Melbourne’s beloved winter festival RISING is set to return in 2025 with a program so epic it’ll make you forget all about the cold.
What's On At Rising Festival For 2025:
- Jump To Mind-Melting Art Installations
- Jump To The Music You Must See
- Jump To Performances To Challenge You
- Jump To Weird & Wonderful Experiences
Over 12 nights, from 4-15 June, the city will transform into a pulsating playground of art, music, and performance, with 65 events, 327 artists, and a lineup that includes nine world premieres and 15 new commissions. That's a lot of events.
We've taken the hard work out of it and short-listed what we reckon are the must-sees, but if you're after the full programme, you can head to the website.
From mind-bending installations and boundary-pushing performances to spectacular music perfoances and filling bites, here’s your guide to the standout events you won’t want to miss.
Art That’ll Blow Your Mind
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intangible #form by Shohei Fujimoto
Step into the Capitol Theatre and prepare to have your perception of reality shattered. Japanese artist Shohei Fujimoto (of TeamLAB fame) is bringing his largest installation to date, transforming the space into a . Think red laser beams that respond to your movement, creating an immersive experience that’s equal parts trippy and transcendent. -
Saturate by Sara Retallick
Fancy a late-night dip? Head to the City Baths for an like no other. Specialized speakers will transmit a generative composition that shifts through frequencies, inviting you to literally swim through layers of sound. It’s part art, part therapy, and 100% unforgettable. -
Matha by Moorina Bonini
splashed across Hamer Hall’s facade is a celebration of Yorta Yorta culture and ancestral connections to Country. Through visions of trees, waterways, and cultural belongings, Bonini shares stories of regeneration and resilience, accompanied by song from her family.
Music That’ll Move You
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Day Tripper
, and it’s bigger than ever. Over eight hours, you’ll get access to a lineup spanning Melbourne Town Hall, Max Watt’s, and Night Trade. Highlights include Brooklyn shoegazers DIIV, Atlanta’s BKTHERULA, and Arnhem Land’s Ripple Effect. Plus, don’t miss the Chapter Music ‘End of an Era’ party, celebrating 33 years of indie spirit. Best part? It’s free. -
Beth Gibbons (Portishead)
The is making her long-awaited solo debut at Hamer Hall. Expect hauntingly beautiful vocals and a journey through darkness and light. It’s been over 20 years since her last solo release, so this is a rare chance to witness a legend in action. -
Black Star
Brooklyn’s iconic hip-hop duo, , who have both randomly been here in the past year, are teaming up and hitting Melbourne together for one night only during RISING. Their razor-sharp lyricism and soulful beats are a must-see for any hip-hop fan. -
BLOCKBUSTER
at Fed Square is a dynamic celebration of South Asian culture, featuring an electrifying mix of contemporary Pakistani music, a vibrant Punjabi truck art installation and delicious street food. Headlined by Faris Shafi, the "uncensored voice of Pakistan" and the rapper behind the viral 2024 hit Blockbuster, the free event will showcase Xulfi, Annural Khalid, Zain and Zohaib and Sherry Khattak.
Performances That’ll Challenge You
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Kill Me by Marina Otero
Argentine choreographer brings her raw, fearless exploration of mental health and mortality to The Sumner. Expect grand dance sequences, aching vulnerability, and a performance that blurs the line between art and life. -
Complete Works: Tabletop Shakespeare
Shakespeare gets a playful makeover in this Using household objects (think vases as princes and jars as Juliets), six performers condense 36 of the Bard’s plays into nine nights of pure storytelling magic. -
Hedwig and The Angry Inch
The returns in a bold new Australian production starring Seann Miley Moore. With its glam-punk attitude and boundary-pushing storytelling, this is one theatrical experience that’ll leave you glitter-soaked and emotionally wrecked. -
BLKDOG
by Olivier Award-winning choreographer Botis Seva blends raw autobiography with high-energy hip-hop dance. With a pounding score by Torben Lars, seven dancers embody Seva’s personal journey in a fight for peace. This dynamic, hallucinatory performance challenges us to ask: how can we fight through adversity to find hope? A visceral, dark, and vital experience not to be missed.
Experiences That’ll Surprise You
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Space Out Competition
In a world obsessed with hustle, South Korean artist Woopsyang challenges you to do… nothing. Anyone can compete—Just sit for 90 minutes, maintain a state of calm and engage in the ultimate test of stillness. Don’t miss out—! -
Swingers: The Art of Mini Golf
The Flinders Street Station Ballroom is being transformed into a featuring nine mini golf holes, including hidden upper levels, designed by female artists, including Miranda July and Kaylene Whiskey. Expect twists, turns, and a whole lot of fun. -
Night Trade
RISING’s is back, spilling through the Capitol Arcade and beyond. Whether you’re after killer cocktails, late-night eats or a karaoke session with Mummy’s Plastic, this is the central festival hub and the place to be after dark. -
Moon Bites
Melbourne’s best restaurants are serving up . Enjoy dishes from Aru, Dom's Social Club, Elio’s Place, Mesa Verde, Miss Gunn’s, Embla and Pirate Life (Outer Orbit)—conveniently located within the festival footprint to complement your artistic journey.
The Bigger Picture
RISING 2025 isn’t just a festival; it’s a city-wide celebration of creativity, inclusivity, and the unexpected. From the Yarra Valley’s TarraWarra Biennial to the underground soundscapes of Diagrammatica beneath Federation Square, this year’s program is a testament to Melbourne’s vibrant arts scene.
So, grab your coat, rally your crew and get ready to dive into a winter festival that’s anything but ordinary. RISING 2025 is here to dazzle, challenge and inspire. You won’t want to miss a moment.
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