Media Enquiries
media@mapco.vic.gov.au
0475 287 883
Media Enquiries
media@mapco.vic.gov.au
0475 287 883
Read the latest media releases, newsletters and public notices from Fed Square.
Announced today, Melbourne will kick off NFL game week this September by staging a spectacular attempt to break the world record for the largest cheerleading dance in the heart of the city – Fed Square – on Sunday 6 September 2026.
In celebration of Australia’s first-ever NFL Regular Season Game, Visit Victoria will collaborate with the San Francisco 49ers and Fed Square to unite cheerleaders, dancers, families and first-timers from across Victoria, to learn a cheer routine from the legendary Gold Rush Cheerleaders. This will be one of their first appearances in Melbourne before the San Francisco 49ers take on the Los Angeles Rams at the MCG on Friday 11 September.
This historic game marks the start of a blockbuster sporting season in Melbourne, where locals and visitors alike will experience an unmatched run of events spanning the NFL, AFL Grand Final, the Melbourne Cup Carnival, the Australian Open Golf, the Boxing Day Test, Australian Open tennis, the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the 150th Anniversary Test.
The 49ers Gold Rush are the official cheer squad of the San Francisco 49ers. Renowned for their athleticism, precision and high-energy performances, the 49ers Gold Rush have been inspiring fans for more than four decades, performing on game days at the 49ers’ home stadium in California, and earning a reputation as worldclass dancers and entertainers.
The 49ers Gold Rush will teach participants their signature cheer moves before everyone performs together in an attempt to make history for the largest cheerleading dance – a record set in Japan in 2015, featuring 1,371 people.
A free event for the community, people of all ages and abilities are welcome to get into the 49ers spirit and be part of an unforgettable Melbourne moment. With the event taking place on Father’s Day, dads, kids and families are especially encouraged to join the celebration, share the experience and create lasting memories together.
Participation is free; however, pre-registration is essential and can be completed via fedsquare.com.
The city will come alive for NFL game week with events, activations and entertainment, as Melbourne proudly plays host to Australia’s first NFL Regular Season game.
With fans from more than 35 countries already holding tickets and almost half the crowd expected to travel from interstate or overseas, the game is shaping up as a major visitor drawcard for Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Major Events Anthony Carbines
“This is major events leadership – bringing world-class entertainment while creating hundreds of Victorian jobs and driving visitor spending across our economy. The NFL cements Victoria’s major events capital status – fans from 35 countries will pack our venues and drive real economic benefit for Victorian workers and businesses.”
Quote attributable to Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements
“This historic NFL game will kick off an extraordinary season of events as Melbourne demonstrates once again why it is sport’s home ground. This celebratory moment is just a taste of what’s to come, with game week set to energise the city and give visitors from across Australia and around the world even more reasons to experience Victoria.”
Quote attributable to San Francisco 49ers Chief Marketing Officer Stephanie Rogers
“We plan to showcase our 49ers brand at a variety of events and experiences throughout game week, but it is also important to us to highlight Melbourne and its community. This city is a sports-avid destination with a history of hosting some of the globe’s biggest sporting moments, and this record-breaking attempt will shine a spotlight on the energy, pride, and passion for sport that Melbourne is known for around the world.”
Quote attributable to Fed Square Director & CEO Katrina Sedgwick
“This is more than a world record attempt – it’s a chance for our community to come together and share in the excitement of the NFL touching down in Australia. Whether you’re a dancer, an NFL fan, or simply looking for a fun Father’s Day experience, everyone has a place on the dance floor alongside the 49ers Gold Rush. We’re proud for Fed Square to host what promises to be an unforgettable Melbourne moment and encourage everyone to get involved, learn the routine and help make history.”
The Melbourne Cheer Challenge
Fed Square, Melbourne
Sunday 6 September, arrival and registration from 11:30am
Free, pre-registration required via fedsquare.com
Fed Square’s RESET – a free festival for grounding and growing – returns in 2026, bringing together artists, environmental leaders, community organisations and families for a season of practical action, creative participation and greener living.
Kicking off at Fed Square this Spring, the fourth annual RESET festival, proudly supported by Bupa, invites Melburnians to get their hands in the soil, learn new skills, repair and repurpose everyday items and explore more sustainable ways of living.
“RESET celebrates creative sustainability. Our festival brings people together to make positive change and leave a light touch on our planet – be it through planting, repairing, reading, or making – living more sustainably is creative, achievable and genuinely enjoyable,” said Melbourne Arts Precinct Director & CEO Katrina Sedgwick.
“This year’s program brings an extraordinary range of community organisations, artists and environmental advocates into the heart of the city and extends beyond Fed Square through planting activities taking place across Victoria,” continued Sedgwick.
Bupa Director Social Impact and Sustainability, Bronwyn Portes said “RESET is a powerful example of how Bupa and Fed Square are working together to inspire meaningful sustainable action for people of all ages while demonstrating that healthier people and a healthier planet go hand in hand.”
Planting Party, presented with Creative Climate, returns for its second year on Saturday 5 September. Taking over Fed Square’s Skyline Car Park and Test Garden, the family-friendly event will combine talks, workshops, art, food, a plant market and live music. Visitors can join hands-on activities spanning propagation, weaving, botanical drawing and habitat building, hear conversations about Caring for Country, language and regenerative design, learn about Birrarung as a living entity, and meet grassroots environmental groups working across Victoria.
Planting Party is also the culmination and celebration of a month-long community planting effort that will see hundreds of volunteers plant thousands of native plants across 13 sites throughout Victoria during August. Lead support for Planting was generously provided by Bupa, Melbourne Water and Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo collaboration.
The RESET program continues on Saturday 12 September with the Zero Waste Festival, presented with Zero Waste Victoria. The day-long event will feature talks, repair and mending activities including small electronics, clothes, book and fabric swaps, sustainable cooking, market stalls and creative activities for children. It will culminate in the inaugural ReWear Runway, showcasing garments transformed through reclaiming, repairing, reusing and repurposing materials. The day will also feature Australia’s favourite garden gnome, Costa Georgiadis, celebrating the Melbourne launch of his new book, Costa’s Garden: Fruit, with stories, laughter and plenty of gardening inspiration.
A new kind of Sunday session arrives with Book Doof: a daytime rave for readers, presented with Book Doof on Sunday 13 September. Readers can bring a book, contribute to a community book exchange and settle in with free tea and coffee as a DJ plays vinyl from the Atrium balcony. Designed as a no-pressure social experience, visitors can read, journal, sketch or simply enjoy some quiet company – no small talk required.
Two new creative workshops will encourage participants to slow down and reconsider the materials around them. On Saturday 19 September, Junk Journalling, led by hey.raco and Akres, invites participants to step away from their screens and create layered junk journals from scraps and repurposed materials. On Sunday 20 September, Remake & Repair offers two sessions in which visitors can learn practical sewing, mending and upcycling techniques, repairing and repurposing their own clothing.
RESET will also feature free school holiday activities from Saturday 19 September to Sunday 4 October. On Wednesday 23 September, The Big Toy Swap, presented with Zero Waste Victoria, returns, inviting families to exchange clean, gently used toys, books and games, giving outgrown items a new life while refreshing the toy box without buying new.
Melbourne’s Polyglot Theatre will celebrate 15 years since Paper Planet was first commissioned and premiered at Fed Square. From Monday 28 September to Friday 2 October, families can enter a forest of towering cardboard trees in The Edge and use paper, tape and their imaginations to build new creatures, costumes, stories and environments. The universally accessible, child-led experience has travelled internationally since its 2011 premiere. In a special presentation for RESET, supported by the City of Melbourne, Paper Planet returns to the place where it began.
Across the holidays, families can also take part in a precinct-wide nature discovery activity and enjoy free afternoon films on the Big Screen. Reflecting RESET’s focus on the natural world, the Outdoor Cinema program will screen a run of nature adventure classics including Flipper on Wednesday 30 September, Free Willy on Thursday 1 October and Fly Away Home on Friday 2 October.
Other highlights include World Cleanup Day on Friday 18 September, when the Yarra Riverkeeper Association will lead a hands-on community clean-up along the Birrarung and surrounding public spaces, followed by opportunities to meet river advocates, learn how to support healthier cities and waterways, and enjoy a free sausage sizzle.
The season concludes on Saturday 17 October with Confluence 2026: Community Waterways Forum, presented with the Yarra Riverkeeper Association as part of RESET and Birrarung Riverfest. From 10am to 3pm, community advocates, volunteers, researchers, Traditional Owners and waterway champions will gather to share knowledge, explore practical solutions and help shape the future of Melbourne’s rivers, creeks and wetlands.
Quote attributable to Fed Square Director & CEO Katrina Sedgwick
“We welcome the Victorian Government’s decision to support Fed Square in its ability to provide a safe and welcoming live site for the 2026 World Cup. We’ll work closely with the Victorian Government, City of Melbourne and Victoria Police to create a safe and secure environment, and we look forward to seeing the Socceroos back on the world stage, and on the Big Screen next month.”
Fed Square will come alive on Saturday 9 May with Mousiqa Bil Madina (Music in the City), an all-ages and free showcase of Arabic music, arts and culture.
Presented by Fed Square and Habibi Hafla, Mousiqa Bil Madina will transform the city centre into a vibrant gathering place, bringing together live music, performance, regional food and interactive workshops in an expression of Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) culture.
Featuring local and interstate artists with musical roots spanning Lebanon, Syria, Egypt and across the region, Mousiqa Bil Madina spotlights the depth and diversity of SWANA diaspora voices – inviting all Melbournians to connect with stories and creative practices in a shared cultural experience.
Curated by Lebanese Australian DJ and producer MzRizk, the program weaves together traditional and contemporary influences – from Abou Saleh of Bayt Saleh, bringing emotive sounds of oud and tarab, to the genre-blending arrangements of Melbourne/Naarm-based ensemble Kazaband, who combine Arabic musical forms with jazz, funk and global sounds.
Dance collective Yallateef! will captivate guests of Mousiqa Bil Madina with high-energy Dabke performances that draw on the rich traditions of Levantine folk dance. While local Raqs Sharqi performer Laila Shouha brings her joyful and sensitive interpretation of Arabic dance to the Square, reflecting her Syrian background, and Egyptian and Levantine styles.
A Zaffe will be performed live with audience participation, accompanied by traditional Arabic drums and flute. Then, Melbourne-based Sawa Music Band, fronted by vocalist Georges El Mir, will reimagine classic Arabic songs through groove-driven arrangements, connecting traditional repertoire with today’s audiences.
Visitors can also take part in a range of games and workshops throughout the day including backgammon by Tawle in Naarm, an off-cuts and scrap embroidery workshop by Dukkana, henna by Lamia, and a pop-up photo studio by Ayman Kaake, while enjoying food and coffee from local favourites A1 Bakery, Mama’s Gozleme, Afiouni Sweets and Pastries, Kaneffi and O’KAHVE.
MzRizk will close the festival with her signature Arabic rhythms, alongside Lebanese-Egyptian Australian singer-songwriter Jacinta Elarmaly. No stranger to Fed Square, MzRizk is a boundary-pushing force in Melbourne’s music scene who has performed on stages from Glastonbury to Beirut and New York. She brings her curatorial vision to Mousiqa Bil Madina, showcasing the sounds, movement and spirit of the Arab world in the heart of the city.
Mousiqa Bil Madina Founder Dan Rizk (MzRizk) said “Mousiqa Bil Madina is a curated showcase of Arabic arts and culture that brings together music, dance and cultural practice rooted in both history and lived experience. It’s about creating space for our communities to see themselves reflected in public, and for audiences to engage with the depth and diversity of these traditions in a meaningful way. For me, this work is about integrity, visibilityand continuing to platform artists whose practices are grounded in tradition and shaped by contemporary perspectives.”
Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation Director & CEO Katrina Sedgwick said “Fed Square is a place where communities come together to share culture, creativity and connection. Mousiqa Bil Madina will be an uplifting celebration of SWANA arts and culture that will fill the Square with energy, expression and storytelling.”
As the school holidays approach, Fed Square is inviting families from across Victoria to get involved in a series of free, engaging and enriching events, before exploring the best of what the city has to offer.
From the return of the Little Food Festival to the Square’s popular Outdoor Cinema, families can look forward to a jam-packed program of family-friendly activities to keep both kids and adults entertained.
Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation Director & CEO Katrina Sedgwick said “At Fed Square, we’re proud to offer a vibrant program of free events across the school holidays that spark curiosity, creativity and fun for kids – from hands-on food experiences and outdoor cinema to interactive performances and playful learning. It’s a chance for families to spend the day in the heart of Melbourne discovering, laughing and making memories.”
Back for its eighth year, the beloved Little Food Festival returns from 15–16 April – ready to inspire our future leaders about the importance of our food system and the planet with two days of flavour, fun and hands-on discovery. Presented by its founding partners Fed Square, the Sandro Demaio Foundation and Monash University, the free community event invites families to roll up their sleeves and dig deep into a world of nutritious discovery.
Plant seedlings, uncover nature’s magic in growing food, and learn to whip up simple but healthy meals as part of an engaging lineup of activities that celebrate wellbeing and sustainability — empowering kids through fun, flavour and creativity. Special guests include founder Dr Sandro Demaio, produce expert Thanh ‘Fruit Nerd’ Truong, and everyone’s favourite gardener Costa Georgiadis.
After a summer of cinema magic, the Square’s Outdoor Cinema program continues into autumn with a specially curated program for pint-sized adventurers and big kids alike.
Family Comedies run from 3–6 April, delivering four days of laughter over the Easter long weekend. Rediscover or introduce the films that defined generations with a mix of nostalgic and modern favourites: from the iconic fantasy-comedy The Princess Bride (3 April), the classic ‘90s remake The Parent Trap (4 April), the ever-charming Paddington 2 (5 April), and the hilarious animated adventure The Mitchells vs. the Machines (6 April).
Studio Ghibli Afternoons returns from 7–9 April with a marathon of the adored animated films with six titles across three days. Grab your blankets and snacks and settle under the night sky for a magical cinematic experience. From timeless classics to hidden gems, audiences can lose themselves in the enchanting worlds of Kiki’s Delivery Service, Porco Rosso, Only Yesterday, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, My Neighbor Totoro, and the all-time favourite Spirited Away. Airing in Japanese with subtitles, Studio Ghibli Afternoons is recommended for kids aged 8 years and over.
Test Garden Open Day – Critter Heroes
For one day only, buzz to the Square’s Test Garden for a special Open Day and celebrate the insects all around us! On 11 April, ant-icipate a fun-filled day discovering the fascinating world of insects and biodiversity with talks, activities, performances, and film that highlights the importance of these tiny critters in our ecosystem.
Hear from insect expert Luis Mata on all things butterflies and bees and get creative with playful colouring activities that bring the tiny world of insects to life.
Catch a screening of The Ant Bully and keep an eye out for the human-sized Ants performed by world-renowned Melbourne theatre company Polyglot Theatre. Presented by Fed Square and supported by the City of Melbourne, Polyglot Theatre will transform the space into a magical, interactive world as children are invited to join the ant-like creatures in collecting and arranging hundreds of oversized breadcrumbs throughout the day.
The (Very) Big Laugh Out
Delivering non-stop fun and deep belly laughs, The (Very) Big Laugh Out returns as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival with four hilarious showcases taking over the Square from 3–4 April. Featuring world-class street performers alongside the best stand-up, physical and musical comedians in the business, this free all-ages program is the biggest, loudest and funniest way to spend the school holidays. Headliners include Oliver Coleman, Claire Hooper, Dane Simpson, Otto & Astrid, and more.
Playschool: Come and Play! At ACMI
For those eager to kick off their holiday fun early, Playschool: Come and Play! at ACMI celebrates the incredible 60th anniversary of Play School. Open daily, 4 March – 12 July, and designed for children aged 2-5, peek behind the scenes of Australia’s most beloved children’s show and step into the roles of presenter, camera operator, or even director! Climb aboard the Rocket Clock, sing along to favourite songs, and play your way through stories and games. Created by ACMI in collaboration with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, this children’s play exhibition marks six decades of songs, stories, and learning — offering children and families a joyful, immersive journey into the magic of television.
Koorie Heritage Trust will present a rich program of free workshops from 2-24 April, celebrating First Peoples culture through art-making, storytelling and hands-on creativity. Kids of all ages can learn traditional and contemporary practices alongside leading First Peoples artists and educators, from weaving bush animals and creating wet-felted eggs, to making jewellery or upcycled garments. Families can also explore the cultural significance of native ingredients at the Little Food Festival and take part in a special feather flower workshop with Aunty Glenda Nicholls ahead of ANZAC Day.
From 13 March – 19 July, Top Arts 2026 returns to The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia in its 32nd year to showcase the incredible creativity of Victoria’s young emerging artists who have excelled in their VCE art studies. Spanning diverse mediums including painting, digital print, and textiles, this year’s works explores engaging themes from natural and urban landscapes to reflections on the complexities of time. From nineteenth-century inspired couture to interactive art using computer algorithms, this free exhibition celebrates the extraordinary talent of 43 students selected from more than 1100 submissions across metropolitan and regional Victoria. Down the road at NGV International, don’t miss Let’s Party! Fashion for Kids: Designed by Danielle Brustman showcasing vibrant and imaginative items selected from the NGV’s Fashion & Textiles Collection, open daily until 3 May.
This school holidays, families can spend the whole day exploring Fed Square with a diverse line-up of free, interactive activities, family-friendly restaurants and cafes, a fabulous playground on Birrarung Marr, family rooms, and easily accessible parking.
For Fed Square’s full school holiday program, visit fedsquare.com/april-school-holidays
With summer officially in the air, Fed Square is set to bring warm summer nights in the city to life with the return of Open Air, a month-long program celebrating music, culture and engaging performance – free and open to all, right in the heart of Melbourne.
Across the height of summer, Fed Square comes alive with live music, performances, outdoor cinema and cultural celebrations that spill into the night. Featuring a diverse mix of free events — from intimate moments to big, collective experiences — Open Air brings together local voices and global talent in a season designed to be shared.
Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks said, “Fed Square has always been the city’s gathering space and it’s now a destination for incredible performances and events – all free and open to all ages. Programs like this that bring Victorians and visitors together showcase once again why Melbourne is the cultural capital and Victoria is the creative state.”
Melbourne Arts Precinct Director & CEO Katrina Sedgwick said, “We’re proud to once again present Fed Square’s hugely popular Open Air festival this February. Featuring live music concerts, cinema under the stars, dance parties, sound systems and performance art. Summer is the perfect time to come together, settle into Fed Square, and enjoy the very best of Melbourne’s arts and culture – and all of it is free.”
Live Music
Illuminating Fed Square across three magical nights from February 10–12, Candlelight Concert Series returns with a stellar line-up of Australian talent, with support from Fever. Bring a picnic, settle beneath the stars or grab an alfresco table at one of the Square’s restaurants and soak up the sounds of the iconic Tina Arena who will bring her THANK YOU MELBOURNE show – part of her milestone celebrating 50 years in the music industry – to the Square, local favourites Folk Bitch Trio and First Nations R&B star Dean Brady. Each artist will take the stage for one unforgettable evening, framed by thousands of flickering candles and Melbourne’s iconic skyline.
All performances will be Auslan interpreted and will have an accessible viewing area.
Bringing world-class and genre-bending performances to everyone, FRANÇOIS K, ΣTELLA, and GANAVYA LIVE will transform the heart of Melbourne on February 28 into a vibrant celebration of global sound and connection for all. From the legendary beats of New York DJ François K, to the electrifying sounds of Greek artist Σtella, and the transcendent vocals of Ganavya, this night will unite global icons with Melbourne audiences.
A high-energy performance of queer artistry is set to light up the Fed Square stage, headlined by New Orleans icon Big Freedia. Known for electrifying crowds and championing self-expression, Big Freedia will lead an all-out celebration of queer culture and community on February 27. Presented by Fed Square and All the Queens Men, this live music event brings bold, euphoric New Orleans bounce to Melbourne.
A pulsating street party will hit the city’s home of culture on February 21 with the return of Afro Caribbean Carnival, presented by Fed Square and Stick Mareebo Productions. Featuring pioneering Jamaican dancehall artist Sister Nancy and General Levy, a key figure in the UK Jungle and Drum and Bass scene, alongside a lineup of powerhouse local sound systems, Melbourne will be swept up in infectious beats that will be felt in your bones and a vibrant splash of colour. With live music, street food, and performance, this celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture brings movement and joy to the heart of the city.
For a summer soundtrack that’s anything but ordinary, experience The Fab Four like never before on February 26 with a special DJ set from The Beatles Dub Club – the ultimate Magical Mystery Tour right in our own backyard. After an explosive debut in 2022, The Beatles Dub Club has taken stages by storm at Glastonbury, Boomtown, Latitude, Isle of Wight, Camp Bestival, and Green Man, blending covers, remixes, and tracks from arguably the greatest band in history. Spanning reggae, ska, Latin, hip hop, dub, funk, house, and more, Melbourne is up next to experience The Beatles’ iconic music in electrifying new ways – all with a fresh summer spin.
Back to turn up the volume, Garage Band returns on February 7, spotlighting Victoria’s next wave of musicians. In collaboration with internationally acclaimed artist JOF (Joseph O’Farrell), this multi-stage event amplifies the voices of young talent through workshops, mentorship, and a huge day of live performances. Applications are now open for bands and musicians under 21 who want to take part. For those not taking part, come down and don’t miss the chance to support Victoria’s next generation of artists!
Outdoor Cinema
Following a packed spring series, Fed Square’s Outdoor Cinema continues into summer presenting two specially curated film programs for families, cinephiles and everything in-between.
Presenting a razor-sharp program of film titles diving headfirst into the absurdities of modern life and inviting audiences to laugh, wince, and reflect, Outdoor Cinema: In Defence of Satire will continue the screenings from February 2–5. From Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb to Robert Altman’s The Player – these films don’t just entertain; they provoke, dissect, and expose.
Rounding out the season’s film program, Open Air’s best-kept secret returns: Silent Cinema with Live Scores, presented with support from InsiteArts. Celebrating the city’s love for cinema and live music, the festival features a curated selection of classic silent films from around the world, each brought to life with live scores performed by some of Australia’s leading musician-composers. Experience the magic as local DJ Lori brings sound to one of Australia’s greatest silent films, the newly restored For the Term of His Natural Life, starring Eva Novak and George Fisher (Feb 16); see the haunting beauty of The Fall of the House of Usher with a live DJ score by Emelyne (Feb 17); step back into the golden age of cinema and experience Charlie Chaplin’s 1936 masterpiece Modern Times like never before as it’s paired with a bold new live score performed by Sally Ford and the Idiomatics (Feb 18); listen on as Blue Grassy Knoll perform a rousing score to Buster Keaton’s The General in a special 100th anniversary screening; and to mark Lunar New Year, see the landmark of Chinese silent cinema The Goddess accompanied by live score from Chinese-Australia musician Mindy Meng Wang & Burkhard Dallwitz (Feb 20).
Performances
City Sessions returns on February 22, with the city skyline as its backdrop. Presented by Fed Square and Cypher Culture as part of On&On Festival and Open Air, dancers from across the country and internationally take to the Square as their stage, bringing an electric atmosphere of street dance battles, showcases, live DJ sets and music that capture the energy, skill, and creativity of the street dance community. Recognised as one of the nation’s most anticipated street dance events, City Sessions unites local creatives in a vibrant celebration of collaboration, exchange, and artistic expression.
This Valentine’s Day (February 14), fall in love with Indonesian culture at Nongkrong – Pasar Senja, a vibrant celebration, supported by Garuda Indonesia, of what it means to be both Indonesian and Australian. Bringing together music, performance, visual arts, and community experiences, Nongkrong – Pasar Senja (translated in English to Twilight Fair) offers a chance to explore Australian-Indonesian identity, creativity, and connection – perfect for a cultural night out with friends, family, or that special someone.
History has officially been made at Fed Square in Melbourne. On Wednesday 12 November, hundreds of pipers gathered at Fed Square for The Great Melbourne Bagpipe Bash, together setting a new world record for the largest ever bagpipe ensemble.
Presented by Fed Square and supported by City of Melbourne and ABC Radio Melbourne, the record-breaking performance saw a sea of tartan and kilts fill the city’s heart as 374 bagpipers played AC/DC’s legendary “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll)” in thunderous unison.
The event paid homage to the band’s iconic 1976 music video, filmed on Swanston Street by Paul Drane for ABC’s Countdown. Nearly fifty years on, that moment was brought roaring back to life, this time louder, larger, and led by pipers from all across Victoria, around the country, with some even travelling from New Zealand to take part.
The previous world record of 333 pipers, set in Bulgaria in 2012, was officially surpassed, confirmed onsite by adjudicators from The Australian Book of Records with the sound of the pipes echoing across the CBD.
Katrina Sedgwick OAM, Director & CEO of MAP Co said “The Great Melbourne Bagpipe Bash was pure joy, bringing together musicians of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate our creative spirit and music legacy. Hundreds of bagpipers, an AC/DC anthem, and the heart of the city alive with music. Fed Square has always been the place where Melbourne comes to celebrate. Today, we made history together.”
The Great Melbourne Bagpipe Bash marked the return of AC/DC to Melbourne and the kick off of their POWER UP Australian tour. Celebrations continue this week with High Voltage, a surprise free concert featuring Amyl and The Sniffers and Public Figures at Fed Square this Friday 14 November, presented by Fed Square, City of Melbourne and Double J.
Melbourne’s own Amyl and The Sniffers are set to light up Fed Square this Friday 14 November, returning home for a one-night-only, free outdoor performance that promises pure, high-voltage exhilaration.
Straight off the stage from their first show as special guests with AC/DC on their POWER UP Australian tour, the band will unleash their signature ferocity in the heart of the city with a special surprise gig, free to all rock fans, announced just two days before showtime. Expect breakneck riffs, sweat, noise and the kind of unfiltered energy that has made Amyl and The Sniffers one of the world’s most electrifying live acts.
Housemates turned bandmates in 2016, Amy Taylor (vocals), Bryce Wilson (drums), Dec Mehrtens (guitar) and Gus Romer (bass), have quickly progressed from backyard jam sessions to performing on the world’s biggest stages, becoming one of Australia’s most successful rock exports and nominated for a 2026 Grammy Award. Fronted by Taylor, who has fast established herself as one of the world’s most iconic and recognisable frontwomen, they’ve built a global reputation for raw, fearless performances and undeniable stage presence. Their latest album Cartoon Darkness has earned rave reviews across the globe and multiple awards including Best Live Act and Best LP at the Rolling Stone Australia Awards. And with sold-out tours across the US, UK, Europe and South America, plus a string of blistering festival appearances from Glastonbury to Coachella, Amyl and The Sniffers have become synonymous with the raw, unrelenting spirit of Australian rock.
Opening the night are Public Figures, one of Melbourne’s most exciting new pop-rock acts: the passion project of Evie Vlah (Sunfruits, Mika James) and Gigi Argiro (Sunfruits, Folk Bitch Trio, Elizabeth M Drummond). They’ll fire up the crowd with a mix of AC/DC’s greatest hits and their own high-energy originals, setting the stage for a full-throttle night in the Square.
Katrina Sedgwick OAM, Director & CEO of MAP Co, said the event continues Fed Square’s tradition of delivering unforgettable, free live music in the city’s heart.
“Amyl and The Sniffers are one of Australia’s most explosive live acts. Fearless, magnetic, and completely unmissable. High Voltage continues Fed Square’s commitment to bringing iconic artists to the heart of Melbourne, celebrating the city’s proud music heritage with events that are free, open and welcoming to all.”
With High Voltage, Fed Square continues its streak of major outdoor gigs that have seen tens of thousands pack the Square this year for free performances by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Eddy Current Suppression Ring, Kneecap, Robbie Williams, and more. As Melbourne gears up for AC/DC’s POWER UP tour, the city’s rock legacy roars to life.
High Voltage featuring Amyl and The Sniffers is proudly presented by Fed Square, City of Melbourne and Double J, celebrating the arrival of AC/DC’s POWER UP tour to the city. AC/DC’s POWER UP is making its way across Australia through November and December 2025, performing in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane. Tickets available through Ticketek.
Building on a momentous run of free outdoor shows across the past twelve months, Fed Square has announced its next slate of major music events across October, November and into the New Year, with Melbourne’s own King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard leading the charge on Friday 24 October and treating the city to a one-off rave set.
King Gizzard make techno now? That’s right: live, unscripted, improvised electronic music using their eurorack-modular setups. For casual King Gizz fans, this is outrageous, even for a band known to genre-hop as much as they do. For folks who follow the band closely, this has been a long time coming and many years in the making.
This free-all-ages event presented by Fed Square will be the debut of their rave set in Australia and the band’s first show on home soil in over two years. Prepare to dance and witness King Gizzard evolve in real time this Friday 24 October, as they navigate a fully modular synthesis table that shares the same beating heart of their ethos: ambitious, improvised, and epiphanic.
The evening opens with Merve, a Berlin-based, Naarm-born DJ and producer celebrated for her infectious energy, and boundary-pushing sound. From Panorama Bar to Boiler Room, Merve has lit up dance floors worldwide, cementing her status as one of Australia’s most exciting electronic artists.
Just over a month later, on Thursday 27 November, Fed Square will welcome two house music heavyweights, Detroit’s legendary Moodymann and Melbourne’s own DJ Jnett. Celebrated for his deep house sound that fuses soul, funk, disco and hip hop, Moodymann is one of electronic music’s most enigmatic and magnetic figures and
his sets are as unpredictable as they are unforgettable. Joining Moodymann in this epic double bill is DJ Jnett – a pioneer of Australia’s electronic scene whose genre-blurring sets and decades of influence have made her one of the country’s most respected selectors. From underground clubs to major festivals, DJ Jnett’s deep, soulful sound continues to move dance floors nationwide.
Closing out the year, Fed Square will once again be the place to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the heart of the city. From 7pm on Wednesday 31 December, the lineup, curated by returning favourite Barry Sunset, will feature three of Melbourne’s most exciting DJs – MzRizk, Gavin Campbell and the man himself, Barry Sunset. Crowds will be taken on a global musical journey, spinning disco, funk, house and dancefloor classics all the way through to the midnight countdown. With unbeatable views of Melbourne’s CBD, it’s set to be a night of celebration, energy and community as the city rings in 2026.
Katrina Sedgwick OAM, Director & CEO of MAP Co, said the new line-up builds on the momentum Fed Square has created as the city’s gathering place for unforgettable cultural moments.
“Fed Square has cemented its place as one of Australia’s most exciting homes for live music, drawing huge crowds to free events right in the heart of Melbourne. This next wave of events builds on that success, with King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Moodymann and Jnett joining a line-up of world-class artists who make Fed Square the place to experience unforgettable live music – accessible and open for everyone to enjoy.”
With this next wave of announcements, audiences can look forward to an electrifying summer of free performances in the heart of Melbourne. From international icons to local legends, Fed Square will continue to deliver diverse, city-defining music moments, with even more surprises still to be revealed.
As Melbourne gears up for the return of legendary rock band AC/DC, Fed Square is calling all bagpipers across Victoria to come together on Wednesday 12 November to help smash the record for the largest ever bagpipe ensemble!
The Great Melbourne Bagpipe Bash presented by Fed Square and supported by City of Melbourne and ABC Radio Melbourne, will see pipers of all ages and abilities pay homage to AC/DC’s iconic “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)” music video – in a truly one-of-a-kind performance.
Directed by Paul Drane, the classic 1976 music video was filmed on Swanston Street for ABC’s Countdown. It featured the band with late singer Bon Scott playing alongside three members of Melbourne’s own Rats of Tobruk Pipe Band, on the back of a flatbed truck as it slowly travelled through the city. Both the song and music video went on to become internationally iconic, with the bagpipe at the heart of its success.
Now, almost fifty years later as Melbourne hosts the great AC/DC at the MCG, hundreds of pipers will bring to life another memorable music moment. Together Fed Square, City of Melbourne, ABC Radio Melbourne and the Victorian piping community will attempt to break the long-standing world record of 333 pipers held by Bulgaria (2012), by playing the bagpipes en masse in melodious (or comedic) harmony.
All pipers, young and old, eager to be part of this unforgettable moment should register now, download the sheet music and get practicing, to claim their place in history. Warm up the pipes, wear a kilt, school uniform or skinny jeans and get ready to make some noise. Be it school bands, individuals, piping groups or supporters just ready to cheer on the community, all are welcome and encouraged to take part (or bring ear plugs)!
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Nick Reece
“Melbourne, grab your mates and dust off those bagpipes – we’ve got a world record to break at Fed Square this November.”
“It’s the first of our celebrations marking the band’s long-awaited return to Melbourne – and it’s going to be dynamite.”
Quotes attributable to Katrina Sedgwick OAM, Director & CEO of MAP Co
“Hundreds of bagpipers playing an AC/DC classic in the heart of the city feels like the perfect Melbourne moment. It’s a celebration of our music legacy and creative spirit that continues to define our city.”
“Fed Square has always been the place where Melbourne comes together to celebrate its music, culture and community – and this will be one for the ages.”
This spring, Fed Square invites visitors to take a breath and press RESET. Returning from 1 September to 6 October 2025, RESET is Fed Square’s free, family-friendly festival that brings together sustainability, creativity, and community connection in a month-long program of interactive events, workshops, art installations and immersive experiences. Proudly supported by Bupa, RESET festival creates the opportunity to slow down, have fun with family, reconnect with nature, and discover new ways to live more lightly on the planet together.
From muddy play and eco-discos to talks, clean-ups, outdoor cinema, textile mending and seed propagation, RESET offers something for everyone. Whether you’re five or ninety-five, climate curious or creatively inclined, spring is the perfect time to RESET with a renewed commitment to everyday sustainable action.
Melbourne Arts Precinct Director & CEO Katrina Sedgwick said, “Spring is the perfect time to take a breath, rethink and discover sustainable techniques to reduce waste, connect with nature and embrace greener living – all through RESET’s fun, family-friendly events, workshops, films and talks. Get your hands dirty, be present and empower the next generation to care for our planet.”
Bupa APAC Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, Roger Sharp said “Bupa is proud to partner with Fed Square on sustainability-focused programs such as RESET which highlight the essential connection between the health of people and the health of our planet, while reinforcing that everyone has a part to play.”
On the first Sunday of the festival (7 September), RESET will host a new event – Planting Party – a day of community action and celebration held in partnership with Creative Climate. The event includes morning tree planting at nine offsite locations across Melbourne facilitated by Landcare Victoria, followed by an afternoon gathering at Fed Square featuring a Wurundjeri Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, live music by The Orbweavers, gardening talks, seed propagation workshops and music-for-plants performances by Earworthy DJs.
As part of the festival, Fed Square will unveil a major new textile installation by celebrated artist Sangeeta Sandrasegar, presented in partnership with the Australian Tapestry Workshop. Suspended from the ceiling in the open space of the Atrium, I ragazzi dei millefiori: the flow’rs of song and story comprises panels of silk organza and cotton, dyed various hues using natural plant dyes. Botanical illustrations and archival imagery are delicately embedded in the fabric – referencing the Millefiori Tapestry of Pistoia and early 1900s Italian flower sellers on Princes Bridge. Weaving together themes of migration, cultural identity and the deep histories of colour, craft and place, the artwork invites audiences to reflect on the ways plants and flowers carry stories of belonging, transformation and heritage. The work will be accompanied by public programs including artist talks and natural dye workshops led by master dyer Heather Thomas.
Families can look forward to a host of engaging events which embrace simple sustainable habits including the much-loved Big Toy Swap (2 October), where children can exchange their gently loved toys, books and games for something new-to-them while learning about reuse and circularity; Earth Children (20–23 September), a hands-on sculptural workshop for younger children led by artist Serene Lau that invites participants to build an evolving cob metropolis using squishy, sustainable earth-based materials and Mini Beast Disco (30 September – 2 October), a rainbow-friendly eco-disco led by underground performance icons Betty Grumble and Dandrogyny, celebrating bugs, biodiversity and togetherness through performance and play.
Fed Square’s Outdoor Cinema also returns for spring, presenting a free four-day screening series that pairs family favourites with environmental themes. Audiences can settle in for an afternoon of eco-conscious storytelling with Future Council (30 Sep), a documentary following eight young Australians exploring climate solutions; FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1 Oct), a 1992 animated classic about deforestation and magic; Flow (2 Oct), a haunting and dialogue-free tale of survival in a flooded world; and Shrek (3 Oct), reminding us – albeit obliquely – that love, acceptance and community matter in the face of difference. All films screen daily at 3pm on the Fed Square Big Screen.
Opening on the first day of the festival is Nocturnal Worlds, a sound installation produced by Audiocraft in collaboration with the Australian Museum. From 1 – 10 September, Fed Square’s Atrium will transform into an immersive sonic environment where visitors can drift through the haunting sounds of Australia’s elusive nocturnal creatures including Powerful Owls, Green Sea Turtles, Long-Finned Eels and more, while relaxing in a chill-out space that invites deep listening and quiet reflection.
On Saturday 6 September, a favourite Fed Square event returns – the Zero Waste Festival presented by Zero Waste Victoria. From repair cafés and clothes swaps to craft workshops, panel talks, a pop-up recycling centre and sustainable food trucks, the festival brings together leading voices and everyday heroes in waste reduction to share practical solutions and spark collective action. All stalls operate under a Create No Waste policy, and the festival will be powered by a closed-loop system thanks to Green My Plate.
For those looking to lend a hand when it comes to sustainability, RESET is running two community days of action and connection. First up, World Clean Up Day takes place on Friday 19 September presented in partnership with Clean Up Australia and Bupa. Meet at Birrarung Marr Walk to help clean up the riverbank, then enjoy free tea, coffee and a classic sausage sizzle to celebrate your efforts. For World Rivers Day on Sunday 28 September, be welcomed by the stirring sounds of the Climate Choir and a powerful performance by Djirri Djirri, the Wurundjeri women’s dance group. Then settle in at The Edge for an afternoon of storytelling, music and conversation, presented by the Yarra Riverkeeper Association as part of Birrarung Riverfest.
Curious about bees? Don’t miss the Rooftop Beehive Tours (Saturday 4 October), guided by the experts at Rooftop Bees. See Fed Square’s rooftop hives up close and learn how these incredible pollinators support local ecosystems. Tours are limited to 20 people, so bookings are essential.
On Saturday 4 October, green thumbs and creatives alike are invited to the open day in the Test Garden, planted next to the Skyline Car Park at Fed Square. The Test Garden demonstrates the naturalistic planting style of Laak Boorndap – the urban garden at the centre of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation. The morning features a talk with urban greening experts, Associate Professor Claire Farrell (University of Melbourne Burnley Campus) and Landscape Architect Jon Hazelwood (Hassell), followed by a hands-on natural dyeing workshop with artist Heather Thomas. Explore the role of plants and public spaces in shaping our sustainable future.
Finally, circular fashion lovers can join Embroidery and Mending Workshops in The Atrium on Sunday 14 September. These drop-in sessions offer practical, decorative ways to refresh your wardrobe using traditional techniques and a little imagination.
Fed Square is set to erupt with raw energy this AFL Grand Final eve public holiday, as cult Melbourne band Eddy Current Suppression Ring return to the stage in Melbourne after a 15-year hiatus for a rare, free headline show – their first ever free show.
That’s right: Eddy Current Suppression Ring – one of the most vital bands to emerge from Melbourne’s underground – are back.
Presented and programmed by Fed Square, the all-ages event takes place on Friday 26 September and marks the legendary garage-punk band’s first major appearance since their last-minute set at Hobart’s Dark Mofo in 2016, part of a brief but unforgettable reunion run that included a now-iconic set at Golden Plains. But their last Melbourne headline show? You’d have to go back to 2010 at The Palace, a night still spoken about in reverent tones by those who were there.
“Eddy Current Suppression Ring is a band woven into the fabric of Melbourne’s music history. Raw, fearless and utterly electrifying live,” said Fed Square Director of Programming Sarah Tutton, “We’re delighted to welcome them back to the city for what promises to be a truly unforgettable night at Fed Square, continuing our commitment to creating unmissable free, all-ages events that celebrate the best of local and international music, right in the heart of Melbourne.”
Formed in 2003 after a spontaneous jam session at the Christmas party of a Melbourne vinyl pressing plant, Eddy Current Suppression Ring quickly became one of the most influential underground bands in the country. Eschewing music industry protocols and armed with a stripped-back sound and fiercely DIY ethos, they released a string of critically acclaimed records including Primary Colours (2008), which won the Australian Music Prize, and Rush to Relax (2010), which cracked the ARIA Top 20 and was named in the 100 Best Australian Albums of All Time. Fiercely independent, unpolished and unpredictable, their impact on Australian rock is enduring – praised by Double J as “one of Australia’s finest ever garage rock bands.”
The show’s announcement follows the lightning-fast sell-out of the band’s new split 7-inch Shapes and Forms, released earlier in the month.
Joining them is EDAN, all the way from New York. A true, original MC, producer and psychedelic wizard known for flipping golden-era hip hop inside out and turning it into something wild and mind-expanding. Part rap show, part spaced-out beat odyssey.
Opening the night is Melbourne-based Wrong Way Up, a genre-blurring duo drawing deep from the wells of Afro-disco, ’70s synth-funk and left-field electronic experimentation. Rhythm-forward, groove-heavy and totally transportive; this is music built for movement and deep listening alike.
This latest show adds to Fed Square’s growing legacy as a live music venue with iconic outdoor gigs, following unforgettable free sets from the likes of Robbie Williams, Kneecap, Caribou, Glass Beams and more – bringing tens of thousands of music fans into the city and supporting Australia’s live music industry.
From December, Melbourne’s home of free events, Fed Square, comes alive with ‘Open Air’ – an eclectic program of free music, outdoor cinema, festivals and immersive art, inviting crowds to enjoy a superb summer of sun, sound, food and film in the heart of the city. With over 56 free events and activities, as well as an array of buzzing restaurants, galleries and bars, Fed Square is the place to enjoy Melbourne’s warm days and balmy evenings.
As the sun sets, Fed Square’s Main Stage will light up with an electrifying lineup of live music. On Saturday 1 March, don’t miss the first of two major all-ages gigs featuring trailblazers in cosmic-jazz, Sun Ra Arkestra, psychedelic-jazz group Mildlife and Melbourne favourite DJs Wax’o Paradiso. Wax’o Paradiso will set the tone for a smooth, velvety night and get the crowd dancing! Then, the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra will transport jazz and funk lovers to new, cosmic heights, before Mildlife closes the epic evening, under the stars, with their unique blend of jazz, dance and psychedelic music.
The second free gig, presented by Fed Square, on Sunday 9 March features a lineup of indie, dance and bubblegum pop sensations including Peach PRC, Carla Wehbe, and George Alice. Taking to the stage on the public holiday eve, pop-princess Peach PRC will headline the all-female show with her shimmery style of funny, sweet and powerful pop.
On Saturday 15 February, presented by Fed Square in partnership with Stick Mareebo Productions, international Soca superstars Kevin Lyttle and Alison Hinds, and UK based Solo Banton headline the Afro-Caribbean Carnival, bringing heavy weight sound systems and carnival spirit to Fed Square for its second year. Get ready to dance alongside hundreds of people decked out in vibrant carnival costumes!
After a five-year hiatus, Asia TOPA, Australia’s major triennial of Asia-Pacific performance, returns to leading arts venues across the city. Fed Square will host live music events and installations including Asia TOPA’s Opening Concert on 21 February with a lineup of major local and international acts, Nongkrong – Sarapan on 23 February, a day festival celebrating Indonesian-Australian identity, gamalan, dance music and food and Shadows in Twin Cities from 20 February to 10 March which brings together children from Jeonju, Korea and Melbourne through large-scale video installations.
Commissioned in partnership between Asia TOPA and Fed Square, Fed Square’s amphitheatre will also act as the backdrop for Bread, Circuses and Home – a free and vibrant installation and mini festival running from 28 February to 10 March of Punjabi folk music, radio programming and interactive game plays by innovative Delhi–based duo Jiten Thukral (Jalandhar, Punjab) and Sumir Tagra (New Delhi).
Returning with a curated program of major films, Melburnians can embrace open air cinema in the Square from 15 January to 8 February. The free outdoor film program celebrates many beloved genres – from Westerns to martial arts to rom coms and sci fi – and offers the perfect date night, movie club or impromptu cinema experience in the city. Celebrate Hans Zimmer’s iconic scores in blockbuster films directed by Christoper Nolan by catching Inception, Interstellar or The Dark Knight, or revel in the icon that is Dolly Parton on her 79th birthday in both 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias.
Returning for its third consecutive year, Silent Cinema with Live Scores will enchant audiences from 25 to 27 February. Experience rare silent films like Baburao Painter’s Sati Savitri (1927) and other kathas by India’s most prolific silent film directors, accompanied by live performances from composer Hari Sivanesan and his collaborators. Plus, screenings of The Lost World (1925), with a live score by Butchulla songman Fred Leone, and Sherlock Jr. (1924), with music by Blue Grassy Knoll who returns to Fed Square after last year’s stellar performance.
Fed Square’s prime location makes it the go-to community space for Victoria’s leading arts and culture festivals. As well as Asia TOPA, Midsumma Festival returns to Fed Square across January and February featuring public performance in celebration of queer POC Elders, participatory experiences and chat circles hosted by LGBTQIA+ young people and a screening of The Wiz on the closing night of Midsumma Movies, in partnership with Melbourne Queer Film Festival.
Quote attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks
“Fed Square is more than just a popular gathering place, it’s a vibrant creative hub in the heart of our city and a place to experience and enjoy diverse events, day and night. From live music to tennis on the big screen, family fun, art installations, festival fun and much more – it’s free, it’s fun and it’s open to all.”
Quotes attributable to Katrina Sedgwick, Director & CEO, Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation (MAP Co)
“The ‘Open Air’ program has something for absolutely everyone and you can experience it all for free – live concerts, headliner gigs, community and cultural performances, dance, art and film. Bring the family, meet friends and spend the day in Fed Square’s lively art galleries, museums or restaurants, before catching a free gig, film or performance in the evening!”
Don’t miss a beat this summer at Fed Square!
REKOSPECTIVE: The Art of Reko Rennie (Now open until 27 January) – REKOSPECTIVE presents more than 100 works charting the entirety of Rennie’s more than two-decade long career, inviting audiences to explore his powerful responses to specific histories, cultures and materials. REKOSPECTIVE is the artist’s largest presentation of work to date and his first-ever retrospective exhibition – including recent acquisitions and a new, never-before-seen work.
Honk! Untitled Goose Exhibition (Now open until 16 February) – Enter a world of comedy, chaos and calamity in Honk! Untitled Goose Exhibition, a world premiere, free ACMI exhibition that dives into the making of global-hit videogame Untitled Goose Game. Discover design material, sketches, concept art and playable versions of the locally made game from its early development, exhibited publicly for the first time.
Koorie Art Show 12 (7 December – 23 February) – The Koorie Art Show at Koorie Heritage Trust is dedicated to showcasing the work of Koorie and Victorian-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists through a statewide call for entries. These artists generously share their stories, culture, and connection to Country.
ALWAYS LIVE Yerambooee (7 December) – Wurundjeri, Woi-Wurrung and Yolngu from North East Arnhem Land present a gathering of song, ceremony and dance on an enormous sand circle in Fed Square, open and free to the public. Presented by ALWAYS LIVE, Skinnyfish Music and Fed Square.
ALWAYS LIVE Garage Band (8 December) – In collaboration with JOF and Fed Square, ALWAYS LIVE have selected 20 of the best emerging artists from all around the state to perform at a huge multi-stage event in the Main Square.
NGV Kids Summer Festival Launch (11 January) – To kick off NGV’s Kids Summer Festival and celebrate the Cats & Dogs exhibition at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, check outa live dog show in the Main Square, jump into a kids workshop or enjoy yummy free ice cream! Top off your day with free entry to the exhibition, as well as a screening of Christopher Guests’ classic Best in Show (2000) at Fed Square’s outdoor cinema.
Outdoor Cinema (15 January to 8 February) – The free summer outdoor cinema program celebrates many beloved genres – from Westerns to martial arts to Dolly Parton favourites – and offers the perfect date night, movie club or impromptu cinema experience in the city. Grab takeaway, a deck chair and gather a group together for a balmy movie night of blockbusters or classics, under the stars. Visit fedsquare.com to explore the full program of outdoor cinema, as well as session times.
Australian Open on the Big Screen (25 – 26 January) – Catch the thrilling Australian Open finals on the Big Screen, surrounded by fellow tennis fans at Fed Square.
HONŌUR (31 January) – Presented by Midsumma Festival, BEAT ENTERTAINMENT, in association with Fed Square, and produced by Performing Lines, HONŌUR elevates and celebrates the true royalty of Queer POC Elders.
Midsumma Matters (1 February) – Presented by Midsumma Festival, Fed Square and House of Muchness, Midsumma Matters is a day series of creative participatory experiences and chat circles hosted by LGBTQIA+ young people.
BMW Opera for All (1 February) – BMW Opera for All, presented by Opera Australia and Fed Square, is a global concert series that returns to Australia for its third year in 2025, exclusive to Melbourne.
Midsumma Movies Closing Night (2 February) – Presented by Midsumma Festival in partnership with Melbourne Queer Film Festival, the landmark 1978 film The Wiz will be shown as part of Fed Square’s series of outdoor summer cinema.
Soli by Candlelight (4 February) – emerging Melbourne-based Ethiopian songstress Soli will perform gospel-inspired R&B originals surrounded by thousands of twinkling candles, in the first of three stunning Candlelight Concerts at Fed Square.
Ross Wilson and The Peaceniks by Candlelight (5 February) – Australian music pioneer, founder and songwriter for Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock, Ross Wilson, together with his band The Peaceniks, will bring classic rock hits to the Square, in a live performance under the stars.
Teeks by Candlelight (6 February) – to celebrate Waitangi Day, Maori artist Teeks will perform by Candlelight, sharing their soulful tunes.
Lunar New Year (9 February) – Fed Square is celebrating the Lunar New Year of the Snake with a range of exciting performances and activities! Come see the dragon dancers in action or join in a Tai Chi or Gentle Chinese Dance class.
Afro-Caribbean Carnival (15 February) – Melbourne will come alive with the energy of the Afro-Caribbean Carnival, featuring two international superstars, heavyweight DIY sound systems and hundreds of carnival lovers decked out in vibrant costumes.
The Future & Beyond (15 – 16 February) – a weekend of insightful talks, performances, and screenings inspired by ACMI’s world premiere exhibition The Future & Other Fictions. Packed with free and ticketed events, The Future & Beyond includes an immersive choose-your-own-adventure game that sees you craft your own sci-fi movie masterpiece.
Shadows in Twin Cities (20 February – 10 March) – Presented by ArtPlay, Asia TOPA, Fed Square and the Jeonju Cultural Foundation, Shadows in Twin Cities brings together children from Jeonju, Korea and Melbourne, enabling them to converse through live video and art. The activity takes place in three parts: “Meet Me”, “Watch Me Fly” and “Find My Shadow”.
Bread, Circuses and Home (28 February – 10 March) – a free public installation and mini-festival at Fed Square by innovative Delhi–based duo Jiten Thukral and Sumir Tagra. A vibrant display of Punjabi folk music, radio programming and interactive game plays, Bread, Circuses and Home is a celebration of the unique ways that cultures adapt, survive and transform in the wake of international migration. Bread, Circuses and Home is a collaboration between Asia TOPA, Fed Square, the artists and Melbourne’s diverse Punjabi communities.
Asia TOPA Opening Concert (21 February) – Asia TOPA’s Opening Concert will turn the Square into an open-air haven of eclectic beats, celebrating Asian-Pacific performance. Japanese born and Melbourne-based Shio will open the night, before Tokyo-based experimental pop band Tam Tam hits the stage. A soon to be announced major music act will headline the unforgettable evening.
Nongkrong – Sarapan (23 February) – Presented by Asia TOPA, Art Centre Melbourne and Fed Square, the Square will be transformed into a space to nongkrong or ‘hang out’, with food, performances, music and activities that explore Indonesian-Australian culture and identity.
Silent Cinema with Live Scores (25 – 27 February) – A mini film and live music festival over three days, featuring classics of silent cinema, presented with live original scores performed by some of Australia’s most exciting composers.
Summer Gig (1 March) – Starting at sunset, Wax’o Paradiso sets the mood with their smooth, trippy grooves, followed by the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra, taking jazz to cosmic heights. Mildlife wraps up the evening with hypnotic jazz-funk that’ll leave you floating. It’s free, all-ages, and an epic summer live music experience not to be missed!
Summer Gig (9 March) – Carla Wehbe’s soulful R&B will kickstart the night. Then we dive into George Alice’s edgy indie-pop, and, after the Moomba fireworks light up the summer sky, get ready for Peach PRC’s unapologetic, bubblegum-punk energy. It’s free and for everyone.
To download images to represent each event, click here.
From 29 November to 31 December, Fed Square, will become Melbourne’s hub of festive fun and celebration with 34 free events and experiences for everyone, of all faiths and backgrounds, to come together and enjoy.
As part of the City of Melbourne’s free, city-wide Christmas Festival, the Main Square will again be transformed into the magical Christmas Square. Melburnians can continue their annual tradition of family pics by magnificent decorations such as light-up bell swings and the spectacular 17.5m Christmas tree to bring twinkling lights, songs and joy to the city.
For the first time The Australian Ballet’s beautiful Christmas classic The Nutcracker will be live streamed straight to the Fed Square big screen from the stage of the Sydney Opera House on December 12.
Presented by the Koorie Heritage Trust, Koorie Krismas returns on December 14. Families can spend a fun-filled day with free live music, DJs, dance performances and a special appearance by Koorie Klaus. There will also be a First Peoples market from artists and creators who will have options aplenty for your Krismas buying needs.
From 16 to 23 December, visitors are invited to grab takeaway from one of Fed Square’s restaurants, nab a deckchair and settle back to enjoy free films on the big screen. In partnership with United Airlines, Fed Square presents Christmas classics such as It’s a Wonderful Life, Meet Me in St Louis, The Polar Express, The Santa Clause and Elf. Bringing a touch of the north pole to Fed Square, from 16 to 18 December, a life size snow globe will pop up for visitors to explore and capture keepsake photos, thanks to United Airlines.
United Airlines, in partnership with Los Angeles Tourism, are also offering an epic prize for the festive season, valued at $18,500, for a family of four to holiday in sunny Los Angeles. Including return flights to LA, four nights’ accommodation, dining, tours and local experiences, this trip will be an unforgettable Christmas gift for one lucky family. The competition opens Wednesday 27 November, and terms and conditions can be found at fedsquare.com.
As Camp as Christmas is back again on December 20 – presented by Fed Square and curated by The Huxleys, this joyful queer celebration of Christmas includes dazzling performances from The Huxleys, 2Joocee, Cerulean, Tanzer, Nefertiti LaNegra, Scotty So, and more.
Throughout December, Fed Square is a go-to destination for creative gift shopping with unique products by First Nations, local and global designers available from the ACMI Shop, shopKHT, the NGV design store and First Nations pop-up shop, Murran Melbourne. For the first time, Fed Square will stay open for two Late Night Shopping events on Thursday 12 and 19 December, featuring exceptional shopping, visits by Santa and complimentary, decorative gift wrapping.
Getting to Fed Square this festive season couldn’t be simpler, with the city’s major public transport options on the doorstep as well as parking conveniently located at Fed Square’s car park. Grab family and friends and enjoy everything that the silly season has to offer – dining, shopping, culture, entertainment and holiday cheer – all at Fed Square.
Quotes attributable to Director and CEO of Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation (MAP Co), Katrina Sedgwick.
“Across December, Fed Square will once again transform into a vibrant celebration of lights, music, and community spirit with a packed program of experiences and events for all the family – and all of it is FREE. Fed Square is also the best place for your Christmas shopping with fabulous gift ideas stocked in the brilliant stores run by ACMI, KHT and NGV, including late-night shopping for the first time. Who knew that Christmas shopping could be so much fun!”
To explore the full program of fabulous events and activities to do at Fed Square over the holidays, visit this page.
This spring, Melbourne’s iconic Fed Square welcomes back RESET – a month-long festival, focusing on environmental sustainability, connecting with nature, and promoting easy, enjoyable and useful ways to reduce our impact on the world.
RESET is a free series of family-friendly interactive events and workshops designed to make sustainable living both fun and practical for families and individuals. Learn about waste minimisation, sustainable home solutions, conservation and backyard ecology, and the art of reducing, reusing and recycling through a range of immersive experiences, supported by Major Partner, Bupa.
Director & CEO of Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation (MAP Co), Katrina Sedgwick OAM, highlighted the significance of RESET in fostering community-driven positive change and sparking the imagination of all ages.
“Following last year’s success, the free RESET festival is back throughout September and October, including the school holidays, with a rich program for all the family, spanning art, culture, science, and learning.”
“RESET is all about environmental sustainability – supporting people of all ages, right across our community, to make positive and impactful change in their daily lives,” she said.
Bupa APAC Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, Roger Sharp said events like RESET play an important role in provoking conversations about the environment while educating people on how to take practical actions for nature that benefits their health.
“We are extremely proud to be supporting RESET for the third year running as part of our mission to help create healthier cities,” Roger said.
Running from 1 September to 6 October, RESET will feature a range of markets, artworks, film screenings, talks and participatory installations – free and catering to all ages – across Fed Square.
Highlights include:
Fed Square will be the ideal place to captivate kids over the school holidays (23 September – 6 October), with several imaginative and free RESET events:
We welcome you to RESET this spring at Fed Square to refresh your ways to reduce, reuse, recycle and repair. For more information visit RESET.
RESET Program
What else is on this Spring at Fed Square
Pillars of Light is a seven-day festival celebrating Chanukah running in the Main Square of Fed Square from 7 to 14 December (except 9 December). This annual event has been run in Fed Square since 2019. The 2023 festival was booked in February this year.
As an important cultural and civic place, and in accordance with the Federation Square Civic and Cultural Charter, Fed Square welcomes all community groups to gather in the Square to commemorate, celebrate, or reflect.
Read more about the Pillars of Light program here.
This Summer, Fed Square is your home of live music and outdoor cinema. All through February, Fed Square presents a curated program of film and music, inviting crowds to enjoy a superb summer of sun, sound and cinema.
Summer at the Square will turn up the volume throughout the week with silent films with live-scores on Tuesdays, outdoor cinema on Wednesdays, live music by candlelight on Thursdays and live music on Saturdays. The program promises epic performances from local and international talent in the iconic sandstone square – open to all ages and completely free. From candlelight cabaret to Afro-Carribean beats, some of Australia’s most exciting original artists and global sensations alike will take to Fed Square’s Main Stage in February.
Spanning four Saturdays in February, Fed Square will showcase a huge bill of free live music performances for all ages, featuring local and international artists on our Main Stage.
BMW’s Opera For All (3 February) returns to Melbourne, exclusive to Fed Square. This one-hour open air concert in partnership with Opera Australia features popular traditional and contemporary opera performed by some of Australia’s most talented opera singers and Opera Victoria musicians sure to take your breath away, whether you’re an opera aficionado or new to the genre.
Fed Square and Triple R present Sounds of Aotearoa (10 February) – a choice all-Kiwi line-up of big talent from across the ditch in celebration of Waitangi Day, with chart-topping NZ sensation SIX60 headlining alongside famed exports Muroki, Ladi6 and Riiki Reid set to bring fans in droves to the Main Square.
The inaugural Afro Caribbean Carnival (17 February) run in partnership with Stick Mareebo Productions is a larger-than-life music, food and cultural celebration not to be missed. In true Carnivale spirit, the festival will encourage fans to adorn vibrant costumes and join in partying to soundtrack led by legendary reggae sound system Saxon Sound System (UK) and UK Hip Hop and Drum and Bass pioneer Spikey Tee (Jamaica), plus four local Melbourne DIY sound systems, (El Gran Mono, D.I.Y.HiFi, Housewife’s Choice and Heartical Hi Powa). Expect big sounds, energetic crowds and a whole lot of fun.
On Saturday 24 February, Fed Square with support from Yo CiTY presents an all-ages Afro HipHop, AfroBeats, Afro-House, Afro-pop night featuring talented artists before the acclaimed headliner Sampa the Great brings her powerhouse performance of dynamic vocals, poetic rap, multi-layered instrumental grooves and RnB beats to the Main Stage.
Thanks to a partnership with ACMI and InsiteArts, Silent films with live scores returns for its third consecutive year with a program of classic silent films set to bespoke live scores performed by some of Australia’s most exciting electronic, jazz and breakthrough composers and musicians. Enjoy slow, Summer sunsets and a night of free entertainment as you experience the magic of outdoor cinema.
Highlights include the enchanting 1918 Australian romantic classic The Sentimental Bloke accompanied by a live score by Paul Mac (13 February), a quartet screening of Experimental Shorts with a cross cultural contemporary jazz score by Peter Knight and Dũng Nguyễn taking audiences on a cinematic and sonic journey (20 February), and the timeless 1923 American film Our Hospitality with an original live score by 5-piece ensemble Blue Grassy Knoll (27 February).
Every Wednesday night, Fed Square will transform into a free outdoor cinema, screening modern classics on the Big Screen that’ll make your heart sing. Pack a Valentine’s Day picnic for a romantic screening of six category Oscar award-winning musical, La La Land (14 February) harp back to 1969 Harlem with Oscar award-winning music documentary Summer of Soul (21 February) and shimmy the night away with AACTA award-winning Australian musical The Sapphires (28 February).
Back by popular demand, Thursday evenings during February will bring live music by candlelight, an intimate and illuminating way to see some of Australia’s most exciting original artists. This year returns with an impressive lineup including ARIA award-winning, Coodjinburra artist Budjerah (15 February); the King of Cabaret, Rueben Kaye (22 February) and Triple J Unearthed High winner, JACOTÉNE (29 February).
Renowned Filipino drag queen and viral internet sensation, Taylor Sheesh will take centre stage at Fed Square on 16 February. This free performance provides a rare opportunity for Sheesh fans and Melbourne Swifties to experience the captivating blend of glamour, humour and artistry that has earned Sheesh a global following.
Don’t miss a beat this summer at Fed Square. To explore the full Summer program and for details of each event, visit Fed Square’s website: fedsquare.com/events/summer-at-the-square
Fed Square lights up its festive calendar from 24 November to 31 December with a program of free activities featuring gift wrapping, choirs, live performances and installations.
Events celebrating First Nations culture, LGBTQIA+ communities, Chanukah and Christmas – along with plenty of options for shopping, dining and entertainment – means Fed Square has something for all who wish to celebrate.
Once again, Fed square will be home to City of Melbourne’s Christmas Square, adorned with larger-than-life decorations and twinkling lights. The iconic 16.5 metre LED Christmas tree will be back and better than ever, with festive soundscapes and nightly light shows making for a magical visit. Marking the start of the festive season, Christmas Square will launch on 24 November with giant candy canes, choir performances, DJs and plenty of jolly entertainment.
Annual family celebration Koorie Krismas (2 December), presented in partnership with the Koorie Heritage Trust, will welcome Koorie Klaus back to the Square and a range of free hands-on workshops for kids and performances from First Nations musicians, comedians and dancers, hosted by Kimmie Lovegrove. The Koorie Krismas Market will showcase art, jewellery, craft, clothes and design from the Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Celebrating Chanukah, Pillars of Light (7 – 15 December) is a multicultural celebration. Presented in partnership with Fed Square and supported by City of Melbourne, Gandel Foundation and ARK centre, the event spans six special days of live performances, talks and ceremonial lighting of the 12ft high Menorah.
Presented by Fed Square and curated by iconic creative duo The Huxleys, As Camp As Christmas (16 December) returns to Fed Square in a maximalist fashion featuring live cabaret, comedy, choir and dance performances topped with a free screening of the Australian classic film, Strictly Ballroom.
Sing-song enthusiasts will find joy in the Fed Square Christmas Choir program (1 to 24 December), featuring a diverse array of local choirs. From Divine Divas Show Choir to Rainbow Voices Community Choir, Melbourne Mass Gospel Choir, and Glee Club Singing, these performances offer a medley of musical styles to enjoy all throughout December.
In the countdown to Christmas catch free screenings of your favourite Christmas films (20 to 24 December) from a deckchair or picnic rug in front of the big screen. The Christmas films program ranges from the classic, nostalgic and comedic that will entertain all ages.
Melbourne-based artist Beci Orpin’s heart-warming animated Christmas film, A Christmas Tale – commissioned by Fed Square and first screened in 2018 – also returns to the big screen every evening from 1 to 24 December. The animated short film capturing the essence of an Australian Christmas through native flora and fauna will be accompanied by a live choir on evenings from 24 to 26 November.
Fed Square shops, restaurants, and galleries extend our visitors’ festive experience, offering special activities and attractive offers, gift shopping and dining. Discover high-quality, unique gift ideas at KHT, ACMI, NGV, and Mabu Mabu, ranging from jewelry and ceramics to art books, clothing, games, and stationery.
And for the first time, Fed Square is offering a free gift-wrapping service, using beautiful wrapping techniques inspired by Japanese methods and Australian made, responsibly sourced materials. Gifts purchased at any of the Fed Square organisations can use the express lane for extra-speedy service. The free gift-wrapping service will run every Saturday and Sunday from 25 November to 24 December between 1pm – 6pm.
Then come to Fed square to share the arrival of the New Year amongst the thousands of people who come together annually in Fed Square to celebrate with friends and family.
To explore the full program of memorable events and activities to do at Fed Square over the holidays, visit Fed Square’s website: Festive Season at Fed Square – Fed Square, Melbourne Australia
Quotes attributable to Director and CEO of Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation (MAP Co), Katrina Sedgwick
“Across the festive season of December, Fed Square will be alive with sparkles, song, and celebration – pop in for your gift shopping, your gatherings with friends, and enjoy the joyful free programming in the heart of Melbourne.”
On Monday 6 November, Zionism Victoria will display seven Israeli flags on Fed Square’s Swanston St flagpoles to commemorate 30 days since the deaths of 1400+ Israelis as a result of attacks in Israel, and to raise awareness about the people taken hostage by Hamas.
Fed Square is hired and used by diverse Victorian community groups for events, including cultural celebrations and festivals, and solemn occasions of reflection and commemoration. This includes displaying national flags on our Swanston St flagpoles on national days and other days of ceremonial importance in collaboration with participating representatives of foreign nations.
Fed Square has historically displayed many countries’ national flags for official national days, or in some instances other days of cultural significance, including the National flags of Israel (2016), Albania (2018), Ukraine (2009), Pakistan (2017), Switzerland (2018), Bangladesh (2018), Greece (2021), Nepal (2021), Bhutan (2019) and Haiti (2022).
An annual Palestine National Day festival and flag raising event – held at Fed Square since 2018 – was scheduled to be held at Fed Square on Friday 27 October. The event was organised by the Australian Palestinian Advocacy Network (APAN) and was booked 12 months prior (including the booking for the flags). In light of the current situation in Gaza, the organisers changed the event to a vigil to commemorate those affected by the conflict. The event was attended by 1500 people. Palestinian flags were on display on the Swanston St flagpoles for the event.What has unfolded in Israel and Gaza is deeply distressing for many in Victoria and it is important that we maintain respect for each other, reaffirming that Victoria stands together, with all communities and all Victorians who are impacted by this conflict.
As an important cultural and civic place, and in accordance with the Federation Square Civic and Cultural Charter, Fed Square welcomes all community groups to gather in the Square to commemorate, celebrate, or reflect. Requests for further information about the event can be directed to Zionism Victoria.
On Wednesday 1 November, Zionism Victoria will hold an event at Fed Square to raise awareness of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas on 7 October 2023. The event is called Balloons of Hope and will run from 11am – 3pm.
Fed Square is hired and used by diverse Victorian community groups for events, including cultural celebrations and festivals, and solemn occasions of reflection and commemoration, such as today’s event and installation.
What has unfolded in Palestine and Israel is deeply distressing for many in Victoria and it is important that we maintain respect for each other, reaffirming that Victoria stands together, with all communities and all Victorians who are impacted by this conflict.
As an important cultural and civic place, and in accordance with the Federation Square Civic and Cultural Charter, Fed Square welcomes all community groups to gather in the Square to commemorate, celebrate, or reflect.
Requests for further information about the event can be directed to Zionism Victoria.
The Annual Palestine National Day festival and flag raising, which was scheduled to be held at Fed Square today, will be replaced by a vigil to commemorate those affected by the current conflict in Gaza. The event is organised by the Australian Palestinian Advocacy Network (APAN).The Palestinian flags were raised this morning and will be present for the vigil running from 7pm – 9pm. They will be removed by 9.15pm.
Examples of previous vigils at Fed Square include a remembrance lives lost to family violence (2018), acknowledgement of victims of the war in Ukraine (2022) and to grieve the number of lives lost during the pandemic in India led by Melbourne’s Indian community (2021).
On Monday 9 October MAP Co lit up blue in support of the victims of the conflict in Israel and those in the community who have been impacted. Major cities landmarks including the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne’s Town Hall also lit up on this date.
As an important cultural and civic place, and in accordance with the Federation Square Civic and Cultural Charter, Fed Square welcomes all community groups to gather in the Square to commemorate, celebrate, or reflect. Many cultural festivals and celebrations are held at Fed Square, some upcoming events include Diwali, Polish festival, African Cultural and Music Festival, and Pillars of Light.
This September, Melbourne’s iconic Fed Square is home to RESET – a month-long festival focussing on biodiversity, connecting with nature, and promoting easy and practical ways to live more sustainably.
RESET is a free series of family-friendly interactive events and workshops designed to make sustainable living both fun and practical for families and individuals. Learn about waste minimisation, sustainable home solutions, conservation and backyard ecology, and the art of reducing, reusing and recycling through a range of immersive experiences.
Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation Director & CEO, Katrina Sedgwick OAM, said RESET was designed to inspire positive change in the community while sparking the imagination of young and old.
“The festival blends art, culture, science and learning together in a family-friendly celebration of looking after our planet.”
“We’re thrilled to host an event which can help people to start or strengthen their sustainability journey. Life gets busy – this program spotlights accessible ways people can make positive changes in their day-to-day lives, with a focus on helping families empower the next generation to care for our planet,” she said.
Running from 2 – 27 September, RESET will feature a range of much-loved activations returning to Fed Square.
Gain valuable tips and tricks from experts to lead a waste-free lifestyle in a series of live panel discussions, talks, and activities at the Zero Waste Festival (2 September).
Sample delicious food, shop cruelty-free fashion and learn all about what it’s like to be plant-based, at the Vegan Market (9 September).
Visit Ree-bee Our Community (10 September) for a close-up look at the lives of bees and learn about their integral contribution to biodiversity and ecology. Join in Refresh and Reinvent (10 September) – hands-on workshops run delivered by local environmental champions CERES.
Explore the magical world of insects through The Butterfly House by Born in a Taxi (19 – 21 September) – where puppetry, performance and interactive visual art converge in a playful experience.
Pedal Power Pictures (19 – 22 September) will install a bike at the Edge for crowds to generate enough power to screen environmental documentaries and Studio Ghibli films for audiences.
Laugh and learn at child-friendly sketch comedy show Trash Puppets Live! or join in their workshop to transform your own rubbish into puppets (26 – 27 September).
Communicate with plants in artist A Million Thing’s Numinous Bloom (22 – 24 September), an interactive mechanical garden for all ages featuring triggered animatronics, sound and light.
We welcome you to RESET this September at Fed Square to refresh your ways to reduce, reuse, recycle and repair. For more information visit fedsquare.com/events/reset
About RESET
• 2nd September: Zero Waste Festival
• 9th September: Vegan Market
• 10th September: Ree-bee Our Community
• 10th September: Refresh and Reinvent: skills for life
• 19th – 21st September: The Butterfly House
• 19th – 22nd September: Pedal Power Pictures
• 22nd – 24th September: Numinous Bloom by artist A Million Things (presented by Born in a Taxi)
• 26th and 27th September: Trash Puppets Live! Trash with a Porpoise & Create your own Trash Puppets workshops
What else is on this Spring at Fed Square
• 30th September: Live Broadcast of AFL Grand Final
• 5th and 6th October: Melbourne International Games Week
• 6th October: King of Kart Tournament (Melbourne International Games Week)
• 5th – 22nd October: VOLO Dreams of Flight (Melbourne Fringe)
• 14th October: Garage Band (ALWAYS LIVE)
• 18th – 22nd October: In Common by One Fell Swoop (Melbourne Fringe)
• 20th and 21st October: Melbourne International Jazz Festival
• 4th November: Diwali: Festival of Lights
• 12th November: Polish Festival
• 17th – 19th November: African Music and Cultural Festival
SPARK by Daan Roosegaarde will illuminate the centre of Melbourne at Fed Square for RISING
This evening, Melbourne’s iconic Fed Square will host Dutch artist and innovator, Daan Roosegaarde, for the Australian premiere of Studio Roosegaarde’s ground-breaking and awe-inspiring light show SPARK – a hero event of RISING 2023.
Inspired by fireflies, stars and other magical lights in nature, SPARK will illuminate Fed Square each evening from tonight to 10th June 2023, with thousands of biodegradable sparks floating through the air in a poetic performance. Once released each evening, the sparks form ever-shifting clouds of light that behave like atmospheric bioluminescence, catching the wind and painting the sky with mesmerising patterns.
Presented by Fed Square in partnership with RISING, SPARK Melbourne is a sensory experience combining art, technology, and innovation. Purposefully silent, SPARK will be a beautiful and immersive spectacle in Fed Square’s outdoor, open-air plaza inspiring quiet contemplation, wonder and coming together as a community.
SPARK Melbourne is set to be the biggest showcase of SPARK globally, following hugely popular events in London, Bilbao, and Auckland. Thousands of art enthusiasts, festivalgoers and families are expected to wander through Fed Square each evening to witness the sustainable light show dance in the winter night’s sky.
Artist Daan Roosegaarde shared his excitement about showcasing SPARK to Australia within the unique space and architecture of Fed Square.
“SPARK Melbourne modernises the tradition of celebrating together. As an alternative to traditional fireworks or confetti, it is exciting to share SPARK in the creative district of Melbourne city.”
Katrina Sedgwick OAM, Director & CEO of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation (MAP Co) said.
“It was an ambition of the curators at Fed Square to see SPARK by Daan Roosegaarde come to Melbourne, and we’re proud to be partnering with RISING and Studio Roosegaarde to ensure that Australians can experience the work’s magic for the first time this winter.”
“Environmental sustainability is also central to Fed Square. SPARK can deliver an extraordinary immersive light experience in this iconic space through an innovative biodegradable artwork that will create a truly unforgettable Melbourne experience.”
Hannah Fox, Co-Artistic Director of RISING said.
“RISING is the time in Melbourne’s event calendar that invites the public into the heart of the city to take part in the art, and Daan Roosegaarde‘s SPARK is a perfect example of a large-scale art event that brings the audience into the centre of the experience.”
“It’s a very beautiful display of light and movement that mimics the patterns of bird murmuration, a cloud of fireflies and weather patterns and offers a visionary alternative to some of the more destructive remnants of celebration. We are proud to be partnering with the iconic Fed Square to bring it to Melbourne.”
MAP Co is partnering with RISING on several events at Fed Square during this year’s festival. Running continuously from 6:30pm to 10:30pm each evening between 7th to 10th June at Fed Square, SPARK will be a must-see, free experience to be enjoyed by anyone who takes the time to look up.
To learn more about the artist, his inspiration and the process of creating the award-winning artwork, Daan Roosegaarde will join Katrina Sedgwick OAM, Director & CEO of MAP Co and Hannah Fox, Co-Artistic Director of RISING for an ‘In Conversation’ on Thursday 8 June at The Edge, Fed Square. Another free event, bookings are required via fedsquare.com/events/in-conversation-with-daan-roosegaarde
Festivalgoers are also invited to join thousands of others to play a kazoo at 10,000 kazoos, check-out otherworldly creatures by artists Tin & Ed hanging from Fed Square’s Atrium ceiling or don a pair of skates at RISING’s new ice-skating experience along Birrarung Marr.
Home to leading restaurants, cafes and bars including Mabu Mabu, Hero, Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters and Transport, Fed Square is the ideal place to meet friends or grab a bite before enjoying the best that RISING has to offer.
For more information on how to experience RISING at Fed Square, visit fedsquare.com/events/rising
The Little Food Festival is chockfull of activities for kids
These school holidays are about to get tastier with the return of the Little Food Festival to Fed Square – Australia’s only food festival created especially for kids. Over two days, Wednesday 19th April and Thursday 20th April, young foodies will be treated to a jam-packed program of fun-filled and free activities, workshops and performances in the heart of the city.
Presented by the Sandro Demaio Foundation, Fed Square and Monash University and with Event Partner City of Melbourne, the Little Food Festival translates big ideas about food, the food system, health and protecting the environment into digestible, bite-sized activities for kids.
Fed Square will again be split into six activity zones for the festival, with fun things to do in each zone themed around an element of the food system: from growing food, to moving it, buying it, cooking it, eating, and disposing or reusing it sustainably.
MCed by Thanh Truong aka the ‘Fruit Nerd’, families can expect high energy performances by Junkyard Beats using ordinary kitchen objects to make music, a fast-paced Recycling Relay Race by Veolia, a chance to blend your own smoothie with Bike n’ Blend and interactive, live demonstrations on healthy cooking, lunchbox hacks, seasonal planting and composting.
For those seeking something slower-paced, families can get involved in food-themed yoga, catch a film on the big screen, enjoy a sustainability-themed book reading in the City of Melbourne’s library for kids, plant a seedling with Bunnings or learn how to pickle in-season foods at Monash University’s STEM Food Lab.
Founder of the Little Food Festival, Dr. Sandro Demaio shared his excitement for the event’s return in 2023, and the opportunity to engage and empower more kids to understand food.
“The festival had its biggest year yet in 2022, and we’re thrilled to be doing it all again at Fed Square with the hope of reaching even more kids and families. Little Food Festival is such a unique festival where kids have fun, learn and fill up on delicious food for two special days in the school holidays,” said Demaio.
“We feel privileged to be able to create an event that can be open to everyone, caters to our little ones and has the ability to create the next generation of super foodies,” continued Demaio.
The Little Food Festival is open from 10am to 4pm on Wednesday 19th April and Thursday 20th April at Fed Square and is free to attend. For further information on the Little Food Festival including the daily program, visit fedsquare.com/events/little-food-festival
The Little Food Festival is an all-weather, outdoor event and attendees are recommended to dress accordingly. The Little Food Festival also encourages the use of public transport, and for visitors to bring reusable water bottles, coffee cups and food containers.
Fed Live returns to Fed Square with its biggest line-up yet
The Melbourne Arts Precinct today announces the line-up for its popular free music festival, Fed Live, kicking off on Saturday 21 January in Melbourne’s iconic city square, Fed Square. Aussie music legends Vera Blue and Masked Wolf will join a stellar line-up of local musos including Gretta Ray, King Stingray and Big Twisty & The Funknasty for a series of unforgettable free gigs in Fed Square, set against the stunning skyline of Melbourne’s city.
On Saturday 21 January, ARIA award-winners King Stingray will headline the first of three free gigs, bringing their unique style of indigenous melodies paired with surf, indie and funk sounds to Melbourne. After taking out the 2022 ARIA Breakthrough Artist Award and getting a crowd of over 18,000 people grooving at Falls Festival, it will be an unmissable opportunity to catch these rising stars on a barmy summer’s night in the city – completely free. Supporting King Stingray is surf-pop band The Moving Stills, alt-country singer-songwriter Babitha and Andrew Gurruwiwi Band – a high-energy, 7-piece funk and reggae band from Arnhem Land.
Electro pop powerhouse Vera Blue will take to Fed Square’s main stage on Saturday 18 February, serving up her electrifying, hypnotic hits. A global star with over 1.2m Spotify listeners each month, Vera Blue is one of Australia’s most exciting talents. After a series of sold-out shows, fans will have the chance to catch her in a free, all-ages show in Fed Square’s unique, open-air plaza supported by indie-pop songstress Gretta Ray, multi-instrumentalist hitmaker Vetta Borne and rising pop/R&B artist PRICIE.
After shooting to TikTok fame with his track “Astronaut In The Ocean”, Sydney rapper Masked Wolf has amassed 2.9 billion streams and counting. Now, he is bringing his powerful hip hop force to the streets of Melbourne on Friday 24 March, joined by funk and hip hop artists Big Twisty & The Funknasty, Agung Mango, Pookie and Kootsie Don at Fed Square. This will be a one night only, special event of Australian hip hop strength.
Melbourne Arts Precinct’s CEO and Director Katrina Sedgwick OAM expressed the organisation’s pride in bringing live music to the heart of the city.
“We’re thrilled to present a line-up of gigs of some of Australia’s most sought-after artists, completely free and for everyone to enjoy. The Fed Live festival brings live music back to the streets of Melbourne and invigorates our Square. Bring your friends, family and join music lovers at Fed Square for a perfect summer’s night dancing to your favourite local acts,” said Katrina Sedgwick.
To explore the Fed Live line-up and for details of each gig, visit Fed Square’s website: fedsquare.com
Fed Square is turning into Melbourne’s headquarters for free festive fun this holiday season with a program of uplifting events, live performances and choirs, family photo moments and festivities to celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, New Year’s Eve and more.
From 25 November – 25 December, Fed Square is proudly home to City of Melbourne’s Christmas Square – a Christmas Festival event presented by City of Melbourne and with support from the Victorian Government and Fed Square. Christmas Square is a magical place in the heart of the city to enjoy larger-than-life festive decorations, twinkling lights and a visit with Santa at Santa’s Workshop. The iconic 16.5 metre LED Christmas tree will be back and better than ever, with new lights and sounds to make it even more spectacular.
Celebrate the holiday season in Koorie style with the return of Koorie Krismas on 10 December at Fed Square, presented by Koorie Heritage Trust and supported by City of Melbourne. A free event for everyone, there will workshops, performances by First Nations musicians and dancers and a visit by Koorie Klaus himself. Get all your Christmas shopping sorted at the Koorie Krismas Market featuring art, craft and design from the Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
On 16 December, witches, wizards and Muggles are invited to celebrate Christmas in the Wizarding World – a day of festivities, presented in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery, that includes Wizarding World trivia, costume competitions, a virtual wand workshop and a free film screening of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. On this magical day, there will also be giveaways of official Harry Potter treats and the opportunity to build and take home a LEGO Build your Own Hogwarts™ Castle.
Another highlight of the season at Fed Square is the Pillars of Light Festival from 18 – 23 December, supported by City of Melbourne, Gandel Foundation and ARK Centre. Over six uplifting days, people can experience live performances, talks and the ceremonial lighting of the 12ft high Menorah to commemorate Chanukah.
The heart of Melbourne will come alive to ring in the New Year! Thousands of people will come together in Fed Square to countdown the beginning of a new year, dance to live DJs, and enjoy an art and sound show programmed by students from the Victorian College of the Arts and Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. To add to the celebration, Fed Square’s buildings will be awash with mesmerising colours thanks to new lighting which has recently been installed across the façade. Fed Square’s restaurants and bars are also open for NYE bookings, to enjoy special meals with family or friends and spectacular views of the city.
To explore the full program of memorable events and activities to do at Fed Square over the holidays, visit the Festive HQ page.
Melbourne’s central civic place and home to leading cultural institutions including ACMI, The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia and Koorie Heritage Trust, as well as diverse dining options such as Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters, Hero, Big Esso by Mabu Mabu and Taxi Kitchen, Fed Square is the destination for a kaleidoscope of experiences.
Not-So-Silent Cinema returns to Fed Square’s Main Stage on 2 – 4 December 2022, with a free program of silent films accompanied by live performances of newly composed and restaged live scores by local and international musicians.
Produced by Insite Arts and presented by ACMI and Fed Square, with the support of the Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund through the Victorian Government and City of Melbourne, this season the return of Australia’s only silent film festival is right in the heart of Melbourne.
On Friday 2 December, three ground-breaking short films from the silent era – from 1902, Georges Méliès’ pioneering visual effects-laden science-fiction film Le voyage dans la lune (A Trip to the Moon), Buster Keaton’s Cops (1922, 18 minutes) and Milt Gross’ He Done Her Wrong (1930, 20 minutes) will be accompanied by live scores performed by American born jazz saxophonist and composer Phillip Johnston and his Quartet.
On Saturday 3 December, Carl Theodor Dreyer’s haunting foray into horror, Vampyr (1932), will be paired with an unsettling score by Melbourne-based DJ and composer Chiara Kickdrum.
On Sunday 4 December, Teinosuke Kinugasa’s experimental masterpiece A Page of Madness (1926) will be presented with a new electronic score performed by Marcus Whale and Jacques Emery.
Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos said: “Whether you’re a film buff, a music lover or just enjoy a summer’s evening in Melbourne, Not-So-Silent Cinema will give you something to shout about.”
“We’re proud to support this wonderful program that will showcase incredibly talented musicians and encourage more people to enjoy a night out at Fed Square, right in the heart of our world-class city.”
City of Melbourne, Lord Mayor Sally Capp, said: “Melbourne’s thriving music scene is globally renowned, and we can’t wait to see some of our best local and international musicians flock to the city as part of Not-So-Silent Cinema at Fed Square. Free events like this draw thousands into Melbourne’s CBD, which has direct economic benefits for our traders who can offer unparalleled retail, hospitality and entertainment experiences to visitors.”
ACMI Director & CEO, Seb Chan, said: “We’re proud to partner again with Fed Square to deliver free, fun and accessible cinema and live music experiences with some exciting Australian talent, curated by the ACMI team. Not-So-Silent Cinema is the perfect opportunity to enjoy ACMI’s onsite restaurant Hero before heading out into Fed Square for an evening of film and music under the stars.”
Melbourne Arts Precinct Director & CEO, Katrina Sedgwick, said: “Not-So-Silent Cinema 2022 sees the return of Australia’s only free festival of silent classics accompanied by stunning live scores. It’s a wonderful experience to watch these films at Fed Square on a summer’s evening, as the sun goes down behind the big screen and the city lights begin to come to life around you. BYO picnic, grab a deckchair or sit in one of the fabulous restaurants that surround the Square with a drink and snack as you enjoy these rare and special screenings from the history of film.
Deckchairs and free ice cream from Cups n Cones available at each screening, until stocks last.
Not-So-Silent Cinema has been supported through the Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund, a partnership between the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne.
Not-So-Silent Cinema runs 2 to 4 December 2022 with free screenings and performances in Fed Square, Melbourne. For more info visit fedsquare.com/events/not-so-silent-cinema
Tomorrow, Wednesday 26 October, Fed Square, ACMI and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, turn twenty.
Since their opening in 2002, and joined by the Koorie Heritage Trust in 2015, these unique cultural institutions have changed the way the people of Victoria and visitors experience our city, deepened Melbourne’s identity as the cultural capital of Australia and created a central gathering place for the community.
To celebrate 20 years, Fed Square is proud to announce that the NGV is presenting a major work from its collection, Rings of Jupiter by Inge King to be temporarily displayed in Fed Square. At almost two metres high, Rings of Jupiter is an engaging sculpture by one of Australia’s most prolific artists that balances the heavy materiality of steel with the infinite theoretical possibilities of geometry. Exhibited in Fed Square from today, Tuesday 25 October, it extends the rich array of free artworks on offer across the Melbourne Arts Precinct, connecting iconic works including Vault by Ron Robertson-Swann at ACCA, Forward Surge, also by Inge King, at Arts Centre Melbourne, Dervish by Clement Meadmore in Southbank and Nearamnew by Paul Carter in the stone of Fed Square’s plaza.
As Fed Square turns twenty, the dynamic space enters a new chapter of artistic brilliance. Honouring the architectural genius of Fed Square, as well as the nationally significant art institutions that call Fed Square home, it’s only fitting that Fed Square takes its place as the vibrant gateway to the newly expanded Melbourne Arts Precinct. As the gateway, Fed Square is the first stop in a trip to the city, where visitors are immersed in art and culture, including now Rings of Jupiter, that promotes Australian artists and encourages discovery throughout Melbourne’s renowned arts corridor.
Commissioned especially for the 20th anniversary date, Fed Square has also launched spectacular new lighting that bathes its buildings in mesmerising colour. Funded by the Victorian Government, designed by ARUP and programmed by Bluebottle, the new dynamic and programmable strip and spot lights illuminate the iconic façade and its geometric shapes and fractures with beautiful light shows that will further enhance an evening visit to the Square and the city. The upgrades to the lighting have been made as part of a $20 million investment by the Victorian Government in Capital Works.
“It’s hard to imagine Melbourne without Fed Square – in just two decades it has become an important place where Victorians and visitors from across the globe can connect with community and cultures,” said Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos.
“Fed Square is a magnificent piece of architecture in the heart of Melbourne that should be celebrated on its 20th anniversary, and always. To mark the milestone, we’re proud to be adding a piece of significant Australian art to Fed Square, presented by NGV, to continue to create a unique, cultural experience for visitors. A day of culture starts at Fed Square, and takes you on a journey to discover the incredible institutions, talent and dynamic art across the Melbourne Arts Precinct,” said Katrina Sedgwick OAM, Director & CEO, Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation (MAP Co).
“Thanks to funding from the Victorian Government, we have also launched stunning new dynamic lighting at Fed Square, designed by ARUP. The brilliance of the lighting accentuates the iconic architecture of Fed Square – it’s fractals, unconventional shapes and geometry – and can be expertly programmed by Bluebottle to create drama, art and celebration,” Sedgwick continued.
Fed Square, ACMI, Koorie Heritage Trust and NGV have delivered a rich program of free experiences for the 20th anniversary throughout October. Art, music and immersive experiences continue with A Score for Fed Square by Mia Salsjö – a work specially commissioned by Fed Square and NGV that is set to be performed live by musicians of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at Fed Square on October 26, We Will Slam You With Our Wings – Joanna Dudley’s operatic video installation, presented in partnership with ACMI, in arrangement with Arts Projects Australia and supported by the Naomi Milgrom Foundation, Sun Songs – a Fed Square commissioned sound and light bath by Geoffrey Nees and J. David Franzke and A Rainbow of Tomorrows – a multidisciplinary exhibition of queer First Nations artists’ work at Koorie Heritage Trust. Details on events can be found via Fed Square’s website, fedsquare.com/events/20th-anniversary
ACMI, Australia’s national museum of screen culture, is celebrating 20 years since opening its doors in Melbourne’s iconic Fed Square, with exclusive birthday offers on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October. Across this weekend, visitors can access special offers including half-price entry to the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition Light: Works from Tate’s Collection and all cinema sessions, plus free choc tops and cookies until stocks last.
Melbourne’s central civic place and home to leading cultural institutions including ACMI, The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia and Koorie Heritage Trust, as well as diverse dining options such as Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters, Hero, Big Esso by Mabu Mabu and Taxi Kitchen, Fed Square has been the destination for a kaleidoscope of experiences for twenty years.
Federation Square means so much to so many – a place to meet, to share meals and stories, to protest, an architectural masterpiece, a stage, cinema, museum, gallery, landmark, icon and town square in the heart of Melbourne. Opened on October 26, 2002, with an ambitious vision to transform Melbourne’s city centre, Fed Square has changed the way the people of Victoria and visitors experience our city and created a central gathering place for the community. As it launched, so did two new cultural icons – The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia and ACMI, and now the Koorie Heritage Trust. This October, we celebrate with a month-long program of music, film, food, art, conversation and experiences as the beloved city landmark turns twenty.
The banks of the Birrarung (Yarra) where Fed Square proudly sits has long been a gathering place for its traditional owners, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people and visiting Kulin Nations. Steeped in First Nations tradition and culture, the land holds meaning of ‘coming together’ for Australia’s First Peoples – a meaning that is expressed through the sacred ceremony of Tanderrum and shared with all of Melbourne’s people.
Designed by LAB Architecture Studio, in association with Bates Smart Architects, Fed Square’s design heralded a new contemporary vision for Melbourne that reimagined the part of town once home to train yards, a morgue and a fish market into the focal point of the city. Unlike the city grid, Fed Square’s design embraced flowing form, unconventional angles and connectivity, with puzzle pieces of cohesive, multi-purpose buildings linked around a central civic plaza. This unorthodox and brilliant take on city architecture, accented by cascading fractals of glass, zinc and sandstone, awarded Fed Square the public’s affection as well as heritage listing in 2019. The only 21st century building to be heritage listed, Fed Square’s innovative, maximalist architecture will forever be lovingly preserved and celebrated for the sense of place and connection it creates between the city, the land and the riverside.
Affectionately coined ‘The People’s Square’, Fed Square is where Melburnians choose to come together as their place to celebrate, shed a tear, cheer and mark the most memorable moments. Fed Square has been home to moments that have defined the state of Victoria, and Australia – from the National Apology to major Australian sporting triumphs to the official visit of TV royalty, Oprah. These collective experiences at Fed Square have shaped the identity of Melburnians and reinforced a shared responsibility to one another.
As Fed Square turns twenty, the dynamic space enters a new chapter of artistic brilliance. Honouring the architectural genius of Fed Square, as well as the nationally significant art institutions that call Fed Square home, it’s only fitting that Fed Square takes its place as the vibrant gateway to the newly expanded Melbourne Arts Precinct. As the gateway, Fed Square is the first stop in a trip to the city, where visitors are immersed in art and culture that inspires, educates, promotes Victoria’s many talents and encourages discovery throughout Melbourne’s renowned arts corridor – Arts Centre Melbourne, NGV International, the soon to be built The Fox: NGV Contemporary and many more iconic cultural institutions including ACCA, Malthouse, Chunky Move, MTC, Melbourne Recital Centre, the ABC Southbank, Melbourne University’s Southbank Campus including VCA and the Conservatorium of Music.
“It’s hard to imagine our city without Fed Square – a unique civic, cultural, and distinctly Melbourne space. Fed Square has become a site of spontaneous gathering for so many celebrations, commemorations, and historic moments over the past two decades,” said Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos.
“With our $1.7 billion transformation of the Melbourne Arts Precinct underway, Fed Square is set to become an even more significant cultural gateway and a vital link between our arts and sporting districts, and the CBD. This
20th birthday program is a chance for everyone to be part of a vibrant and creative celebration of the ‘peoples square’.”
This next step in Fed Square’s story gives the precinct a bright future direction and realises its purpose as a civic and cultural mecca for Melbourne.
“There is no doubt that Federation Square has had a profound effect on the way our city lives and breathes over its 20 years. Now becoming an official part of the cultural ecosystem that is the Melbourne Arts Precinct, it has a purpose that will be clear and consistent for the community and elevates it as a destination to start your creative journey in the city,” said Katrina Sedgwick OAM, Director & CEO, Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation (MAP Co).
“The transformation of the Melbourne Arts Precinct is the biggest investment in cultural infrastructure in Australian history, and positioning Fed Square as the welcoming point to the new arts neighbourhood honours its standing and contribution to the creative sector in its short and rich history,” continued Sedgwick.
“Conceived and designed to demonstrate the very spirit of federation, the architecture and urban design of Fed Square embodies respect and support of differences, within a coherent and welcoming precinct. Melbourne is a city of experiences and Fed Square has encouraged active participation in civic and cultural life for twenty years, with a 21st C architecture that gives a home to diverse and transformative events, exhibitions, and encounters,” said Donald Bates, Director, Lab Architecture Studio.
To mark twenty years of Fed Square, MAP Co, in partnership with its precinct partners ACMI, Koorie Heritage Trust and NGV, will deliver a rich program of free experiences to enjoy at Fed Square throughout October. Art, music and conversation will takeover Fed Square including a special performance by musicians of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra of a new multi-disciplinary art project created by Australian artist and composer Mia Salsjö and Garage Band, a major block party by ALWAYS LIVE featuring 30 garage bands. Details on events and experiences for Fed Square’s anniversary can be found below and via Fed Square’s website, fedsquare.com/events/20th-anniversary
Melbourne’s central civic place and home to leading cultural institutions including ACMI, The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia and Koorie Heritage Trust, as well as diverse dining options such as Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters, Hero, Big Esso by Mabu Mabu and Taxi Kitchen, Fed Square has been the destination for a kaleidoscope of experiences for nearly twenty years.
This October, Fed Square marks 20 years as Australia’s most celebrated and debated public square. As part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, Fed Square is partnering with the Experience Consortium to launch The Experience Lab – inviting Victorian practitioners to participate in a unique incubator program that will reimagine what’s possible in the iconic space by developing concepts for both physical and virtual experiences.
The extraordinary, heritage listed architecture of Fed Square in the heart of Melbourne features a myriad of intertwining outdoor and indoor spaces, unexpected vistas, nooks and meeting places. Experience-makers will have the rare opportunity to activate Fed Square’s design in never-before-seen ways.
Three individuals or groups will be selected by an expert panel to participate in the three month program, each receiving $10,000, industry mentoring by the Experience Consortium and support by Fed Square’s team to form a site-specific experience concept, business plan and final pitch that could see their idea turned into reality.
Leading experience designers, Peter Tullin (Co-Founder REMIX Summits), Tamasein Holyman (Co-Founder Immersive Cinema) and James Boyce (Founder Grumpy Sailor) have founded the Experience Consortium, a collective formed to inspire the storytellers and experience-designers of tomorrow. They bring extensive experience in new forms of audience engagement, creative entrepreneurship and developing immersive and interactive experiences, and are responsible for some of Australia’s most ground-breaking experiences including Immersive Cinema’s recent production of Dirty Dancing, seen by more than 20,000 people.
“The Experience Lab sees Fed Square invest in our creative industry’s development and takes the opportunity of the 20th anniversary to explore how we can reimagine its distinctive spaces for our audiences. As we look to our future as a destination within the newly formed Melbourne Arts Precinct, we’re excited to imagine unexpected experiences that have the potential to activate and connect the cultural corridor,” said Katrina Sedgwick OAM, Director & CEO Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation.
“The possibilities of this program are endless and only limited by our imagination. Fed Square offers a canvas like no other and the Experience Lab will kickstart collaborations with the creative community that will open up new possibilities and drive growth of industries such as immersive entertainment,” said Peter Tullin, Co-Founder REMIX Summits.
“As it enters its third decade, the Experience Lab program is an exciting new way for Fed Square to create one-of-a-kind experiences for visitors while investing in local talent and ideas. I encourage experience-makers and creative visionaries to apply to be part of the Lab and create something remarkable for this iconic Melbourne site,” said Steve Dimopoulos MP, Minister for Creative Industries.
People and groups with compelling ideas are encouraged to apply, and the expression of interest, application criteria and further information can be found at fedsquare.com. Applications close Sunday 7 August 2022.
Download high resolution images of Fed Square.