Five magical experiences in Melbourne during this winter’s Rising festival

When: Jun 1-Jul 8
Where: Birrarung Marr, Melbourne, Vic

Wander just slightly off St Kilda Road down a sparkling river path lit by glowing elm trees, led nose first by the sweet scent of buttery popcorn and hot chocolate, to a magical world of ice-skating, culinary delights and winter fun. Watch as the incredible Birrarung Marr precinct materialises in front of you, frozen over to make room for ice skaters of all ages and abilities to glide at their own pace. Kicking off on June 1 to celebrate the beginning of Melbourne’s winter, the pop-up invites visitors to try carving up The Rink’s glacial arena under a sky of glimmering lights that mimic and augment the night sky. Stay on your toes and fuel up during skate sessions with the plethora of tasty culinary options – from woodfired pizzas and hot dogs to crêpes and fancy cheeseboards – surrounding the frosty rink. 

When: Sat Jun 10, 4pm
Where: Federation Square, Melbourne, Vic

Ever wish you could be a part of a record-breaking live performance? Rising’s ambitious 10,000 Kazoos event offers you a chance to do just that. Projected to be one of the biggest musical projects the city has ever staged, it’s your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create howling melodies and ground-shaking sound alongside 9,999 other kazooists. Luckily, the kazoo requires no musical skill, so anyone with a set of working lungs and eager attitude is welcome. To take part, simply sign up here, make your way to Federation Square on June 10, grab a provided biodegradable kazoo and prepare your musical muscles for a truly unique experience. Admire the almighty chorus produced by such an array of simple wind instruments for the first, and possibly only, time right in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. 

When: Jun 7-18
Where: St Paul’s Cathedral Car Park, 220 Flinders St, Melbourne, Vic

After the sun sets, spill out onto the streets of Melbourne and find your way to the heart of Rising – a zone in the rag-trade epicentre pumping with music, delicious food, and plenty of good times. Expect the unexpected when stumbling upon Night Trade, presented by Up – an ideal beginning and ending place for attendees of the festival. Enjoy the otherworldly surroundings created by Puerto Rican art collective Poncili Creación. Dine on hawker-style dishes and drink warm, boozy concoctions while you experience off-kilter performances spanning from outrageously funny drag karaoke to surrealist puppet shows. Don’t research it too much before you go – Night Trade is best enjoyed with a side of surprise! 

When: Jun 7-10
Where: Federation Square, Melbourne, Vic

While adventuring through the city throughout Rising, take a moment to look up above Federation Square for a sparkling sensory experience. As you tilt your attention upwards, admire thousands of magnificent lights as they wave in the breeze and shine in complement to the sky’s visible stars. Designed by Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde, known for creating projects that fuse technology and art in urban spaces, this collection of glowing lights is biodegradable and intended to simulate the appearance of fireflies, birds or even constellations. Become immersed in the sensation of witnessing a natural atmospheric bioluminescence – as if you’re a part of the night sky – through the carefully calibrated artificial lighting display that hangs above Melbourne’s famous riverside square. Spark takes place for only four nights of the festival, June 7 to 10.

Traversing the artscapes, melodic gatherings and immersive experiences of Rising can be hungry work, so continue the good times with a late-night bite, casual cocktail, or fully-fledged fine dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a night cap or a hearty meal, Melbourne’s grid has plenty of gastronomic hot spots. Dive deep into a bowl of steaming hot ramen at Shujinko; sample a specialty bottle of wine overlooking Parliament House at Siglo; devour moreish meatballs at the Meatball and Wine Bar; or experience protein done properly at Butchers Diner. Read up on some of the city’s incredible late-night dining favourites slinging fantastic food and refreshing drinks here.