Melbourne's most iconic arts, culture and community hub has a whole lot planned this summer.
From exploring the halls of the NGV’s Ian Potter centre to snacking on saltbush damper and frozen watermelon cocktails at Big Esso by Mabu Mabu, you could have an amazing, quintessentially Melbourne experience without ever having to leave the borders of Fed Square.
Wedged between the Yarra River and Flinders St Station, Fed Square is the ultimate summer hot spot. The events program is packed with (mostly free) activities to help you beat the heat and this week, when Summer at the Square and Midsumma collide, beautiful things will happen.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
If you’re on the hunt for something to do, look no further. Here’s everything happening at Fed Square from January 30 to February 5.
BMW Opera For All
- Saturday, February 3
- Main Square
- Free
Listen to some of the most classic opera numbers performed live under the summer sky at this free concert. BMW Opera For All is a global live music event series that will make its way back to Australia on Saturday.
Featuring some of Australia’s brightest stars with musical accompaniment by members of Orchestra Victoria, this hour-long performance will dazzle everyone from superfans to those who haven’t yet experienced the magic of opera.
Wurrdha Marra
View this post on Instagram
- 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.
Midsumma Festival at Fed Square
View this post on Instagram
- Friday, February 2 and Saturday, February 3
- Various locations
- Free
In a matchup of the ages, Fed Square and Midsumma are set to deliver two days of free LGBTQIA+ positive events. On February 2, catch a Friday night flick as Rocketman, the award-winning Elton John biopic, is shown on the big screen.
The following day, stop by That’s KAMP!, a design exhibition exploring topics including the loss of liberty, bodily integrity, rights, family and friends, Create Your Own Alter Ego, an art project brought together by Persian artist Sammaneh Pourshafighi, and Homophonic! The RESPECT Project, a musical performance created by queer Victorian composers and seniors.
Those looking to expand their learning can stop by a panel discussion, including Radical Acts of Joy and Gathering which unpacks community, connection, identity and artistic practice for queer disabled creators, and How do the Arts Strengthen LGBTQIA+ Voices in the Global South?, which explores ways to amplify the queer perspective.
Victoria by Farmer’s Daughter
View this post on Instagram
- Friday, February 2 to 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.
The Ending Goes On Forever: The Screamfeeder Story
- Saturday, February 3
- ACMI, Cinema 2
- $20+
The Ending Goes On Forever: The Screamfeeder Story takes a look into the history of Brisbane’s most iconic 90s bands. Told by the fans, journalists, fellow musicians and industry figures, this documentary received a standing ovation at its debut at the Brisbane International Film Festival.
Showing for the first time in Melbourne, the screening will feature a post-film Q&A with director Jacob Schiotz and Screamfeeder’s Kellie Lloyd and Tim Steward.
Koorie Art Show
View this post on Instagram
- On until Sunday, February 25
- Koorie Heritage Trust
- Free
The 11th annual Koorie Art Show showcases the breadth of talent of Victoria’s First Peoples’ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Featuring painting works on paper, photography, sculpture, multi-media, fibre art and more, the exhibition has a bit of everything.
Plus, everything on display is for sale, so if there’s something you really love, you’ll be able to bring it home with you.
Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature
View this post on Instagram
- 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.
