RISING Festival

RISING Festival is Melbourne’s premier contemporary arts festival, combining music, theatre, visual art, performance, and large-scale immersive installations into a bold citywide cultural program. Launched in 2021, RISING was created as a successor to the Melbourne Festival and White Night Melbourne, bringing together major international and Australian artists in innovative public experiences.

The festival takes over Melbourne’s CBD with nighttime performances, architectural projections, experimental theatre, live concerts, immersive installations, and site-specific artworks. Venues include theatres, galleries, laneways, public spaces, and iconic landmarks across the city.

RISING is known for its ambitious programming, often featuring cutting-edge interdisciplinary works that blend technology, performance, and visual storytelling. The festival attracts global artists and audiences interested in contemporary culture and experimental creative expression.

In addition to ticketed events, RISING includes free public installations and city activations that encourage community participation and accessibility. The festival contributes significantly to Melbourne’s reputation as a global arts capital by supporting creative industries, tourism, and cultural innovation.

Its focus on large-scale artistic experimentation and immersive experiences has positioned RISING as one of Australia’s most important contemporary cultural festivals.