RISING has added a major new wave of programming to its 2026 lineup, extending its reach across Melbourne with a focus on participation, nightlife and shared public space. The festival runs from 27 May to 8 June and will transform the city with events spanning music, dance, visual art and performance.
The latest announcement brings large-scale free events, late-night club programs and community-led experiences into the mix.
Artistic Director Hannah Fox said, “This next wave of programming pushes further into the pulse of the city. Into clubs, onto trams, streets and shared spaces. Whether you choose to enter the big collective energy of large-scale free gatherings, or venture off the beaten path to an intimate dance floor, RISING is about communion – experiencing music, movement and culture, together.”
A major highlight lands at Federation Square on Saturday 7 June, where God Save the Queens takes over as a free Pasifika block party led by The Royal Family Dance Crew. The event blends performance and mass participation, before shifting into a night program featuring artists including JessB, Rubi Du and Lady Shaka.
After dark, the festival moves underground with Bass Lounge, a late-night series tucked beneath Chinatown, running across two Fridays with international and local DJs.
Participation is a major theme this year. Land of 1000 Dances reopens the ballroom at Flinders Street Station, turning it into a working dance space with classes ranging from ballet to voguing and Bollywood. The program brings together dance schools and artists from across Victoria, inviting all levels onto the floor.
Music programming also expands, pairing international acts with local artists across venues including Hamer Hall and Festival Hall.
First Peoples-led work continues to shape the festival, with the return of the Melbourne Art Trams and new public programs exploring culture, history and storytelling across the city. Large-scale projections and performances will further embed these works into Melbourne’s streets and landmarks.
Together, the additions push RISING further beyond traditional venues, turning the city itself into a stage and inviting audiences to take part rather than just watch.
For more information, visit rising.melbourne
