The best free events at Melbourne International Jazz Festival

To kick off this year’s season of sax and the city, Jazz at Fed Square features a line-up of international legends and local heroes over two days of free performances.

On Friday, October 21 a smoking ceremony will officially launch the festival, followed by MIJF First Nations Resident Artist Bumpy and JAZZPARTY to close things out. On Saturday, October 22 you can catch the Second Line Parade, featuring the collective power of Hot 8 Brass Band and Horns of Leroy.

Following this, Zimbabwean-born soulful singer Thndo will perform new material from her upcoming album, Lessons in Love. Closing out the stage and showcasing material from her forthcoming album is Rita Satch.

Every night of MIJF, Late Night Jams will take over the JazzLab with all-improvised jam sessions led by local legends the Rookies. Consistently a festival highlight, it will celebrate all that jazz and become a hive for Melbourne's local jazz community and international artists alike.

From Sunday to Thursday all events are free, and on Friday and Saturday, tickets are $10 on the door.

The New Orleans legends of the Second Line, the Hot 8 Brass Band, will become the pied pipers of jazz and lead a joyous march along the Yarra through Southbank and Fed Square.

Joined by local brass masters Horns of Leroy, the party will channel the parades seen in the streets of New Orleans. Beads, brightly coloured outfits and singing are all encouraged. 

Let Melbourne’s finest DJs soundtrack your weekend as MIJF takes over Arbory Afloat, where you can eat, drink and listen to some slick jazz with interrupted views of the Yarra River. This year's line-up includes Tom Showtime, Prequel, Miguel, Jimmy James, Mu-Gen, Mike Gurrieri, DJ JNETT and Colette.

Grab a sanga and head to St James Courtyard to listen to some free lunchtime jazz. Celebrate the ever-evolving spirit of jazz with a series of performances from Melbourne’s best up-and-coming artists like Solune, Olivia Canavan Trio and Oscar Bruten. 

MIJF is taking over Spotswood hotspot Grazeland for three mammoth days of free music. As you explore this foodie mecca, check out the local jazz, funk and swing on offer, with performances by the likes of DJ Ingrid, the Sugarfooot Ramblers and Izy.

More than 50 food and beverage vendors will sell everything from Asian street snacks to African delicacies – all soundtracked by the best of Australian jazz.