Community
Free open-air events celebrating Melbourne’s diverse communities and culture.
The Square will become a vibrant hub for community festivals and cultural celebrations as part of Open Air at the Square, with events for Lunar New Year, Midsumma Festival, the Nepalese Festival and the launch of NGV Kids Summer Festival.
Let your ears take you on a journey as the Square is activated with pop-up performances, featuring an eclectic mix of acoustic music sets from international and local musicians.
And we’ve asked some of our favourite local DJs to curate playlists for us, which we’ll be playing each arvo in the Square – bringing you the fresh sounds of Open Air at the Square.
1 January–31 March, 12pm–2pm + 4pm–6pm | Main Square
This summer, the heart of the city is about to be soundtracked by some of Melbourne’s most creative DJs. Local legends Mothafunk and Emelyne take over the speakers with custom-curated sets made for balmy afternoons and breezy nights.
Various dates and times | Top of Swanston Street Steps
Relax on the Swanston Street steps to enjoy pop-up open-air acoustic performances, featuring artists showcasing an eclectic mix of musical styles from all over the world.
Saturday 11 January | Main Square
To kick off NGV’s Kids Summer Festival and celebrate the Cats & Dogs exhibition at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, come along to see a live show in the Main Square, jump into a kids’ workshop and check out the Cats & Dogs exhibition.
Saturday 1 February, 10.30am-4pm | The Edge
Conversations and creative experiences exploring issues of concern to LGBTQIA+ youth.
Sunday 9 February, 9.30am-2pm | Main Square
Celebrating Lunar New Year, enjoy a free day of activity in the Square. Drop into a group Tai Chi class, catch a Bruce Lee film on the Big Screen – and don’t miss the dragon dance!
10 February-31 March, 7pm-8pm | Big Screen
Huddle revisits the historical significance of Deaf huddling, a formation devised by Gallaudet University’s Deaf gridiron team in the 1890s to create a protected, visual space for sign language, shielded from the gaze of the opposing team.
Check out the full program of free live music, outdoor cinema and community events on as part of Open Air in the Square.