Fed Square is set to turn summer nights into a feast for the senses with a blend of live music, outdoor cinema, and cultural festivals. Whether it’s silent films with live scores, cosmic jazz under the stars, or carnival beats shaking the Square, there’s a lot to take in.
Kicking off on 25 February, Silent Cinema with Live Scores returns for its third consecutive year. This time, audiences can experience rare silent films such as Baburao Painter’s Sati Savitri (1927) and other classics from India’s golden era of silent cinema, accompanied by composer Hari Sivanesan and his collaborators. There’s also The Lost World (1925), featuring a live score by Butchulla songman Fred Leone, and Buster Keaton’s Sherlock Jr. (1924), brought to life by Blue Grassy Knoll, who wowed audiences at Fed Square last year.
Beyond the silver screen, live music takes centre stage. On 1 March, the first of two all-ages gigs sees Sun Ra Arkestra, Mildlife, and Wax’o Paradiso transforming the Square into a swirling mix of cosmic jazz, psychedelic beats, and dancefloor energy. The second gig, on 9 March, leans into pop, with Peach PRC, Carla Wehbe, and George Alice bringing their melodies to the city on the eve of a public holiday.
Meanwhile, the Afro-Caribbean Carnival on 15 February ensures that Melbourne gets a dose of high-energy rhythms. International Soca superstars Kevin Lyttle and Alison Hinds, along with UK’s Solo Banton, will lead the charge, joined by dancers in vibrant carnival costumes. Expect a celebration where the music is as loud as the outfits.
Fed Square is also a key venue for the return of Asia TOPA, the Asia-Pacific performance triennial. On 21 February, Asia TOPA x Fed Square Live presents a lineup of local and international acts. Two days later, Nongkrong—Sarapan brings Indonesian-Australian identity to life with gamelan, dance, and food. From 20 February to 10 March, Shadows in Twin Cities connects children from Jeonju and Melbourne through large-scale video installations. There’s also Bread, Circuses and Home, a free festival running from 28 February to 10 March, featuring Punjabi folk music, interactive games, and radio programming by Delhi-based duo Jiten Thukral and Sumir Tagra.
Outdoor cinema returns from 2 January to 8 February with a selection covering Westerns, martial arts, rom-coms, and sci-fi. Christopher Nolan fans can relive Inception, Interstellar, and The Dark Knight with Hans Zimmer’s scores booming across the Square. Dolly Parton fans can celebrate her 79th birthday with screenings of 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias.
Fed Square remains a hub for Melbourne’s major arts and culture festivals. Midsumma Festival will feature performances celebrating queer POC Elders, interactive experiences with LGBTQIA+ youth, and a closing night screening of The Wiz as part of Midsumma Movies.
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks describes Fed Square as “a vibrant creative hub in the heart of our city,” where visitors can enjoy “live music, art installations, festival fun and much more—it’s free, it’s fun and it’s open to all.” Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation’s Director & CEO Katrina Sedgwick agrees, highlighting that the Open Air program offers “something for absolutely everyone.”
Visit fedsquare.com to explore the full lineup and plan the perfect city escape.
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