Moomba Festival 2024: Dates, Schedule and Events

Moomba festival 2023, offered lots of happiness and excitement to individuals and now it’s back to rock 2024. Moomba is an Australian music and arts festival that takes place annually in Melbourne, Victoria. The festival features a lineup of local and international artists performing across various stages, as well as art installations, food stalls, and other attractions.

Moomba was first held in 1955 and has since become one of Australia’s largest and most popular community festivals. The festival typically takes place over the Labour Day long weekend in March and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

The festival is centered near the Yarra River and takes place in various locations throughout the city, including Birrarung Marr, Alexandra Gardens, and the Yarra River. In addition to music and arts, Moomba also features a parade with floats and performers, as well as sporting events and activities for all ages. The festival is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and is a beloved tradition for many Melburnians.

One of the highlights of the festival is the Moomba Parade, which features colorful floats, marching bands, and performers. Moomba is a popular event for families and people of all ages and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The festival has been a Melbourne tradition since 1955 and is an important part of the city’s cultural calendar.

Continue reading till last to know more about this exciting festival.

History of Moomba Festival

Moomba is an annual festival that has been held in Melbourne, Australia since 1955. The festival was first conceived by the Melbourne Lord Mayor, Sir Frank Beaurepaire, as a way to boost morale and promote community spirit in the aftermath of World War II.

The name “Moomba” comes from an Indigenous Australian word meaning “let’s get together and have fun”. The festival was initially intended as a one-day event, but its popularity led to its expansion to a full weekend of festivities.

The first Moomba festival Melbourne featured a range of activities, including a parade with floats and performers, fireworks displays, and sporting events. Over the years, the festival has evolved to include a wide range of entertainment, such as music concerts, art exhibitions, food stalls, and cultural activities.

One of the most iconic aspects of Moomba is the Birdman Rally, which was first held in 1976. The event involves participants jumping off a platform into the Yarra River while wearing homemade flying contraptions. The Birdman Rally is a popular and often hilarious competition that attracts thousands of spectators each year.

Today, Moomba is one of the largest and most popular community festivals in Australia, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to Melbourne each year. The festival remains an important part of the city’s cultural calendar and a beloved tradition for many Melburnians.

Events of Moomba Festival

Moomba is an annual festival that takes place in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The festival features a diverse lineup of events and activities that cater to a wide range of interests and ages. Some of the key events and attractions of Moomba include:

• Moomba Parade

The parade is one of the main highlights of the festival and features colorful floats, marching bands, performers, and more. This colorful parade features a variety of mesmerizing floats, giant puppets, dance troupes, and bustling community groups that delight viewers of all ages. In 2024, keep an eye out for the Moomba Monarchs – Rob Mills and Rhonda Burchmore – who will be presiding over this beloved festival highlight. It typically takes place on the Monday of the Labour Day long weekend and attracts thousands of spectators. 

• Birdman Rally

This event involves participants jumping off a platform into the Yarra River while wearing homemade flying contraptions for a good cause. Participants attempt to keep themselves in the air with the aid of flying machines or their own physical strength. The goal is to see who can travel the farthest distance before landing. It’s an exciting event that attracts adventurous individuals from all over the world! It is a popular and often hilarious competition that takes place on the Sunday of the festival.

• Music and Live Bands 

Moomba features a diverse lineup of local and international musicians performing across multiple stages. The music ranges from rock and pop to jazz, folk, and world music. You will enjoy Team Dream, Chelsea Manor performance, Robert Baxter, Firefly performance, Tarabeat x MzRizk and many more throughout the entire week at different time slots. Moomba Festival offers a diverse and exciting lineup of music and live bands, making it a must-visit event for music lovers and festival-goers of all ages.

• Fireworks 

One of the highlights of the Moomba festival is the stunning fireworks display that illuminates the sky each night of the event. With a colorful and explosive performance, you can enjoy watching the dazzling lights throughout the night or even dance under their beautiful glow. It’s truly a breathtaking and joyous experience for all who attend. Moomba features nightly fireworks displays over the Yarra River, which is always a popular attraction.

• Moomba Monarchs

A noteworthy aspect of the Moomba Festival is the coronation of the Moomba Monarchs. These individuals are chosen in advance, but their official duties begin during the weekend festivities. The King and Queen of Moomba are typically Melbourne natives, with past Monarchs including cricket stars and Bollywood entertainers who have gained popularity among the locals. This is done during the famous Moomba Parade on Monday 13 March. 

• Food and Drink 

The festival features a range of food stalls offering cuisine from around the world, including traditional Australian fares like meat pies and sausage rolls, as well as international favorites like pizza, tacos, and dumplings. There are also vegetarian and vegan options available.

• Moomba Carnival Fun

Moomba Festival is an annual carnival held in Melbourne, Australia. Located on the southern banks of the Yarra River, the festival offers a variety of exciting activities for visitors to enjoy. In Alexandra Gardens, a tent city emerges featuring thrilling carnival rides such as the grand Ferris wheel that offers breathtaking views of the city to those bold enough to try it out! Moomba Carnival begins on Friday at 6:00 pm and continues until the end of the festival.

You can easily buy Moomba Ride Passes from: https://moomba.melbourne.vic.gov.au/ride-pass/

• Moomba Skateboarding

Moomba skateboarding refers to the annual skateboarding event that takes place during the Moomba Festival. This festival attracts skaters from all over the world. The event features a range of skateboarding competitions, including street skating, bowl skating, and vert skating. It is open to skaters of all levels and ages and offers a chance for up-and-coming skaters to showcase their skills. The event has become a popular destination for skateboarding fans and enthusiasts and has helped to promote the sport in Australia. 

These are just some of the many events and activities that take place during the Moomba festival. The festival is always evolving, with new attractions and activities added each year. It is a celebration of community, creativity, and fun that has become an important part of Melbourne’s cultural identity.

It is always a good idea to check the official Moomba website or social media channels for the latest information on festival dates and events. You can check complete details about programs, timing and location at https://moomba.melbourne.vic.gov.au/program/. 

Dates And Moomba Festival Location 

Moomba Festival 2024 is set to take place from March 9th to March 13th and will be held on the iconic banks of the Yarra River in Melbourne. The festival is free to attend and is open to people of all ages who want to experience the amazing events it has to offer. With a rich history dating back almost seven decades, the Moomba festival has become an integral part of Melbourne’s cultural identity and attracts thousands of visitors every year. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable celebration of Australian culture!

Moomba Festival Map: https://moomba.melbourne.vic.gov.au/map/

Tips For Attending The Festival 

Attending the Moomba Festival in Melbourne can be an unforgettable experience, but planning ahead of time is crucial. One important aspect to consider is transportation – public transport such as trains, trams and buses are highly recommended as parking spaces tend to fill up quickly during the festival. If you’re coming from out of town or looking for a place to stay during the festival, there are many accommodation options available in Melbourne CBD and the surrounding suburbs. You should book your hotel near the fun place so that you can easily catch everything. 

It’s also important to pack accordingly for a full day out under the sun- sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and comfortable clothing and shoes are highly recommended. Additionally, bringing a refillable water bottle is a great way to stay hydrated throughout the festival without spending money on bottled water. By keeping these tips in mind, your Moomba festival experience is sure to be memorable and enjoyable!

Kindly Note

• Moomba Festival strictly prohibits alcohol consumption during the event. Those found violating this rule will face penalties as per the event regulations.
• Moomba Festival venues kindly request that patrons refrain from smoking in areas designated for food and entertainment. Maintaining a smoke-free environment will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone in attendance. 
• The Moomba Festival is committed to providing access to individuals with mobility needs. The festival site and facilities are wheelchair accessible. Additionally, Travellers Aid offers mobility equipment hire services for those who need it. Equipment can be hired at both Flinders Street and Southern Cross Stations, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to fully enjoy this Melbourne event.

Final Words

We hope that we have successfully added all the information that will answer what is Moomba festival. ln 2024, Moomba will be celebrated from Friday, March 9 to Monday, March 13. This is the best time to immerse yourself in Australian culture and celebrate with fellow Australians. This beloved annual event is a cherished tradition, featuring a variety of fun-filled activities for all ages. Whether you’re interested in live music, sports, or cultural exhibitions, you will get everything at the Moomba festival.

For more information on this event, head over to https://moomba.melbourne.vic.gov.au/

Recommended:

▶ Best Things to do in Melbourne 2024

▶ Best Sunrise Spots Melbourne In 2024

▶ Best Asian Restaurants Melbourne 2024