How to Get Cheap or Free Tickets to Events in Melbourne

To get cheap or free tickets to Melbourne’s biggest events, use resale platforms, enter giveaways, volunteer at festivals, sign up for presales, claim youth pricing, watch for preview shows, and browse discount ticket sites.

This guide covers the top 7 ways to access concerts, theatre, comedy, sport, and festivals without paying full price.

Get Cheap or Free Tickets to Events in Melbourne

To get cheap or free tickets to major events in Melbourne, use Tixel for discounted resale, enter giveaways on social media, volunteer at festivals, sign up for presale alerts, claim youth or concession pricing, book previews or matinees, and browse TodayTix or Lasttix for last-minute ticket deals.

Listed below are the 7 ways to get cheap or free tickets for Melbourne events.

1. Use verified resale platforms like Tixel

You can find discounted tickets to major events in Melbourne using Tixel, where sellers list last-minute tickets at or below face value. It’s ideal for snagging seats to shows that haven’t sold out.

Works for:

• Arena concerts (Rod Laver, John Cain)
• AFL & A-League games
• Comedy Festival gala nights
• Musicals and live theatre (Forum, Princess Theatre)

Tip: Prices often drop 10–40% within 24 hours of the event.

2. Enter giveaways and social media contests

Many artists, festivals, and venues give away free tickets on Instagram, TikTok, and newsletters. These often include double passes, VIP upgrades, or meet-and-greets.

Also check:

• @livenationau, @frontiertouring, @comedyfestival
• Radio comps via Triple J, Nova 100
• Spotify artist emails and My Live Nation alerts

Tip: Enter early—winners are usually picked before presales begin.

3. Volunteer at festivals or major events

You can get free entry to Melbourne’s biggest festivals by helping out behind the scenes. Volunteers are usually rewarded with full-day access, meals, or merch.

Works for:

• RISING Melbourne
• Melbourne Fashion Festival
• Midsumma
• White Night
• St Kilda Festival

Tip: Shifts range from 4–6 hours and often include backstage or VIP access.

4. Subscribe to presale alerts and promo newsletters

Presales often release cheap early-bird tickets or limited discount codes. Subscribing to the right lists gives you first access—sometimes days before general sale.

Sign up with:

• Live Nation’s “My Live Nation”
• Ticketek and Ticketmaster
• Arts Centre Melbourne
• Forum Melbourne, Melbourne Recital Centre
• Visit Victoria “What’s On” newsletter

Tip: Use a secondary inbox (like [email protected]) to filter offers.

5. Use your concession card or buy a youth ticket

Many venues offer reduced pricing for students, under 25s, or concession card holders. These tickets are usually the same as standard GA but cheaper.

Look for:

• “Concession” or “Student” dropdown at checkout
• Under 25 pricing options on TodayTix or venue sites

Works for:

• The Forum
• ACMI
• NGV Friday Nights
• Melbourne Recital Centre
• Arts Centre performances

6. Book previews, matinees, or enter ticket lotteries

Some shows release cheap preview tickets, early matinee sessions, or even run ticket lotteries with $10 or free entry options.

Common with:

• Melbourne International Comedy Festival
• Theatre previews at Malthouse or Princess Theatre
• Musicals like Hamilton, Harry Potter, Moulin Rouge
• RISING and Fringe pop-ups

Tip: Follow shows directly. Lotteries are often announced via email only.

7. Use discount platforms like TodayTix or Lasttix

Sites like TodayTix and Lasttix list low-cost tickets to events with remaining seats. These include rush deals, limited 2-for-1 offers, or same-day pricing.

Browse deals for:

• Musicals and theatre
• Stand-up comedy
• Dance performances
• Opera and classical events

Tip: Check TodayTix at 10 am for rush releases.

Summary: 7 Ways to Get Cheap or Free Event Tickets in Melbourne

Final tip

“Some of my best nights out in Melbourne cost under $20, or nothing at all. I check Tixel the day before, follow venue pages, and never ignore the ‘preview night’ option. There’s always a way in.”