The Melbourne International Jazz Festival

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the Melbourne International Jazz Festival this October, with a great line-up of free live music, family-friendly activities and performances in venues and public spaces across Melbourne.

Here are a few highlights to check out:

Free Jazz at Fed Square – Catch the Second Line Street Party, New Orleans’ Rebirth Brass Band, BIGYUKI and Melbourne musician Allysha Joy across the opening weekend.

Jazz on Film – Head to Fed Square on Sunday to watch Disney and Pixar’s Oscar-winning Soul, a film celebrating jazz, creativity and finding your purpose.

Prahran Square – Enjoy an afternoon of jazz, soul and Afrobeat, featuring South African musician Mandisi Dyantyis, Owelu Dreamhouse and the Melbourne Conservatorium Big Band.

Footscray Sunday Sessions – Discover free live music across local venues, with performances spanning jazz, swing, soul and Afro-diasporic sounds.

Jazz Westside: Moonee Valley – Visit the historic Crown Street Stables for live music and guided sound walks.

Inside Out: Jump, Jive, Jazz – Perfect for younger music fans, this ArtPlay program invites children aged 2–7 to explore jazz through music, movement, art and creative play.

With free events across the city and activities for different ages, it's a great opportunity to enjoy live music without spending a fortune.

The festival runs 16-25 October, with events for all ages and budgets