Moomba Festival 2025 in Melbourne

The Moomba Festival, Melbourne's iconic celebration of community and culture, is set to return from March 6 to 10, 2025. Known as Australia's largest free community festival, it offers a diverse program of activities and entertainment.

Festival Highlights

One of the festival's most anticipated attractions is the Moomba Parade, a lively procession featuring around 2,000 performers, including musicians, dancers, and entertainers, marching down St Kilda Road. Central to the parade are the Moomba Monarchs, who are crowned each year to preside over the festivities symbolically.

The Birdman Rally, another crowd favorite, showcases daring participants attempting to glide across the Yarra River in homemade flying contraptions. Alongside this is the Moomba Masters waterskiing competition, where professional and amateur athletes demonstrate their skills on the water.

The Alexandra Gardens and Birrarung Marr host carnival rides, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. Music enthusiasts can enjoy concerts featuring well-known headliners and emerging local talent, while film lovers can catch free movie screenings in the evenings. To conclude each night, fireworks displays light up the Melbourne skyline.

Schedule and Program

Moomba 2025 will take place over the Labor Day weekend, offering four days of continuous activities. The festival officially begins on Thursday, March 6, with the opening of carnival rides and food vendors in Alexandra Gardens. Key events like the Birdman Rally and the Moomba Parade will occur on Sunday and Monday, respectively. Fireworks displays are scheduled nightly, ensuring that each day ends with a spectacular show.

Admission

As a community-focused event, Moomba remains entirely free to attend. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, especially for popular events like the Birdman Rally and the Moomba Parade, to secure good viewing spots.

Location and Nearby Attractions

The festival is concentrated along the Yarra River, with key sites including Alexandra Gardens, Birrarung Marr, and St Kilda Road. These central Melbourne locations are well-connected and within walking distance of other landmarks, such as Federation Square and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Visitors can also explore Melbourne’s vibrant laneways and cultural precincts, offering galleries, cafes, and shopping experiences.

History

First held in 1955, the Moomba Festival was initiated as a way to bring the community together and celebrate Melbourne's cultural diversity. The name "Moomba" is derived from an Aboriginal phrase, reflecting the city’s efforts to honor Indigenous heritage. The introduction of the Birdman Rally in 1976 and the tradition of crowning Moomba Monarchs have added unique elements that continue to draw visitors annually.