Melbourne’s longest-running and largest community festival is coming back for its 70th year. Expect the classic traditions, like the Moomba Parade, Birdman Rally on the Yarra River and the Moomba Carnival, as well as some exciting new stuff. Relive the magic of ABBA’s Moomba performance in 1977 with a fabulous tribute show, ‘Bjorn Again’, at Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Last year, Moomba attracted a crowd of over 1.3 million visitors. Join the action and have fun over five fabulous days at Moomba Festival from Thursday March 7 to Monday March 11.
Moomba Festival
As always, this festival will take place across the Labour Day long weekend. Discover over 60 performers and entertainers on the banks of the Yarra, as well as plenty of rides, food, drink, fireworks and more.
This year, the Moomba Monarchs are comedian Pete Helliar and children’s entertainer Emma Memma. See them at the annual Moomba Parade, and watch Emma plunge into the Yarra as part of Birdman Rally.
“We are thrilled to bring the Moomba magic to Melbourne as it celebrates 70 years — a testament to the festival’s status as a beloved, quirky and iconic part of our city’s culture,” said Acting Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece. “This special milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the community-driven festival’s incredible journey and our own memories of Moomba over the years.”
In celebration of this milestone, there will be a curated Moomba exhibit at Melbourne Town Hall from February 20 to March 8. Go on a free bookable tour and check it out. There will also be a massive Moomba-inspired photo moment set outside Melbourne Town Hall, so that you can take your own fun photos.
Highlights of Moomba include:
- Bjorn Again – Head to Sidney Myer Music Bowl and see tribute show, Bjorn Again. The only act endorsed by ABBA members, you can listen to your favourite tunes like Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia and more. Relive ABBA’s iconic performance from 1977, and create new memories. The performance will take place on Saturday March 9.
- Moomba Parade – See 1800 performers from community groups and dance troupes, eight floats and four large-scale puppets.
- Birdman Rally – In this hilarious competition, brave participants don handmade flying devices, and throw themselves over the Yarra in the name of charity.
- Moomba Carnival – Discover 30 thrilling rides and games for all ages. A $50 Moomba Ride Pass will be available online, with unlimited rides for all ages from 5pm-9pm on Thursday March 7.
- Food and drink – Feast on delicious bites from over 30 food trucks. Look forward to Greek donuts, Jamaican jerk chicken, Korean twisty potatoes and more.
- Fireworks – feel dazzled by nightly fireworks displays, and enjoy nightly feature films on the Moomba big screen.
- Relaxed hours – Sensitive to bright or strobing light and loud music? You can still join in on the fun with relaxed hours from 4pm to 6pm on Friday March 8.
Opening hours:
- Thursday March 7, 4pm to 10pm
- Friday March 8, 4pm to 10pm
- Saturday March 9, 10am to 10pm
- Sunday March 10, 10am to 10pm
- Monday March 11, 10am to 10pm