Creativity takes centre stage across Darebin as the iconic FUSE Festival returns for two weeks of diverse programming.
Darebin’s cultural calendar reaches its annual peak as FUSE Festival 2025 prepares to activate venues, parks and unexpected spaces throughout the municipality. Opening with Ganbu Gulin on Sunday 31 August, Darebin FUSE Festival combines free community events with ticketed performances, ensuring accessibility remains at the heart of this celebration.
Ganbu Gulin launches the festivities at Darebin Arts Centre and Ray Bramham Gardens with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. This year’s theme, wudhanu yuwanguth: From Many to the Next, brings together extraordinary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent including renowned singer-songwriter Emma Donovan, emerging rock band Doe Eyes, hip-hop artist Torres Green and the acclaimed Djirri Djirri Dancers.
Darebin FUSE Festival 2025
- Where: Various locations around Darebin
- When: Sunday 31 August – Sunday 14 September
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Musical highlights span genres and venues throughout the fortnight. A Night Under the Stars with Watty Thompson and Friends on 6 September recreates the intimacy of campfire gatherings with music from his acclaimed debut album alongside new material. Electronic trio Enki blends Iranian melody, jazz harmony and field recordings captured locally for a unique sonic portrait of Darebin.
Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre transforms into a vibrant festival hub from 5-7 September, illuminated by works from celebrated puppet companies Snuff Puppets and local legends A Blanck Canvas. Friday night’s installation opening features DJ sets, food stalls and roving performances from First Nations drag icons Cerulean and Stone Motherless Cold.
Visual arts take prominence with En Masse, a life-sized projection featuring the award-winning Rawcus Ensemble displayed on the external wall at 161 Westbourne Grove from 4-10 September. This brand-new installation explores tensions between individuality and collective identity through dance and digital artistry.
Family programming ensures all ages can participate, including Rock-A-Bye Baby on 4 September featuring retro Afro-disco-psychedelic-boogie duo Wrong Way Up in a performance designed specifically for children and parents. Darebin Libraries contribute numerous free programs throughout the festival period.
FUSE Fund supports three independent works created by local artists, including contemporary dance piece 3 by Yuiko Masukawa, where three dancers move through balletic choreography around a live basketball game at Narrandjeri Stadium from 25-27 September.
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