Melbourne is set to pulse with a wide-ranging arts festival, RISING, commencing in late May and running through early June. The event boasts a substantial program featuring over 100 events, showcasing 376 artists, and including seven world premieres alongside 11 Australian premieres. A significant focus of this year's festival lies in music and movement, with ticket presales beginning March 12th and general sales opening March 16th.
Hip-hop pioneer Lil' Kim is slated to headline the festival, marking her first Australian performances in 15 years. Her appearance coincides with the 30th anniversary of her seminal album Hard Core, and the festival will also celebrate The Notorious KIM. Lil' Kim will also headline Sydney's Vivid festival.
Dance Takes Center Stage
Movement is a cornerstone of RISING 2026, with a dedicated "Australian Dance Biennale" launching this year. This initiative aims to elevate Australian dance talent and features established companies such as Lucy Guerin Inc and Chunky Move. The program includes iconic Melbourne dance company Lucy Guerin Inc's latest work, threading a theme of folk-horror through the festival. Other international dance luminaries, including Northern Irish dancer Oona Doherty, are also part of the biennale. Street-dance powerhouse The Royal Family Dance Crew, known for their work with global artists like Lady Gaga and Rihanna, will perform their signature "Polyswagg" style. They are also scheduled to lead a free participatory dance event at Fed Square.
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Music and Multidisciplinary Acts
Beyond dance, the festival promises a broad musical landscape. Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 are set to perform, as is jazz percussionist Kahlil El’Zabar. The festival's multi-room music marathon, "Day Tripper," returns to Max Watt’s and Melbourne Town Hall, merging genres such as poetry, jazz, reggae, experimental pop, and club sounds. UK producer Daniel Avery is also announced, expected to transform Melbourne Town Hall into a rave space. The program includes a diverse roster of musical acts, from Aotearoa indie band The Bats and Iceage frontman Elias B Rønnenfelt performing solo, to art-pop artist Cate Le Bon, alt-country group Wednesday, and post-punks Dry Cleaning. English poet and artist Kae Tempest is also listed.
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Immersive and Experimental Offerings
RISING 2026 will transform various Melbourne venues, from theatres and halls to galleries and public spaces. The festival is billed as Melbourne/Naarm’s flagship event for new art, music, and performance, occurring at the onset of winter. Visionary European director Florentina Holzinger will present her new work, "A Year Without Summer," described as a genre-bending musical comedy exploring medical science and mortality. The historic Flinders Street Ballroom is set to reopen as a "participatory dance academy." The festival also emphasizes free public works and ballot-based experiences alongside ticketed events.
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