As winter settles over Melbourne, the city will come alive with dazzling lights, powerful performances, and cutting-edge art. When winter arrives in Melbourne the city transforms through spectacular lighting displays and powerful artistic performances as well as progressive artistic expressions. RISING 2025 – Melbourne’s Premier Winter Festival presents a selection of music and theatre performances along with immersive experiences for audiences throughout June 4 to 15, 2025.

People across both local and visitor groups should mark this winter entertainment event in Melbourne because it blends world-renowned artists with interactive sculptures to create distinctive encounters, making it one of the top things to do in Melbourne this winter for locals and visitors alike.

What is RISING 2025?

The RISING 2025 Winter Festival lets Melbourne transform its public spaces into artistic areas vastly different from other Australian festivals. Expect the festival to present live music shows along with other artistic experiences like street light displays and food events.

RISING strives to remain Melbourne’s top cultural festival by featuring hundreds of artists across multiple events with fifteen original projects. The main sponsors behind RISING activities are Creative Victoria through Visit Victoria and Melbourne City.

Top Attractions at RISING 2025

Mesmerizing Art Installations

🔹 intangible #form – Experience Japanese artist Shohei Fujimoto’s largest-ever light installation at The Capitol Theatre. This interactive laser and kinetic light show reacts to movement, creating a stunning futuristic art display.

🔹 Matha – A Yorta Yorta-inspired public artwork by Moorina Bonini, located at Hamer Hall, featuring visual projections, waterways, and ancestral music recordings that celebrate Indigenous cultural storytelling.

Live Music Highlights

RISING 2025 boasts a stellar lineup of musicians across multiple genres. Some of the must-see performances include:

🎤 Suki Waterhouse – Performing June 5 at Athenaeum Theatre and June 6 at PICA Music Hub.
🎶 Beth Gibbons (Portishead) – The legendary artist takes the stage at Hamer Hall on June 7.
🎸 Japanese Breakfast – Indie-pop fans can catch this electrifying band at PICA Music Hub on June 9.
🎤 Black Star (Yasiin Bey & Talib Kweli) – The hip-hop icons perform on June 10 at PICA Music Hub.

Theatrical Performances

🎭 Hamlet – A powerful reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic, starring actors with Down Syndrome, by Peruvian theatre company Teatro La Plaza. Showing at Union Theatre, University of Melbourne (June 4–8).

🎸 Hedwig and the Angry Inch – The iconic rock musical runs from June 13 to 26, offering a blend of music, humor, and drama.

Unique & Interactive Experiences

🧘 Space-Out Competition – A Korean-born mindfulness event where participants must do nothing for 90 minutes without losing focus. This stress-relieving challenge takes place at Melbourne’s QV Mall on June 9.

⛳ Swingers – The Art of Mini Golf – A playable art experience at Flinders Street Station (June 4 – August 31), blending mini-golf and creative installations for an interactive experience that’s perfect for all ages.

Food & Family-Friendly Events

🍽️ Festival-Exclusive Food Pop-Ups – Indulge in Melbourne’s best winter eats, gourmet street food, and warm mulled wine. With food stalls, night markets, and hidden laneway pop-ups, this is a must-visit for food lovers.

🎡 Family-Friendly Attractions – From interactive light displays to kid-friendly performances, RISING 2025 offers activities suitable for all ages, making it one of the best family events in Melbourne this winter.

Why You Should Attend RISING 2025

⭐ Explore Melbourne at night with breathtaking light installations, performances, and cultural experiences.
🎭 Enjoy world-class performances featuring renowned international and local artists.
🎨 Immerse yourself in cutting-edge art with interactive exhibitions and live performances.
🍽️ Discover Melbourne’s vibrant food scene with exclusive winter pop-ups and gourmet street food.

🌟 Perfect for everyone – Whether you’re an art lover, music enthusiast, theatre fan, foodie, or simply looking for fun things to do in Melbourne this winter, RISING 2025 has something for you.

Festival Details & Ticket Information

📅 Dates: June 4 – June 15, 2025
📍 Locations: Various landmarks across Melbourne CBD
🎟️ Tickets: Available from March 17, 2025 – but hurry, as many events will sell out fast! Get yours via the RISING Festival Official Website.

RISING 2025 stands as Melbourne’s Premier Winter Festival which delivers the city’s most memorable winter experience. RISING 2025 showcases an exceptional range of attractions that will appeal to any taste including remarkable light art, notable musical events and theatrical productions with imaginative staging and gourmet dining. Secure your early spring festival tickets through the RISING Festival Official Website as they will disappear quickly from availability. Bring friends and family to join Melbourne’s most enchanting winter cultural exhibition.

 🎟️ Secure your tickets early via the RISING Festival Official Website before they sell out!

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