A free month-long music and film festival at Fed Square? Welcome to Summer at the Square
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23.01.2024

A free month-long music and film festival at Fed Square? Welcome to Summer at the Square

Fed Square
Words by Coco Veldkamp

As the warm embrace of summer envelops Melbourne, Fed Square promises a curated line-up of free entertainment in February that has something for everyone.

Summer at the Square makes Fed Square Melbourne’s premier entertainment destination this February and it’s free!

The series will transform the iconic sandstone square into a lively hub of unforgettable entertainment, featuring music, movies, and a myriad of must-attend events.

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.

Tuesdays – Silent Films with Live Scores

  • The Sentimental Bloke (1918, Australia), with live score by Paul Mac – Tuesday 13 February, 8pm | Big Screen and Stage
  • Surreal Shorts, with live score by Dung Nguyen and Peter Knight – Tuesday 20 February, 8pm | Big Screen and Stage
  • Our Hospitality (1923, US), with live score by Blue Grassy Knoll – Tuesday 27 February, 8pm | Big Screen and Stage

Thanks to a partnership with ACMI and InsiteArts, Tuesdays at Fed Square bring a unique cinematic experience with silent films with live scores returning for their third consecutive year. On February 13th, catch the enchanting 1918 Australian classic The Sentimental Bloke with a live score by Paul Mac. On February 20th, be amazed by the quartet screening of Surreal Shorts presented with a live jazz score written and performed by Dung Nguyen and Peter Knight. Then to close the month, on February 27th, enjoy the timeless 1923 American film Our Hospitality with an original live score by Blue Grassy Knoll.

Wednesdays – Outdoor Cinema

  • Wednesday 14, 21 and 28 February, 8pm | Big Screen

Transforming into a free outdoor cinema every Wednesday night, Fed Square invites you to grab some friends, pack a picnic and revel in the magic of open-air cinema.  On Valentine’s day, enjoy the musical romance La La Land. On February 21st, the 2021 Sundance Audience and Grand Jury Prize-winning Documentary Summer of Soul is airing, exploring the historical importance and legacy of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. Finally, on February 28th, catch the AACTA award-winning Australian musical The Sapphires.

Learn more here.

Thursdays – Live Music by Candlelight

  • Budjerah by Candlelight – Thursday 15 February, 8.30pm | Main Square
  • Reuben Kaye by Candlelight- Thursday 22 February, 8.30pm | Main Square
  • JACOTÉNE by Candlelight – Thursday 29 February, 8.30pm | Main Square

Thursday evenings in February bring a captivating showcase of Australian talent surrounded by the glow of thousands of glimmering candles.

On February 15th, catch ARIA award-winning Coodjinburra artist Budjerah. Known for his unique pop and R&B sound, Budjerah’s career has soared in the last two years, having supported Ed Sheeran on his record-breaking Australian stadium tour, played at several massive festivals, and performed at the AFL grand final. Learn more here.

On February 22nd, the King of Cabaret Reuben Kaye will take the stage. Having won several Best Cabaret Awards, Reuben promises an evening of provocative and fun cabaret.

Triple J Unearthed High winner JACOTÉNE is also set to perform on February 29th. Despite only being 18, JACOTÉNE’s signature textual and powerful sound has already seen her cement a dedicated fan base. Learn more here.

Saturdays – Live Music

  • BMW’s Free Opera for All – Saturday 3 February, 4pm | Main Square
  • Sounds of Aotearoa, with SIX60 – Saturday 10 February, 6pm | Main Square
  • Afro-Caribbean Carnival – Saturday 17 February, 5pm – 11pm | Main Square
  • Sampa the Great – Saturday 24 February, 6pm | Main Square

Get ready to groove every Saturday in February as Fed Square hosts an eclectic line-up of local and international artists on the Main Stage.

Kicking off the festivities on February 3rd is BMW’s Opera For All, a mesmerizing open-air concert by Opera Australia, featuring traditional and contemporary opera.

On February 10th, Fed Square and Triple R present Sounds of Aotearoa, a celebration of Waitangi Day with a stellar Kiwi lineup. Chart-topping NZ sensation SIX60 headlines alongside Muroki, Ladi6, and Riiki Reid, creating a trans-Tasman musical celebration.

The good vibes continue on February 17th with the inaugural Afro-Caribbean Carnival, a larger-than-life celebration of music, food, and culture. Catch legendary reggae sound system Saxon Sound System and UK Hip Hop and Drum and Bass pioneer Spikey Tee, as well as four local Melbourne DIY sound systems.

Closing out the month on February 24th, Fed Square, with support from Yo City, presents an all-ages Afro music night. Sampa the Great will take the Main Stage, delivering a powerhouse performance of dynamic vocals, poetic rap, and infectious beats.

Taylor Sheesh

  • Friday 16 February, 7:30pm | Main Square

Taylor Sheesh, a long time Swiftie, has been impersonating Taylor Swift since 2017. Now a global sensation, Taylor Sheesh has performed her Errors Tour in shopping malls and stadiums across the Philippines. Her performance on Fed Square’s main stage will be her first major public appearance in Australia.

Hosted by Tristan Meecham from All The Queens Men, the night kicks off with an extravaganza of local performers featuring voguing from The House of Diesel, dance pop-ups from Body Electric, Bollywood dancing with Sapphire Dance, and a performance from First Nations artist 2Joocee. This night is for fans of Taylor Sheesh and those about to be – dress up, there will be prizes, bring your besties and get ready to party.

Explore the full Summer program and details for each event here.

This article was made in partnership with Fed Square.