The heart of Melbourne is beating strong this summer with Fed Square’s epic Open Air at the Square program of major acts like Peach PRC, Mildlife and the Sun Ra Arkestra, an outdoor cinema, Asia TOPA and more.
There are few places more iconic in Naarm’s CBD than the centrefold of cultural events and activities that is Fed Square. Over the course of the summer, Open Air at the Square is transforming Fed Square into a hub of exciting activities to suit anyone’s fancy.
The program boasts over 56 events that span concerts, gigs, festivals, screenings and art and cultural events. While some heavy hitters and golden gems shine bright across Open Air at the Square’s calendar, none of these events are going to break the bank. Every single one of them is completely free, as well as accessible and suited to all ages.
Open Air at the Square is your one-stop shop all summer long. Whether it be music, movies or mayhem you’re after, you’ll find it all at Fed Square. Read on to discover which events you should check out at Open Air at the Square over the summer.
Explore Melbourne’s latest arts and stage news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Mildlife, Sun Ra Arkestra and Wax’o Paradiso
- March 1, 7.30pm-10.30pm
- Main Square
- More info here
A transcendent night of Afro-futurism and experimental grooves awaits, featuring three boundary-pushing acts under the stars.
Melbourne favourites Wax’o Paradiso open at sunset, weaving their signature ambient electronica tapestry. The legendary Sun Ra Arkestra follows, bringing their cosmic jazz revolution from Chicago. For over 70 years, they’ve pioneered space-age free jazz and Afro-futurism, earning a Grammy nomination for their 2020 album Swirling and recently performing at prestigious venues from Radio City Music Hall to the Berlin Opera House.
Closing the night, local psychedelic jazz-funk outfit Mildlife will transport you through their hypnotic soundscapes. Since their 2017 debut Phase, they’ve become one of Australia’s most acclaimed acts, winning ARIA Awards for Best Jazz Album and sharing stages with Arctic Monkeys, Khruangbin and Kamasi Washington. Their sound fuses influences from Sun Ra and Alice Coltrane to Ennio Morricone and Giorgio Moroder.
This free, all-ages sonic journey promises to be extraordinary.
Peach PRC, George Alice and Carla Wehbe
- March 9, 7.30pm-10.30pm
- Main Square
- More info here
Get ready for an explosive pop extravaganza during the Moomba long weekend, featuring three of Australia’s most exciting female artists in a free, all-ages concert under the stars.
Sydney’s Carla Wehbe kicks off the night with her distinctive blend of 80s-inspired glam-pop and heartfelt ballads, channelling influences from Queen to David Bowie. Adelaide’s George Alice follows – the triple j Unearthed High winner who caught Elton John’s ear – bringing her dreamy vocals and infectious alt-pop beats that have garnered over 20 million global streams.
As Moomba’s fireworks light up the night sky, international sensation Peach PRC takes the stage. Fresh from supporting BLACKPINK and with 1.7 billion TikTok views, her #1 ARIA-charting Manic Dream Pixie EP and sold-out global tours, she’ll deliver an unmissable show of bubblegum-punk-pop energy.
Open Air Cinema Program
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Sit back and relax as you watch your favourite stars, under the stars. Open Air at the Square’s outdoor cinema is serving up a menu of the beloved classics mixed in with big screen icons.
There is an assortment of themed program events – like tributes to Dolly Parton, Bruce Lee and wild westerns – as well as deep-cut goodies, like the hilarious favourite Best in Show. Running throughout January, bring along a picnic rug and some popcorn and you’ll have your summer movie night sorted.
Christopher Nolan x Hans Zimmer
- January 3 to 5, 8.30pm
- Inception, Interstellar and The Dark Knight
- Big Screen
- More info here
The outdoor cinema is honouring two of the leading masters in modern cinema with this trifecta of screenings of Christopher Nolan and Hans Zimmer collaborations. Partners in cinematic crime for many years and many films, Open Air at the Square will be showing Inception, Interstellar and The Dark Knight to celebrate these legends of film history.
Wild Westerns
- January 6 to 8, 8.30pm
- Once Upon a Time in the West, Meek’s Cutoff and Seven Samurai
- Big Screen
- More info here
Fed Square is getting a Wild West takeover as the cowboys and sheriffs come to town this January. This holy trinity of Western films is sure to tickle the fancy of every kind of ranger and wrangler out there.
Techno Thrillers
- January 9, from 6.30pm
- Tron: Legacy and Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse
- Big Screen
- More info here
It’s double the fun for this double feature showing of Tron: Legacy and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. You can catch both films back to back at the Square’s Big Screen, with non-stop action and adventure as you soar through alternative universes and parallel worlds of techno-futuristic possibilities.
Silent Cinema with Live Scores
- February 25 to 27, 8pm
- Ramayana and other tales with a live score by Hari Sivanesan, The Lost World (1925) with a live score by Fred Leone and One Week (1920) and Sherlock Jr. (1924) with a live score by Blue Grassy Knoll
- Main Square
- More info here
Experience cinema as never before this summer with a unique three-day open-air film festival celebrating silent classics accompanied by live music from leading Australian composers. Set in Fed Square’s Main Square, each evening showcases a different cultural journey, from restored Indian folktales to Hollywood’s earliest monster films and comedy classics.
The festival opens with rare Indian silent films scored by Hari Sivanesan and the South Asian Music Ensemble, featuring works by pioneering directors Baburao Painter and Dadasaheb Phalke. The following night presents the groundbreaking 1925 adventure The Lost World, with Fred Leone’s innovative score blending Indigenous instruments and contemporary sounds. The series concludes with Buster Keaton’s masterpieces One Week and Sherlock Jr., accompanied by the gypsy-bluegrass ensemble Blue Grassy Knoll.
Pack a picnic, grab a deck chair, and immerse yourself in the magic of early cinema under the stars, where classic films meet contemporary Australian musical talent.
Best in Show
- January 11, 6pm
- Big Screen
- More info here
Open Air at the Square will be host to the launch of the NGV Kids Summer Festival this January, with the outdoor cinema celebrating the festivities with a screening of cult-classic Best in Show.
Celebrating Dolly Parton
- January 19, from 6pm
- Boot Scootin Workshop and 9 to 5
- Big Screen
- More info here
Calling all Dolly fans – Open Air at the Square will be host to this legend of movies and music’s 79th birthday this January. To celebrate all things Dolly Parton, Country Club Boot Scooting will be kicking festivities off with a boot scooting class at the Square, followed by the cinematic masterpiece of screwball comedy that is 9 to 5.
The Wiz – Midsumma Movies Closing Night
- February 2, 8.30pm
- Big Screen
- More info here
The Wizard of Oz gets an epic reimagining with this iconic film from 1978. An Afrofuturist, all-Black adaption of the 1939 film, The Wiz boasts none other than Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Lena Horne, Nipsey Russell and Richard Pryor in its cast.
Bruce Lee Bonanza
- February 7 and 8, 8.30pm
- Fist of Fury and Way of the Dragon
- Big Screen
- More info here
The legend of Hong Kong Kung Fu cinema that is Bruce Lee is coming to town. Fist of Fury and Way of the Dragon are taking over Melbourne’s city centre this January. These two classics of masterful marital arts will be blown up for Fed Square’s Big Screen across two nights.
Afro-Caribbean Carnival
- February 15, 4pm-11pm
- Main Square and River Terrace
- More info here
Afro-Caribbean Carnival returns to Melbourne, transforming Fed Square into a vibrant celebration of music, culture and community on Saturday, 15 February 2025.
This free event features three international superstars: Kevin Lyttle, known for his chart-topping hit Turn Me On, Soca Queen Alison Hinds and UK reggae artist Solo Banton. The Square will come alive with powerful sound systems from El Gran Mono, Heartical Hi Powa and Housewife’s Choice, creating an immersive musical experience.
From 4pm, a free costume workshop with MC Costumes will help attendees get into the carnival spirit. As the evening progresses, expect a colorful parade, energetic performances and a fusion of Afro-Caribbean rhythms that invite everyone to dance.
Open to all, this carnival promises a joyful celebration of music, dance and cultural expression in the heart of Melbourne.
Midsumma: HONŌUR
- December 31, 8.30pm to 9.30pm
- Main Square
- More info here
HONŌUR is a live performance celebrating the royalty of First Peoples communities and Queer POC Elders. Developed in collaboration with Beat Entertainment and Victoria’s Pride from 2022–2024, the show introduces audiences to Melbourne’s most iconic legends through a heartfelt tribute of love and recognition.
Blending performance art with ceremony, HONŌUR promises an evening that honours community, identity and resilience in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. It’s a sunset performance that reimagines celebration and storytelling.
Midsumma Matters with House of Muchness
- 1 February, 10.30am–4pm
- The Edge
- More info here
Join House of Muchness for a day of unconventional conversations and creative experiences exploring LGBTQIA+ youth perspectives at The Edge this Midsumma Festival.
The morning session, A Minor Adjustment (10:30am-11:30am or 12:15pm-1:15pm), invites families with children aged 6-12 to a playful workshop challenging assumptions about fun, messiness and risk-taking across generations.
Later, A Not So Small Talk (2:30pm-4pm) reimagines the traditional panel discussion, as teenagers host intimate chat circles complete with bread baskets, creating space for meaningful dialogue with artists and community leaders from Midsumma’s Queer Imaginings program.
Both free sessions are co-created by young people from House of Muchness, Melbourne’s centre for youth creativity where young people aged 5-17 can find their creative kin through artistic experimentation.
Asia TOPA Program
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Open Air at the Square is gearing up for a massive takeover as Australia’s triennial of Asia-Pacific performance comes back to town. Asia TOPA will be host to a plethora of action-packed events that will see the Square come alive in cultural celebration.
Expect everything from international artists to massive headliners, an Indonesian breakfast party to events for kids. Asia TOPA only pays Naarm a visit once every three years, so this summer is your chance to get down to the Square to see what it’s all about.
ASIA TOPA X FED SQUARE LIVE
- February 21, 7.30pm-10.30pm
- Main Square
- More info here
Asia TOPA’s Opening Concert promises a mesmerising journey through contemporary Eastern fusion music, offering a free, all-ages experience that celebrates cultural connections.
Japanese-born Melbourne DJ Shio will open the night, weaving ambient textures and electric pulses to set the mood. Tokyo-based experimental pop band TAMTAM will follow, bringing an innovative fusion of jazz, soul and psychedelic pop that defies traditional musical boundaries.
Fresh from international recognition – including a Gilles Peterson BBC Radio 6 feature and being nominated by Rolling Stone in Future of Music 2024 – TAMTAM arrives with their new EP Ramble In The Rainbow, drawing inspiration from pioneering artists like Sun Ra and Lee Scratch Perry.
This concert launches Australia’s major triennial of Asia-Pacific performance, promising a night where music transcends borders and creates a truly unique cultural experience.
Asia TOPA: Nongkrong – Sarapan
- February 23, 9.30am-5.30pm
- Main Square
- More info here
Join the vibrant celebration of Indonesian-Australian culture at Nongkrong Festival’s free, all-day event of sarapan (breakfast) and performances. Under the 2025 theme ‘Roots and Routes’, the festival transforms the Square into a bustling space to nongkrong – meaning ‘to hang out’ in Bahasa Indonesia.
Sample traditional and contemporary Australian-Indonesian breakfast dishes from gerobak street food carts while immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of Indonesian diaspora culture. The air fills with melodies from local community ensembles, including the Maluku Besudara Choir and various gamelan groups from Sumatra, Java and Cirebon. Watch captivating performances by Makassan dancer Abdi Karya and street dancers from Stale Biskitz, or participate in hands-on workshops – from kecak voice sessions with Gamelan Dan Anda to dance classes with GROOV3.
Bread, Circuses and Home
- 28 February to 10 March, 4pm–7pm
- Flinders St Amphitheatre
- More info here
Experience the vibrant culture of Punjab through Bread, Circuses and Home, a free seven-day festival and installation by acclaimed Delhi-based artists Thukral and Tagra, exploring themes of migration and resilience.
Drawing inspiration from kushti (traditional Indian wrestling) and the Akhara wrestling ground, this immersive celebration brings together Melbourne’s diverse Punjabi communities through folk music, radio programming and interactive games. At its heart lies a powerful narrative about the agricultural crisis facing Punjabi farmers, where climate change and complex social factors have forced many to seek new lives abroad, including in Australia.
The artists, known for their multifaceted approach spanning painting, gaming and archiving, collaborate with local Punjabi communities to showcase how cultures adapt and flourish through migration. Join in sharing meals, stories and celebrations as the installation transforms the space into a living canvas of cultural exchange and community connection.
Shadows in Twin Cities
- 20 February to 10 March
- ArtPlay + Fed Square
- More info here
A magical cross-cultural adventure connects children in Melbourne and Jeonju, Korea through Shadows in Twin Cities, an imaginative project by artists Jessica Wilson and Gijong Yoo 유기종.
Three interconnected events invite children aged 5-11 to explore friendship across borders. In Meet Me (너랑 나랑) at ArtPlay, youngsters connect with Korean peers via life-size video screens, creating translucent shadow portraits that dance in the winds of both cities ($20 per child).
Watch Me Fly (바람을 만난 그림자) transforms the Big Screen into a window between cities, where children’s conversations create a mesmerising dialogue with urban landscapes. Meanwhile, Find My Shadow (그림자 숨바꼭질) turns Fed Square into a playful treasure hunt – search for hidden paper shadows made by Korean children and discover their stories.
This Asia TOPA project runs from 20 February to 10 March, with most activities free and drop-in. Meet Me sessions require booking.
Lunar New Year
- 9 February, 9.30am–2pm
- Main Square
- More info here
Welcome the Year of the Snake at Fed Square with a vibrant day of free performances and activities celebrating Asian cultural traditions.
Start your day with mindful movement through morning Tai Chi (11am) and Gentle Chinese Dance (12pm) sessions. The afternoon builds energy with spectacular Vietnamese martial arts demonstrations and traditional songs (1pm), followed by mesmerising dragon and lion dances from the Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne (2pm and 3pm).
Between the main performances, experience the grace of Malaysian traditional dance (2:15pm), while the festivities conclude with dynamic Korean performances – traditional drumming and dance by Sori (3:15pm) and contemporary K-POP dance (3:30pm).
This family-friendly celebration offers something for everyone, from cultural performances to participatory activities. Join the community in welcoming prosperity and good fortune for the Lunar New Year with this exciting showcase of Asian cultural heritage.
Candlelight Concerts
- February 4 to 6, 8.30pm-9.30pm
- Main Square
- More info here
Candlelight Concerts returns to Fed Square, transforming the iconic urban space into an intimate concert venue under the summer sky. Over three nights, original artists will perform surrounded by thousands of twinkling candles, creating a magical evening experience.
The series features a diverse lineup of musicians: Melbourne-based Ethiopian artist Soli will showcase her gospel-inspired R&B originals on February 4th, ARIA Hall of Fame rock legend Ross Wilson and The Peaceniks will perform classic tunes on February 5th and Māori artist Teeks will deliver a soulful performance on February 6th to celebrate Waitangi Day.
Accessible and inclusive, the concerts will be AUSLAN interpreted with a designated viewing area. Audiences are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and enjoy these unique starlit performances that blend music, architecture and atmospheric lighting.
BMW Opera For All
- February 1, 5pm-7pm
- Main Square
- More info here
BMW Opera for All brings classical music to the open air, transforming a summer afternoon in Melbourne. The free one-hour concert features Opera Australia’s most talented performers and Orchestra Victoria, presenting a carefully curated selection of beloved arias that will delight both opera enthusiasts and newcomers.
Starting with the Australian Girls Choir at 5pm, the event expands into a full concert with Opera Australia singers and orchestra at 6pm. The two-hour performance promises familiar tunes and potential musical discoveries, all set against the backdrop of a summer sky.
New Year’s Eve
- December 31, 7pm to 12am
- Main Square
- More info here
The Main Square comes alive with three incredible local DJs spinning an electrifying mix of sounds. Kick off the night with Darcy Justice’s genre-bending set featuring rnb, hip hop and soul from 7pm. At 8:30pm, Katie Pearson takes over with her legendary disco and house beats, bringing the queer dance scene’s magic to life. The night crescendos with Barry Sunset’s eclectic disco and pop sounds at 10pm.
Community Program
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The festivals and major events don’t stop there. All throughout summer, Open Air at the Square is throwing party after party – every single one of which you’re invited to. There’ll be Lunar New Year celebrations, Midsumma Festival parties, as well as festivities surrounding the launch of NGV Kids Summer Festival. Be there or be square.
Sounds of Summer: Curated Playlists
- 1 January to 31 March, 12pm to 2pm, 4pm to 6pm
- Main Square
- More info here
Is there no event scheduled at the Square on the day you’re thinking of popping past? No worries. On non-event days from the start of January to the end of March, Open Air at the Square is presenting Sounds of Summer: Curated Playlists. Music makers Mothafunk and Emelyne will be supplying the grooves to soundtrack your afternoons. They’ll be playing every non-event day between 12pm and 2pm and 2pm and 5.30pm.
Huddle
- 11 January to 31 March, 7pm–8pm
- Big Screen
- More info here
Every evening at 7pm from January 13 to March 31, you can catch a very special film at the Square. Huddle, a new screen commission that explores the practice of Deaf huddling, will be making a premier. The film takes the viewer on a journey of exploring how huddling – a protected, visual space for sign language that was devised in a game of Deaf Gridiron in the 1890s – is a practice of connection, communal protection and agency.
NGV Kids Summer Festival Launch
- 11 January
- Main Square
- More info here
The kids get their very own festival launch party this January at Open Air at the Square. Little kids – and big ones – are all invited to celebrate the NGV Kids Summer Festival. In conjunction with the Cats & Dogs exhibition at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, the Summer Festival will be hosting one of the most adorable of events: a live dog show. There’ll also be Cats & Dogs face painting, an educational show from Farmer Dave and the Muttley Crew, free ice cream and a free film. Kids will also get free entry into the Cats & Dogs exhibition with every adult ticket purchased.
Pop-up Performances
- Various dates and times
- Top of Swanston Street Steps
- More info here
Discover global rhythms on the Swanston Street steps this summer with a series of surprise afternoon concerts bringing international sounds to the heart of Melbourne.
First up on Saturday 11 January is master kora player Amadou Suso from Gambia. A descendant of the first kora player, Koreo Musa Suso, Amadou carries forward a 750-year musical legacy from West Africa’s Mandinka tribe. The kora, affectionately known as the African harp, has evolved from its original seven strings to today’s 22-stringed instrument.
Having learned to play before he could even reach the top of the instrument at age six, Amadou now travels the world, weaving Mandinka history into contemporary performances on this remarkable instrument.
Drop by from 4pm-5pm for this free performance – and stay tuned for more surprise artists to be announced throughout January.
For the full rundown of all things Open Air at the Square, head here.
This article was made in partnership with Fed Square.
