The sun is shining and Fed Square is brimming with exciting events all week long.
Melbourne’s arts, culture, music and community epicentre has delivered yet another big week of fun with its Summer at the Square program.
Whether you’re a sports fan or a Swiftie, there’s something for you. Plus, the Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters pop-up bar The Patio is officially open, which means it’s all too easy to snag a locally-inspired cocktail and a small plate before checking out what’s happening on the big stage.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
If you’re looking to get out on the town this week (and you don’t want to break the bank), here’s what’s going down at Fed Square from February 6 to 12.
Sounds of Aotearoa with Six60
- Saturday, February 10
- Main Square
- Free
Get ready to jam out to some of New Zealand’s biggest stars and most exciting new talent at this free, open-air concert. Leading the lineup is Dunedin pop rock band Six60.
Known for their stand-out singles including Don’t Forget Your Roots, Someone To Be Around and Special, they’ll be bringing their cruisy sound to the Fed Square stage alongside alt-rocker RIIKI REID, Kenyan-New Zealand reggae artist Muroki and RnB rapper and singer Ladi6.
Taylor Swift, Feminism and the Music Industry
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- Sunday, February 11
- The Edge
- $40
Taylor Swift has had a dizzying rise in the past year. Now, Swiftposium – Melbourne’s own Taylor Swift academic conference – will be hosting this lively panel discussion, breaking down Taylor Swift’s unique brand of feminism and the factors that led to her immense fame.
Moderated by The Project presenter and Ready For It podcast host George Tunny, the panel will feature composer and lecturer Kate Neal, RMIT PhD student Kate Pattison and musician, journalist and Stranger Than Fiction podcast host Eilish Gilligan.
Superbowl Live & Loud
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- Monday, February 12
- Transport Public House
- Various prices
Soak up the spirit of Superbowl Sunday (or Monday for us down under) at one of Melbourne’s most beloved sports bars. With two jumbo screens and a bunch of extra ones spread across the room, it’s easy to see from any angle.
With the volume turned up loud, $10 pints and margaritas and snack deals on tailgate staples including New York hotdogs, chicken wings and nachos, it’s the ultimate place to be for game day.
ART+FILM: Sung Tieu
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- Tuesday, February 6
- ACMI
- $12
Vietnamese-German artist Sung Tieuis set to screen her chilling film work, Moving Target Shadow Detection (2022), followed by a conversation with writer André Dao.
Examining themes of psychological warfare, PSYOPS, and sound weaponry during the Cold War, the film reconstructs the interior of the Hotel Nacional de Cuba in Havana – the first-place Havanna Syndrome was experienced.
Wurrdha Marra
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- On now
- NGV Ian Potter Centre
- Free
Meaning ‘Many Mobs’ in the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung language, this exhibition showcases the works of a variety of First Nations artists from emerging stars to senior figures.
Presented through a series of themes including ancestral sovereignty, illuminating histories, absence and presence, horizonless encyclopedias, form and materiality, first designers, colour unbounded and past shaping futures, this show is sure to surprise and impress.
Victoria by Farmer’s Daughter
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- On until Thursday, February 29
- Swanston St and Flinders St corner of Fed Square
- Various prices
Kick off the weekend with a tipple at this luxurious pop-up patio bar, set to open on Friday night. Hosted by one of Melbourne’s most beloved culinary institutions, this al fresco offering features a decked-out drinks menu and light snacks to nibble on.
Plus, it’s a prime location to catch some of the other exciting things happening at the heart of the square. Pop in for an ice-cold drink before or after checking out the opera, catching a film at ACMI or wandering through one of the many galleries.
Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature
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- On until Sunday, April 14
- ACMI
- $10+
This hypnotic, interactive digital art exhibition uses technology to show us the magnificent beauty in our natural world.
In this world-first premiere, featuring the work of actress Cate Blanchett, filmmaker Terrence Malick and writer Daisy Lafarge, experience a multi-sensory journey through the human body and the cosmos.
Browse the full Summer at the Square 2024 program here.
