Fed Square is set to become Melbourne’s go-to summer hotspot with Open Air, a sprawling program of over 56 free events running from December 2023 to March 2024.
From music gigs to outdoor cinema, cultural festivals and art installations, the Fed Square Open Air program invites locals and visitors to celebrate the season in the heart of the city.
The summer nights will be filled with music, starting with a major live gig on Saturday, March 1. The event features cosmic-jazz pioneers Sun Ra Arkestra, Melbourne’s own psychedelic-jazz group Mildlife and DJs Wax’o Paradiso, creating a smooth, groovy atmosphere under the stars.
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A second headline concert on Sunday, March 9, brings indie-pop energy to Fed Square with Peach PRC leading an all-female lineup, including Carla Wehbe and George Alice. The event coincides with the Moomba Festival fireworks, promising an unforgettable night for all ages.
Film lovers can enjoy a diverse selection of screenings at Fed Square’s outdoor cinema, running from January 15 to February 8. With a lineup that includes Christopher Nolan’s blockbusters Inception, Interstellar and The Dark Knight, as well as Dolly Parton classics 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias, there’s something for everyone.
For an extra-special experience, the Silent Cinema with Live Scores series returns from February 25 to 27. This unique event features rare silent films accompanied by live musical performances, including Sati Savitri (1927) and Sherlock Jr. (1924).
Festivals and cultural celebrations are also central to the Open Air program. On February 15, the Afro-Caribbean Carnival brings high-energy performances by Soca superstars Kevin Lyttle and Alison Hinds, alongside dazzling costumes and Caribbean beats.
Asia TOPA, the Asia-Pacific triennial, offers an exciting lineup of events at Fed Square, including the Opening Concert on February 21 and Nongkrong – Sarapan on February 23, a day-long festival exploring Indonesian-Australian identity through music, dance and food.
Art lovers can immerse themselves in thought-provoking exhibitions such as REKOSPECTIVE, a retrospective of Reko Rennie’s career running until January 27 and the Koorie Art Show, which runs from December 7 to February 23, showcasing the work of Victorian-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
The Midsumma Festival, celebrating LGBTQIA+ communities, returns to Fed Square in January and February with events like HONŌUR on January 31, a tribute to queer Elders and a closing night screening of The Wiz on February 2, in partnership with the Melbourne Queer Film Festival.
Fed Square’s Director, Katrina Sedgwick, emphasizes the variety of offerings, stating, “The Open Air program has something for everyone – live concerts, film, art and community performances—all for free. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Melbourne’s vibrant summer.”
Located at the corner of Swanston and Flinders Streets, Fed Square is surrounded by galleries, museums, restaurants and bars, making it an ideal destination to spend the day before enjoying a free evening performance or film screening.
For the full program and event details, visit head here.
