From an exhibition you can play, to a gig in a train station, laneway karaoke, lights and lasers, RISING festival is set to transform Melbourne’s city centre for the next 12 days and nights.
RISING 2025 will see 610 local and international artists bring more than 100 events to Melbourne’s streets, arcades, laneways, theatres, music venues and trams, showcasing live music, installations, dance, theatre, film and more.
This year’s program includes a diverse offering of interactive events, spanning iconic and secret Melbourne spaces.
Swingers: The Art of Mini Golf has transformed the Flinders Street Station ballroom into a mini-golf course with each hole designed by a female artist. Festival goers will immerse themselves in an underwater sound experience at the Melbourne City Baths, while at Melbourne Town Hall, people of all ages are invited to get involved in Communitas, a massive free communal music making event.
Music label Bad Apples Music will take over the new Anzac Station for Track Work: Music from the Underground, with a free all-ages First Nations-led concert as part of the Metro Tunnel Creative Program.
intangible #form turns The Capitol Theatre into a free artwork of light and lasers, while Blockbuster at Fed Square offers a free day-to-night celebration of Pakistani music, and Punjabi art and food.
Now in its fourth year, RISING has established its place as a drawcard event on Victoria’s creative calendar. The festival attracted more than 680,000 people last year, boosting local businesses, jobs and the Victorian economy.
RISING also creates hundreds of job opportunities for local artists, musicians and performers, as well as directly employing 250 Victorians in roles including event management, front of house, technical support and crew, and ticketing.
The 2025 RISING festival runs from 4 June — 15 June. To book tickets and view the full program visit 2025.rising.melbourne