[Melbourne] St Kilda Festival - family grooves with DJ Dorothy the Dinosaur, Whistle & Trick, CLIPPED Karaoke and more!
The 44th annual St Kilda Festival returns with a program of family friendly fun to keep kids entertained through the weekend on 15 – 16 February. Festival-goers can expect a vibrant line-up of colourful performances and activations, including skateboarding lessons, immersive pop-up installations, and of course, live music, across the precinct. Families can also take part in singing and dancing courtesy of CLIPPED Karaoke, and with DJ Dorothy the Dinosaur. With plenty to join in on during First Peoples First (Saturday), on Big Festival Sunday the Optus Stage will also host a program of dedicated children’s entertainment in the morning and early afternoon.
Highlights include:
First Peoples First (Saturday)
Ngarga Warendj Cultural Arts: Taungurung artist Mick Harding will lead a hands-on arts and crafts workshop. Specialising in woodworking, sculpture, and printmaking, Harding offers festivalgoers the chance to explore Indigenous art and culture through creative activities.
Yarn Strong Sista: Yarn Strong Sista offers interactive storytelling and arts workshops, including face painting and the exploration of First Nations-designed resources. Festivalgoers can engage in creative activities that connect them with cultural storytelling and artistic expression.
Creed Jewellery Designs Workshops: This hands-on workshop invites families and children to craft jewellery from native seeds and emu feathers, try pyrography on wooden boards, or explore the art of painting shoes. Creed’s work, created using ethically sourced and recycled materials, offers a unique opportunity to connect with traditional Aboriginal techniques while crafting something special and sustainable.
Afro Dancehall Performance and Workshop: Melbourne's top Afro Dance and Dancehall dancers will lead a dynamic performance and interactive workshop, showcasing modern African and Jamaican dance styles. Festivalgoers can learn energetic party moves while enjoying upbeat music from the African Diaspora, offering a vibrant and engaging cultural experience for all ages.
Big Festival Sunday
T-shirt Twists and Turns - Upcycled Craft Workshop: This hands-on workshop (pictured right) invites festivalgoers to explore the art of upcycling by transforming unwanted T-shirts into vibrant new creations. From unique necklaces and trendy accessories to practical tote bags, participants aged 6+ will discover the endless possibilities of sustainable crafting.
DJ Dorothy the Dinosaur: A crowd favourite set to delight audiences of all ages, the Australian icon, DJ Dorothy the Dinosaur (pictured right above) brings an unforgettable dance party to the 2025 St Kilda Festival. With her best friends, Wags the Dog and Henry the Octopus, by her side, Dorothy transforms beloved classic tunes into high-energy remixes that ignite nostalgia and get everyone moving.
Whistle & Trick: Childhood friends Esther Holt and Maddy Kelly infuse their performance with enthusiasm and playfulness, actively encouraging audience participation and movement. Their debut album, "Bananas and Other Delicious Things," released through ABC Music, garnered notable recognition with an ARIA nomination for Best Children's Album in 2023.
CLIPPED Karaoke: offers an immersive singing experience where festivalgoers of all ages can perform their favourite songs and star in their own music videos, filmed live and shown on the big screen. This unique activation combines public performance with contemporary live video art, creating an engaging and inclusive experience for participants.
future play lab.: invites festivalgoers to an interactive urban play experience, combining music games, new sports, and explorations of place. This inclusive activity encourages creativity and regeneration through play, offering workshops and open play sessions suitable for all ages and abilities.
Japanese Taiko Drumming: Taikokoro, a Melbourne-based non-profit organisation, presents its largest group, Australia Miyake Kai, performing the renowned Miyake Taiko, a traditional style of drumming from Miyake Island, Tokyo. Known for its powerful rhythms and energy, the performance invites the audience to join in the "wasshoi" chant, creating an immersive and interactive experience that celebrates Japanese culture through music and community spirit.
The Fitzroy College of Arms: offers a unique glimpse into the art of historical sword fighting, with a focus on the Rapier, Longsword, and Broadsword. Drawing on 15th to 18th-century texts and techniques, FCA invites festivalgoers to watch and engage with a dedicated community of sword fighters exploring these traditional martial arts.
YMCA Action Sports - Learn to Skate: offer an inclusive and fun environment for children and young people to build skateboarding skills. Led by experienced instructors, these sessions focus on skill development, injury prevention, skate park etiquette, and equipment maintenance, while promoting confidence and social engagement through games and activities.
Mayor of Port Phillip, Cr Louise Crawford says: ‘It’s important to us the St Kilda Festival remains a celebration for the whole community, featuring a wide range of opportunities for families and people of all ages to experience the Festival through song, dance and activities. Whether it’s a hands-on activity or a groove in front of DJ Dorothy the Dinosaur, there’s something for everyone at this year’s St Kilda Festival’.
St Kilda Festival’s diverse program features live Australian music, dance performances, workshops, community group activities, food and market stalls, roving entertainment and a dedicated family-friendly stage.
The festival continues to be renowned for its work in bringing significant economic benefits to the St Kilda area, whilst supporting and promoting Australian talent. Since its inception 44 years ago, St Kilda festival has played host to more than 350,000 visitors and participants annually.
The St Kilda Festival is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria and the Community Support Fund.
Revive Live – an Australian Government initiative.
St Kilda Festival
Saturday 15 - Sunday 16 February 2025
FREE – no bookings required
St Kilda Foreshore and surrounds, St Kilda
stkildafestival.com.au