Federation Square is launching a collection of free events to take over the centre of the city. Encouraging Melburnians to reclaim their city this summer in a celebration of culture and community; eloquently dubbed, The Kaleidosquare.
Visitors can enjoy live music performances, larger-than-life art installations, moving photography exhibits and blockbuster films for no cost at all. The diverse events program invites you to come down and pull up a deck chair and take in all the city of Melbourne has to offer.
CUPID’s Koi Garden by ENESS
The city centre of Melbourne is about to be transformed by the debut of artist studio ENESS’s newest immersive art installation. CUPID’s Koi Garden is a five-metre high inflatable fountain surrounded by a coalition of Koi fish with the mission to spread love and joy. But this is no regular fountain, ENESS is at the forefront of Australian art and technology so they were sure to create a sensory experience that you won’t quickly forget. Pack your goggles for this one because Cupid and his Koi are watching; get too close and they’ll spray you with water.
THE DETAILS:
When: 6am until 11pm, Friday 21 January to Sunday 6 February
Where: Federation Square, Melbourne
For more information, click here.
Fed Live
It’s not summer without live performances and gigs from some of Australia’s leading musical talent. You can expect to see performances by Grammy-nominated Hiatus Kaiyote, alt-pop artist Dylan J, songstress Bumpy, soul-pop artist AKOSIA, and Melbourne rock trio, The Grogans, across the summer. This line-up will certainly gather a crowd so be sure to get down and secure your spot in the front.
THE DETAILS:
When: Various times, Friday 14 January, Saturday 25 January, Friday 25 February, Friday 18 March and Thursday 14 April.
Where: Main Stage, Federation Square, Melbourne
For more information, click here.
Fed Summer Films
Pull up a deck chair and chill out to a flick under the stars. Fed Square is pulling out all the stops and certainly all the classics for this year’s Fed Summer Films; dive deep into nostalgia territory with Jurassic Park or Jaws. Alongside the Hollywood heavy hitters is a raft of Australian treasures including The Castle, The Dish, Muriel’s Wedding and more. There is definitely a film for every critic so peruse the full program to find a movie and forgo Netflix for a night.
THE DETAILS:
When: Various times, Saturday 15 January until Wednesday 26 January
Where: Main Square, Federation Square, Melbourne
For more information, click here.
Candlelight Concert Series with Fever
The romantic candlelight concert is kicking off just in time for your Valentine's day affair. Fed Square is to be transformed into an open-air music venue under the glow of thousands of candles. Get lost in an intimate sonic adventure by Fever, experts at classical cinema concerts, that will explore everything from Bach to the Beatles.
THE DETAILS:
When: 7:30pm until late, Monday 14 February, Friday 18 February and Saturday 26 February
Where: Main Square, Federation Square, Melbourne
For more information, click here.
Fed Oasis
Fed Square has undergone a makeover just in time for the string of Fed Summer events and the Kaleidosquare experience. This year they are taking seating very seriously with deck chairs designed by street art mavericks like Mysterious Al, Sofles and George Rose. If you are keen to go for a spin around the square you take a seat in one of the iconic swivel chairs designed by Thomas Heatherwick, but an oasis isn’t complete without a lush green lawn so they’ve extended the astroturf coverage and added extra umbrellas for extra shade.
THE DETAILS:
When: 10am till 10pm, Friday 14 January until Tuesday 31 December
Where: Main Square, Federation Square, Melbourne
For more information, click here.
Urban Silo Trail
Fed Square is bringing Victoria’s iconic silo artworks right to your doorstep. Embark on a mini silo art trail without ever having to leave the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. Witness this innovative art project come to life at Fed Square that will see renowned street artists Adnate, Kitt Bennett and Jimmy Dvate transform miniature wheat silos into impressive works of art with their gifts for painting. Wander the Urban Mini Silo Trail before planning your trip to see the giant versions.
THE DETAILS:
When: Friday 21 January until Thursday 31 March
Where: Main Square, Federation Square, Melbourne
For more information, click here.
Reconstruct (the) Normative by Soraya Zaman
This Summer a large-scale bridge is being constructed and displayed in The Atrium featuring a powerful photography exhibition. Soraya Zarman’s piece titled 'Reconstruct (the) Normative' is designed to explore the notions of gender and sexuality; specifically from the perspective of the trans-masculine community. Visit the exhibit to see if you can connect the symbolism of the bridge with the meaning of the portraits.
THE DETAILS:
When: 10am until 10pm, Friday 28 January to Thursday 10 February
Where: The Atrium, Federation Square, Melbourne
For more information, click here.
Connecting Worlds with Words
This live spoken word performance is designed to reach out to a pandemic riddled and disconnected world. The social distancing of the last two years has deprived our human need to connect meaningfully with others and has forced us all online. Connecting Worlds with Words is a new grassroots-led spoken word event and collaboration between three major urban public spaces: Fed Square in Melbourne, Bunjil Place in Casey and Aotea Square in Auckland. Through embracing new technologies, the three-venue live virtual-physical hybrid event will activate public urban spaces and celebrate the power of spoken word and story to connect communities across time and space. Head to the heart of our city centre to connect with our local and abroad communities.
THE DETAILS:
When: 5pm, Saturday 19 February
Where: Main Square, Federation Square, Melbourne
For more information, click here.
Image credit: supplied (Fed Square)