Families across Victoria are being invited into central Melbourne for a run of free school holiday events at Federation Square, with organisers pitching a mix of food education, outdoor film screenings and live entertainment aimed at younger audiences and their parents.
The programme stretches across April and leans on a familiar formula for the Square, blending hands-on activities with cultural programming already established in the city’s events calendar. While the offer is broad, its focus is clear: accessible, low-cost activities in a central location during a period when families are often looking for ways to fill long days.
At the centre of the line-up is the Little Food Festival, returning for its eighth year on 15 and 16 April. Developed with partners including the Sandro Demaio Foundation and Monash University, the event introduces children to ideas around food systems, nutrition and sustainability through practical sessions. Activities range from planting seedlings to basic cooking demonstrations, alongside appearances from public figures such as Sandro Demaio, Thanh Truong and Costa Georgiadis.
The educational angle reflects a broader trend among public festivals to blend entertainment with awareness-building, particularly around food and environmental issues. Whether younger visitors engage deeply with those themes or simply enjoy the activities may vary, though the format has proven popular in previous years.
Film remains another key drawcard. The Outdoor Cinema programme continues into autumn with a family-focused schedule over the Easter long weekend, including titles such as The Princess Bride, The Parent Trap, Paddington 2 and The Mitchells vs. the Machines. The selection leans on well-known releases, suggesting an effort to balance nostalgia for parents with accessibility for younger viewers.
That theme continues with the return of Studio Ghibli Afternoons from 7 to 9 April, featuring films including Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. Screenings will be in Japanese with subtitles and are recommended for children aged eight and above, a detail that may limit attendance for younger families but maintains the integrity of the original works.
Beyond food and film, the programme includes a one-day Test Garden Open Day on 11 April focused on insects and biodiversity. The event combines talks, creative activities and performances, including input from Luis Mata. Theatre company Polyglot Theatre will stage interactive performances designed to draw children into a playful interpretation of insect life, continuing the Square’s emphasis on participatory experiences.
Comedy also features through The Big Laugh Out, part of the wider Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Scheduled across 3 and 4 April, the line-up includes performers such as Claire Hooper and Dane Simpson. While comedy at the Square often attracts mixed-age crowds, the all-ages positioning here suggests organisers are aiming to keep the tone broadly family-friendly.
Indoor programming continues at ACMI, where Playschool: Come and Play! marks 60 years of Play School. Designed for younger children, the exhibition offers interactive role-play linked to television production, alongside familiar songs and characters. Its longer run, through to July, provides an option beyond the school holiday window.
Cultural programming is further extended by Koorie Heritage Trust, which will host workshops throughout April centred on First Peoples art and storytelling. These sessions introduce traditional and contemporary practices, with activities ranging from weaving to jewellery-making. The inclusion of Indigenous-led programming aligns with ongoing efforts across Melbourne’s cultural institutions to foreground First Peoples voices, though the depth of engagement often depends on participation levels and facilitation.
Visual art rounds out the offering with Top Arts 2026 at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, showcasing work from VCE students across the state. Featuring 43 artists selected from more than 1,100 submissions, the exhibition highlights emerging talent and offers a quieter alternative to the more activity-driven events elsewhere in the precinct.
Fed Square’s approach this season reflects a familiar balancing act: providing free access to attract broad audiences while maintaining enough variety to keep visitors engaged throughout the day. The reliance on established formats such as outdoor cinema and recurring festivals suggests a level of certainty in what draws crowds, even as newer elements are layered in.
Katrina Sedgwick, chief executive of Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation, framed the programme as an opportunity for families to gather in the city and take part in shared experiences. That aim sits within a wider push to keep central Melbourne active during holiday periods, particularly as cost pressures continue to shape how families plan outings.
Whether the programme stands out may depend less on individual events and more on the overall experience of the precinct. With dining options, open spaces and nearby attractions within walking distance, Fed Square continues to position itself as a full-day destination rather than a single-event venue.
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