dedicated designer runway is an immersive experience that allows the vision of a single person to shine through. Justin Cassin’s focus on classic menswear with a twist should prove to be another popular free event this year – keep an eye on the official website for more details, and to register for your free ticket.
Location and date to be announced, starts at 8pm

Melbourne Fashion Week 2025 runs from October 20 to 26. Tickets are available now from mfw.melbourne.vic.gov.au.

Broadsheet is a proud media partner of Melbourne Fashion Week.