Trying to have a life while trying to save money? It's not as hard as it sounds. Here's all the free and cheaps things you can do in St Kilda and Southside in April. 

Free things to do this month

Free comedy nights

We're spoilt for choice for comedy Southside. On Monday nights, the Basement Bar at The Espy hosts the Comedy Club, a long-running showcase of top Australian comedians and rising stars. On Tuesdays, head to Iddy biddy to discover Melbourne’s next generation of rising comedy stars in the heart of St Kilda. Save your pennies for the $5 drinks specials or the $22 parma. Entry is free but booking ahead is recommended. Or venture to St Kilda Cellars on Friday nights for a mix of pros, up-and-coming talent stars and first timers. 

Drag Queen Trivia 

The St Kilda sunset sets the stage for fabulous fun at Drag Queen Trivia on Ellora's rooftop. On every Thursday night from 7 pm, it's free entry, with drinks specials all night and walk-ins welcome. 

For a South Melbourne session, visit Golden Gate Hotel on Wednesday nights from 6.30 pm. Test your knowledge, with free entry and fuel up with their $20 parma specials.

Summer in the Glade twilight market

April is the last month for Summer in the Glade,  the monthly night market in the gardens of Gasworks Arts Park. Shop for premium Australian-made arts and crafts, then linger over drinks from the Gasworks bar, live music and delicious meals from a selection of food trucks.  Read Guide to the Best Markets in St Kilda and Southside. 

Summer in the Glade market is running Friday 12 April, 5 to 9 pm, at 21 Graham Street, Albert Park.

Thursday live music showcase and Sunday Blues at The Espy

Listen to up-and-coming local bands at The Espy Basement Bar's regular Thursday night showcase. Hear new music from local and emerging artists across rock, pop, punk, indie and beyond.  Or get your weekly dose of the best local blues, roots and R&B Sundays from 6 pm.  Up and coming gigs include Louis King & the Liar’s klub, The Breadmakers & Jane Hilson & the Brunswick Troubadours.

Basement Sessions, Thursdays from 8 pm and Sunday Blues, Sundays from 6 pm, at Esplanade Hotel, 11 The Esplanade, St Kilda. Check venue website to confirm weekly program. Free entry. 

Free salsa classes at The Albion

Always wanted to try salsa? Obsecion Latina runs free classes on Friday nights at The Albion in South Melbourne.  Stick around for social dancing, then head to the rooftop at 10.30 pm for the weekly Oye Latino dance party with DJs playing a mix of Latin hits until late.

Classes from 7 pm on Fridays at The Albion, 172 York Street, South Melbourne.

Sunset at Point Ormond Lookout

Point Ormond Lookout is one of Southside’s most Instagrammable destinations. A grassy hill located next to the Elwood foreshore, it’s a favourite spot for sunset seekers. The view on high is panoramic, stretching from Brighton Beach to a perfectly framed city skyline. But that’s not the only spectacular sight. On top is an eye-catching white wooden structure that almost glows when golden hour hits. Bring a blanket and seek out a spot on the lawn for the nightly show of the sun sinking into ocean. Camera-wielding crowds jostling for the perfect Insta spot is added entertainment – but there is plenty of room for everyone.

Victorian Pride Centre guided tours

The first purpose-built centre for Australia's LGBTIQ+ communities, the Victorian Pride Centre is also a stunning architectural landmark. Opening its doors in 2021, it's the home of many of Melbourne’s most significant social and cultural LGBTIQA + organisations. There's a myriad of different rooms and areas to explore, including the Pride Gallery, co-working spaces, a theatrette and a stunning rooftop terrace. Free guided tours run regularly, exploring its architectural features and spaces not normally open to the public. Bookings essential.

$20 and under

$10 cheese lovers happy hour at Milk The Cow

Every week night, the ultimate cheese happy hour awaits at Milk the Cow. Celebrating 10 years on Fitzroy Street, the popular St Kilda fromagerie has a $10 tasting menu between 3 and 6 pm on weeknights. Choose from cheeseboards, bitterballen, burrata and stracciatella, and drinks including Agrumi Spritz cocktails, boutique wine and beer on tap.

Rippon Lea Estate Guided Tours

Transport yourself to another era at Rippon Lea Estate, a captivating 19th-century mansion surrounded by 14 acres of Victorian gardens. Wander the halls and uncover hidden rooms on the Mansion Tour, and discover the fascinating stories about its rich history. Or explore the estate's stunning grounds on a Gardens Tour, featuring an abundance of  lush trees, expansive lawns, a lake, fruit orchards and the largest fernery in the Southern Hemisphere. Discover reminders from the past, including an archery hut, boat house, and tennis pavilion, reflecting the activities of Rippon Lea's previous owners.

Gardens and Mansions Tours are free with entry to Rippon Lea Estate. Entry to Rippon Lea Estate is  $15 (adult), $9 (concession) and $9 (children 5 to 15 years). Free general admission is available for City of Port Phillip residents. Garden tours run selected weekdays , Mansion Tours run daily between 10 am and 2 pm,  subject to guide availability. 

Cheap movie nights at The Astor

The iconic Astor Theatre is a beacon for film buffs across Melbourne, since its grand opening in 1936. Its repertory movie programming, showcasing a blend of classics, cult favorites, and select new releases on 35mm and 70mm projectors, evokes the nostalgia of the pre-digital era. Grab a program and book in a session for Mondays and Thursdays, when all tickets are $18.

KIIS Eye Ferris Wheel

Take in breath-taking views of St Kilda Foreshore from above on the KIIS Eye Ferris Wheel. Open daily from 10 am to 9.30 pm at Catani Gardens until 25 April. Repeat visits are recommended to catch the sunset over Port Phillip Bay and sparkling lights of Melbourne after dark. General admission tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children. A 30% discount applies for City of Port Phillip residents, upon presentation of photo ID, with adult ticket costing $10 and children $7. 

Open until 25 April 2024, 10am to 9.30pm daily, Catani Gardens, Beaconsfield Parade, St Kilda. Opening hours may vary due to weather, check the Skyline  Facebook and  Instagram for most recent updates.  Image of KIIS Eye and St Kilda foreshore courtesy of @walking_perspective (Instagram). 

Lead image courtesy of @walking_perspective (Instagram)

KIIS Eye image courtesy of @walking_perspective (Instagram)

$20 dining specials

Don't feel like cooking? There's an abundance of cheap meal deals on offer to keep you fed every night of the week, from parma and burger nights, to oysters to multiple Taco Tuesdays.  Read our guide to Best happy hours and dining deals to find out more.