The inaugural Roar Fest brings together Australia's leading female musicians and industry figures for a two-day celebration on Boonwurrung Country this March, featuring ambassadors Kate Ceberano AM, Tania Doko, and Ella Hooper.
Coinciding with International Women’s Day, the festival spans multiple venues across St Kilda with a program encompassing live music, industry panels, photography exhibitions, and guided historical walks exploring women’s contribution to Australian music.
The festival culminates in a headline concert at the National Theatre, hosted by Ella Hooper and featuring performances from Kate Ceberano, Tania Doko, WILSN, Gabriella Cilmi, and Gypsy Lee.
Roar Fest events:
- Women in Music Walks: March 8, 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm; March 9, 2pm-4pm
- Photography Exhibition: February 10 – May 16, Carlisle Street Arts Space
- Grassroots Sessions: March 8, 12:30pm-5pm, Victorian Pride Centre
- Street Shows: March 8, 2pm-8pm (Fitzroy Street); March 9, 3pm-7pm (Acland Village)
- Women on the Bay: March 8, George Lane
- IWD Panel Discussion: March 9, 10:30am-12:30pm, MEMO Music Hall
- Headline Concert: March 9, National Theatre
Check out our gig guide, our festival guide, our live music venue guide and our nightclub guide. Follow us on Instagram here.
Historical walks and exhibitions
The City of Port Phillip’s guided walks program features two distinct tours: Herstory, Notable Women of St Kilda and Women in Music Walking Tour, led by music researchers Melynda Von Wayward, Fiona Lee Maynard, and Helen Cattanach. These walks showcase the diverse history of female musicians who have shaped St Kilda’s iconic music scene.
Running concurrent to the festival, the Roar Women in Music Photographic Exhibition celebrates women, non-binary, and Gender Non-Conforming musicians through the lens of Australia’s leading female photographers. The exhibition features work from Michelle Grace Hunder, Tiffany Garvie, Jacinta Keefe, Brittany Long, and Suzanne Phoenix, alongside historical pieces from the Australian Performing Arts Collection.
Industry development
The Grassroots Sessions, presented by Collarts and PPCA, offer a comprehensive industry development program featuring three panel discussions. Topics include navigating the music industry with ARIA and PPCA representatives, financial management insights from AIR and Support Act, and creating opportunities with industry leaders and advocates.
Between panel discussions, emerging artists from Collarts will showcase live performances, demonstrating the next generation of talent in Australian music.
Street activation
The festival extends into St Kilda’s vibrant street culture with Roar Street Shows featuring diverse performances across Fitzroy Street and Acland Village precincts. Musicians will perform across genres including jazz, acoustic, and instrumental music, featuring unique instruments like the harp, clarinet, guzheng, and vibraphone.
Local venues will support the festival through Roar Side Shows, curating female-focused lineups throughout the weekend and providing opportunities for women in technical roles including sound and lighting.
International Women’s Day events
A special IWD panel discussion at MEMO Music Hall brings together festival ambassadors Kate Ceberano, Ella Hooper, and Tania Doko for an intimate conversation about equality and empowerment in the music industry. The event aligns with the United Nations 2025 IWD theme March Forward – It’s time to turn promises into progress, featuring opening remarks from City of Port Phillip Councillor Beti Jay and a performance by Kaiyah Mercedes.
The George Lane hosts Women on the Bay, showcasing emerging artists Kathleen Halloran, Charlie Needs Braces, Ruby Mae, Charlie Lane, and Wild Gloriosa in an intimate venue setting.
For full program details and tickets visit roarfest.com.au
