Open Air at the Square
As the weather warms up, head to the Square to enjoy free, accessible, all-ages live music and outdoor cinema in the heart of the city.
Open Air at the Square is our mammoth free summer program of live events – with over 56 outdoor concerts, gigs, community festivals, film screenings and arts and cultural events on and open to all.
From international acts and ARIA-award-winning artists to Afro-Caribbean beats, there’s something for every music-lover at Open Air at the Square.
Classic films and blockbusters will take over the Big Screen as the Square transforms into an open air cinema throughout January and February. Featuring films across many beloved genres – from Westerns to Dolly Parton favourites. Grab a deck chair or BYO picnic rug and enjoy cinema under the stars.
Fed Square will be the heart of community and cultural celebrations all throughout the warmer months, with special events planned for Lunar New Year, Midsumma Festival and an event to mark the launch of NGV Kids Summer Festival.
As the sun sets on balmy Melbourne nights, take in rooftop views, share drinks and dinner with friends at Fed Square’s bars and restaurants and enjoy the best in free open air entertainment in the Square.
And for sports-lovers, as always Fed Square will be your home of live sporting moments, screening the big moments from the Australian Open, live on the Big Screen.
It’s time to get outside and enjoy the best of what summer in Melbourne has to offer – Open Air at the Square.
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. Artists include Peach PRC, Mildlife, Ross Wilson, Sun Ra Arkestra, Alison Hinds and Soli. All free, all ages – for all.
From 15-24 January, enjoy a curated program of films, exploring artist and auteur collaborations, cinematography both epic and intimate, and the power of a thrilling score. Silent cinema with live scores is also back, where you can experience 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.
In partnership with Australia’s major Asia-Pacific triennial of performing arts, Asia TOPA, Fed Square will host the festivals’ opening concert, with a free, all-ages open-air gig (headliner to be announced). Also presented as part of Asia TOPA, you can enjoy the fusion of gamelan music, Indonesian breakfast and family-friendly workshops, with Nongkrong Festival; kids and families explore Shadows in Twin Cities, and experience Punjabi performers Thukral and Tagra’s installation and performance series about migration and resilience, Bread, Circuses and Home.
Celebrate community and culture throughout Melbourne’s warmer months, with the return of the Nepalese Festival, Lunar New Year celebrations, Midsumma Festival, pop-up acoustic performances and playlists curated by local DJs on throughout the Square. Celebrating the launch of NGV Kids Summer Festival, kids and families can enjoy a day of ‘cats and dogs’-themed celebration, including a screening of Best in Show (2000) and a live show.
From Friday 29 November 2024 to Sunday 9 March 2025, you can save on parking while dining and shopping at Fed Square.