Summer at the Square

Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters are bringing you the Patio Bar this February. Their bar team presents a pop-up al fresco bar in the heart of Fed Square.

After a highly successful inaugural program last year, BMW’s Opera for All is back, presented once again in partnership with Opera Australia. Come and enjoy traditional and contemporary opera arias performed by world-leading opera singers.

Get ready for Sounds of Aotearoa, celebrating some of New Zealand’s best established and emerging talent, in a free, all-ages gig. Headlining is chart-topping NZ sensation SIX60, with support from Muroki, Ladi6 and Riiki Reid. Presented by Fed Square and Triple R.

Taylor Swift has emerged as a force for change in the music industry, impacting everything from streaming services to artists’ contracts. This panel discussion examines Taylor Swift’s influence as a feminist, artist businesswoman. It will explore how she has generated such a strong fandom, how she is a significant force for change in the music industry, and her impact on other artists.

Aria-winning electropop musician and singer-songwriter Paul Mac has created a unique live score to accompany The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke by C.J. Dennis. Based on the 1915 verse novel, the film is about a man, Bill, who falls in love and decides to give up gambling and drinking to pursue a family life. This film was fully restored in 2000 by the National Film and Sound Archive.

Presented by Fed Square in partnership with ACMI and Insite Arts.

Coodjinburra musician Budjerah’s list of accolades and his loyal fan base are growing fast. He toured with Ed Sheeran this year, fast off the back of winning the 2021 ARIA Award for Best Breakthrough Artist and the 2022 ARIA Award for Best Soul/ R&B Release for his album Conversations. His latest release ‘Therapy’ has already racked up over 10 million streams on Spotify. Join Budjerah by Candlelight, for an intimate evening of soulful R&B-inspired pop.

As Swiftmania takes over Melbourne, the viral Filipino drag sensation Taylor Sheesh is coming to Fed Square for a night of Taylor Swift-inspired performance and celebration. Taylor Sheesh will get you up and singing to your favourite Taylor Swift songs, in what’s sure to be an energetic performance to remember. Arrive at 7.30pm for pre-show entertainment featuring cheerleading performances, a voguing showcase from the House of Diesel, large-scale dance pop-ups – or even join in a lip-syncing battle. Supported by Tristan Meecham.

This inaugural festival of Afro-Caribbean music, food and culture is kicking off with a bang, featuring international headliners Saxon Sound System (UK) and Spikey Tee (Jamaica) and four local sound systems El Gran Mono, D.I.Y.Hifi, Housewife’s Choice and Heartical Hi Powa. Come dressed in carnival costume to join the 300+ throng of costumed fans for a day of fun, flair, food and festivities.

Presented by Fed Square in partnership with ACMI and InsiteArts, this program of surreal shorts includes Marcel Ducamp’s Anemic Cinema (1926, France) and May Ray’s L’Étoile de mer (1928, France), presented with a live jazz score written and performed by Peter Knight and Dũng Nguyễn .

Presented by Fed Square in partnership with ACMI and Insite Arts.

Fast, on the edge, and brutally funny, Reuben Kaye is a multi-award-winning Australian comedian, singer, and writer lauded for being unapologetically loud, politically active, queer, brash, and fabulous. Winner of multiple Best Cabaret Awards, Reuben Kaye has cemented himself as one of the biggest names in the comedy and cabaret scenes. Join Reuben Kaye by Candlelight, for an evening of edgy cabaret.

Get ready to experience the powerhouse vocals, rap stylings, multi-layered instrumental grooves and RnB beats of Zambian-born Sampa the Great, as she headlines this free all-ages night of Afro hip hop, Afrobeats and Afro house. Presented by Fed Square and Yo CiTY.

Local bluegrass legends Blue Grassy Knoll will perform an original score, bringing to life silent film classic Our Hospitality starring Buster Keaton. Our Hospitality exhibits Keaton’s physical comedy prowess in a tightly-written and beautifully filmed black comedy.

Presented by Fed Square in partnership with ACMI and Insite Arts.

Our summer film program presents a program to warm the heart, designed for music and musical lovers. Pull up a deckchair as the sun sets to enjoy the six-Oscar-winning romantic musical La La Land (2016, US); the Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award-winning independent documentary about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, Summer of Soul (2021, US); or the joyous musical comedy-drama based on the 1960s girl group of the same name, The Sapphires (2012, Australia).

At only 18 years of age, Melbourne-based JACOTÉNE’s star is already fast on the rise. With a tone infused with the textures and shades of past vocal greats, JACOTÉNE delivers with a power well beyond her years. Crowned as Triple J’s Unearthed High Winner of 2022, JACOTÉNE has performed at the Sydney Opera House for VIVID LIVE, at Splendour in the Grass and supported G Flip in their DRUMMER Australian Tour. Join JACOTÉNE by Candlelight, for an evening of soulful song.