Moomba Festival

Last updated October 2026

Melbourne's free annual Labour Day long weekend festival with rides, the Moomba Parade, Birdman Rally and family entertainment; returns 2027.

Moomba is the City of Melbourne's free annual festival over the Labour Day long weekend in March, held at Alexandra Gardens and Birrarung Marr off St Kilda Road. Entry is free. The 2026 festival ran over five days, 5 to 9 March, with carnival rides, live music, dance workshops, face painting, storytelling, a silent disco, skate park and water ski competitions, food trucks, the Birdman Rally on the Yarra River and the Moomba Parade from the Shrine of Remembrance on the Monday. Carnival rides are paid; in 2026 a Thursday Ride Pass gave unlimited rides from 5pm to 9pm for $50. 2026 hours were 4pm to 10pm on Thursday and Friday and 10am to 10pm Saturday to Monday. The festival is alcohol-free and pets should stay at home. As of October 2026, the website says Moomba returns in 2027, with dates still to be announced. Flinders Street Station is the closest train station.

Facts checked against the venue's own website on 17 October 2026.