

Software Freedom Day 2026 - Richmond Melbourne
Join a worldwide celebration of free and open source software. Not sure what open source means? You already use it. It quietly runs the web, your phone and probably half the apps you opened today. Come and find out what that means. No experience needed, and nobody will assume you have any.
Whats On
Install Fest 💻
What's an install fest? Got a laptop that can't run Windows 11? It isn't rubbish, and you don't have to replace it. Bring it along, we'll put Linux on it, and it'll be faster than it was. Older Macs too, the ones Apple has stopped updating. USB sticks provided.
Runs all day. Bring the laptop, leave with it working.
Open Exchange 💬
Running midday is an open exchange. Beginner questions are the whole point. Bring the software that annoys you, or the subscription that keeps creeping up, and we'll talk about what else is out there. The alternatives are usually free, and they aren't mining your files to train an AI.
Lightning Talks ⚡️
To close, lightning talks. Five minutes each, no slides required, but welcomed! Show us an open source app you love, something you fixed, or something you're still figuring out! It doesn't have to be technical. Put your name down on the day.
Schedule
10:00 Doors open, install fest begins 12:00 Open exchange 16:00 Lightning talks 18:00 Doors close
Drop in whenever suits and stay as long as you like. Free to attend, everyone welcome, run by volunteers.
About the Venue
Thank you to our venue sponsor Inspire9, Melbourne's original coworking space and a longstanding supporter of the local tech community.
📅 Saturday 19th September ⏰ 10am to 6pm 📍 Inspire9 - Richmond
🌐 View our website for all locations and event details: https://sfd.org.au
🙋 Lend a hand on the day, no technical experience needed: https://sfd.org.au/volunteer/
🏠 Want one in your town? We'll walk you through hosting: https://sfd.org.au/organise/
🌏 Software Freedom Day runs the same day in dozens of countries: https://digitalfreedoms.org