The 10th Hole offers a sneak peek of RISING's playable mini golf art, just down the road from Swingers taking over Flinders Street Station.
For those looking for a sneak peek or early taste, The 10th Hole is a free pop-up mini golf experience by Swingers exhibiting Yankunytjatjara artist Kaylene Whiskey, located just down the road from Flinders Street Station at Emporium Melbourne. Featuring bold, playful cut-outs of icons like Dolly Parton and Cher, the mini golf course infuses art, pop culture, and cultural pride reimagined through Whiskey’s signature lens.
This preview experience leads into RISING’s full program, which officially opens today with 12 days of unmissable arts experiences across Melbourne. Now in its fourth edition, RISING brings together 610 artists, over 100 events, 16 new commissions, 14 world premieres and eight Australian premieres until 15 June.
The 10th Hole
- Emporium Melbourne (free)
- RISING festival runs 4-15 June 2025
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
RISING Co-Artistic Directors Hannah Fox and Gideon Obarzanek said: “Across 12 incredible days, we’re thrilled to invite audiences to dive headfirst into a sensory world of art, music and performance, where the familiar is transformed into the extraordinary. In its fourth edition, RISING brings together over 600 artists to deliver world premieres, free public celebrations, immersive installations and international showstoppers across the city. RISING is truly a festival made for Melbourne, bold, ambitious and unmistakably now.”
The main Swingers installation
The main Swingers installation at Flinders Street Station runs until mid-August, featuring nine holes created by female artists including Miranda July, Tokyo’s Saeborg and Australian artists like Soda Jerk and Pat Brassington. British singer-songwriter Suki Waterhouse brings exclusive Melbourne performances of her album Memoirs of a Sparklemuffin, while Japanese Breakfast returns after eight years with their darker sound.
Night Trade returns to Capitol Arcade with microbars, live music and exhibitions, while theatre highlights include Olivier Award-winning hip hop epic BLKDOG and Peru’s Teatro La Plaza reimagining Hamlet through a neurodiverse lens.
The Moon Bites program
RISING’s Moon Bites program offers exclusive pre-show dining experiences at Melbourne’s best eateries, each located within walking distance of festival venues. Participating restaurants include Aru with fire-flecked flavours featuring steak and cheese bao, prawn toast and BBQ padron peppers alongside the Moon Landing cocktail. Dom’s Social Club delivers miso braised lamb pizza and classic chocolate pudding, while Elio’s Place serves house-made focaccia, winter leaf salad and pasta selections.
Mexican restaurant Mesa Verde brings crispy school prawns and cured salmon tostada, while Kisumé offers refined Japanese cuisine including salmon sashimi with karashi miso and wagyu brisket with BBQ sauce across two or three-course menus. Pirate Life features wood-roasted chicken and vinegar peppers with cold beer, and Haidilao provides authentic hot pot experiences for two. Bookings are essential with specific Moon Bites time slots required.
For more information, head here.
