Live Music
A massive program of free, open air live gigs and concerts.
Expect major international and local artists performing free live gigs throughout January, February and March; intimate concerts by candlelight; opera stars lighting up the Main Stage and the return of the Afro-Caribbean Carnival.
With a program running the gamut from pop to rock, soca to soul, opera to cosmic jazz fusion – it’s an eclectic program designed to get music-lovers of all persuasions grooving and moving in the soul of the city.
Check out our Outdoor Cinema program to experience original scores performed live by award-winning multi-instrumentalist composers, to classic silent films.
All free, all ages – for all.
What’s on?
Friday 31 January, 8.30pm-9.30pm | Main Square
HONŌUR is a live performance which elevates and celebrates the true royalty of First Peoples communities, Queer POC Elders. HONŌUR will introduce audiences to some of Melbourne’s most ICONIC legends in a celebration and ceremony of love and recognition that SLAYS the house down.
Saturday 1 February, 5pm-7pm | Main Square
Opera Australia’s brightest stars perform Opera’s favourite music, live under a summer sky. With orchestral accompaniment from musicians from Orchestra Victoria.
4-6 February, 8.30pm-9.30pm | Main Square
Back by popular demand, experience the magic of intimate, starlit concerts, surrounded by thousands of twinkling candles, against the backdrop of Fed Square’s iconic architecture. This year’s concerts traverse rock, soul and R&B, with each night featuring a different artist performing their original music. Featured artists: Soli, Ross Wilson and The Peaceniks, Teeks.
Saturday 15 February, 4pm-11pm | Main Square + Birrarung Marr Walk (formerly River Terrace)
This free celebration of Afro-Caribbean music, food, costume and sound system culture, features performances from three international Soca and Reggae superstars, Alison Hinds, Kevin Lyttle and Solo Banton, as well as local sound systems – El Gran Mono, Heartical Hi Powa and Housewife’s Choice.
Friday 21 February, 7.30pm–10.30pm | Main Square
Celebrating the launch of the triennial of Asia-Pacific performance, Asia TOPA’s opening night party is set to be a spectacular celebration of Eastern-fusion contemporary music, featuring a major headliner (yet to be announced) and international acts.
Sunday 23 February, 9.30am–5.30pm | Main Square
A full day party featuring sarapan (breakfast) and performances, transforming the Square into a space to ‘nongkrong’ – meaning to ‘hang out’ in Bahasa Indonesian.
Saturday 1 March, 7.30pm–10.30pm | Main Square
Get ready to dive into a mind-altering sonic collision of cosmic jazz and experimental grooves.
Sunday 9 March, 7.30pm–10.30pm
Get primed for a massive, all-ages, high-energy pop party over the Moomba and Labour Day long weekend.
Check out the full program of free live music, outdoor cinema and community events on as part of Open Air in the Square.
Past Events
31 December, 7pm–12am | Main Square
New Year’s Eve in the city is always a busy time of year, so make your experience stress-free by booking a drinks and dinner package at one of Fed Square’s bars or restaurants. With all-inclusive packages, you can avoid the crowds and celebrate in style. On a budget? Enjoy the free program of entertainment in the Square until Midnight – but be sure to check the City of Melbourne’s website for crowd control information and for alternative celebration zones across the CBD. Stay safe!
Friday 10 January, 7pm-11pm | Main Square
Get ready for an unforgettable 4-hour set Friday, 10 January, from 7pm to 11pm, with Caribou – aka legendary Canadian electronic recording artist Dan Snaith.