Family Fiesta is Monash University Performing Arts Centres’ (MPAC) annual takeover of live, participatory art and performance for children, with more than half of the events free and the rest at very low cost, from 9-12 July.
In 2025, Family Fiesta heads to Antarctica for an action-packed program celebrating the wonders of the world’s largest ice sheet. Featuring a mix of interactive installations, performances and workshops, this year’s festival blends cutting-edge Antarctic science with imaginative and creative experiences.
Thanks to Monash University's pioneering environmental research through Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future (SAEF), scientists recently returned from the icy continent will be onsite to share firsthand knowledge of what life and work in Antarctica is really like.
From building krill to dancing penguins, some of program highlights include:
The Rockstar and the Krill, 9-12 July
A cabaret for the climate. This all-singing, all-dancing Antarctic escapade from award-winning theatre company Finucane & Smith invites kids to dive into the belly of a whale alongside a rebellious rockstar queen and a tap-dancing krill. With interactive krill-making, eco-science, and plenty of deep-sea silliness, this lively production shows why small things (like krill!) can make a mighty impact. Directed by internationally acclaimed performance artist and environmental scientist, Moira Finucane. Pictured right
ColdVoice, 9-12 July
Playable Streets presents ColdVoice, a sparkling sound and light installation of musical instruments made entirely from ice. Located in the acoustically superb David Li Sound Gallery, this sensory art experience invites children and families to create soundscapes while the instruments slowly melt.Into the Ice with Alison Lester and Coral Tulloch, 10 July
Bestselling children’s authors and illustrators Alison Lester and Coral Tulloch bring Antarctica to life through live drawing, storytelling and tales of exploration. Based on their new book Into the Ice: Reflections on Antarctica, this session is perfect for curious young minds and aspiring artists. A post-show book signing will follow.The Very Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra with Sammy J, 12 July
Melbourne’s much-loved musical comedian Sammy J teams up with the Monash Classical Collective for a joyful musical journey through the orchestra. This lively Saturday concert introduces little ears to classical favourites like Flight of the Bumblebee and Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, with Antarctic flair and plenty of laughs along the way.
Enjoy free live music every day at Family Fiesta with lunchtime concerts at The Count’s. Relax as a family with a free ‘blizzard babyccino’ for the kids, or treat yourselves to a snow gelato or an iceberg white hot chocolate. Explore the full menu for both kids and adults, and soak up a diverse lineup of performances on offer: JoysSoul Music will share songs and stories, Fem Belling brings jazz and storytelling for kids, Jessie Lloyd’s Mission Songs Project explores Aboriginal history through music, and Petra Elliott sings fun songs about science.
Interactive installations and workshops that run throughout Family Fiesta include:Polar Camp
What is it really like to live and work in Antarctica? At Polar Camp, kids can meet scientists from Monash University who’ve just returned from the icy continent. They’ll see the clothes and gear scientists use in the cold, hear stories about life on the ice, and join in with creative games performance from Barking Spider Creative that bring Antarctic research to life.Ice Play
This interactive art space lets kids explore a pretend Antarctic landscape. They can hop between "icebergs," listen to real sounds recorded in Antarctica, and look out for animal models like penguins and seals. It’s a chance to play, imagine, and learn about life in one of the coldest places on Earth.Precious Plastic
In this hands-on workshop, kids learn how recycling works by turning old plastic into something new. They’ll use machines to shred and melt everyday plastics, then make their own small souvenirs – like penguin keyrings – while learning about waste, reuse, and how to care for the environment.Cool Stuff with Scienceworks
Scienceworks is bringing cold-weather science to the Fiesta. Children can take part in simple science experiments and learn how animals (and people) survive in freezing conditions. There’ll be fun demonstrations – like freezing things with liquid nitrogen – led by a scientist who’s been to Antarctica.Penguin Parade
Look out for some special visitors waddling around the festival, as friendly performers dressed as Emperor Penguins will roam the venue, stopping to share fun facts, dance moves, and playful moments with kids and families. Just like real penguins, they travel in groups and love to interact.
There’s something for everyone, with all events either free or capped at just $15. Presented by Monash University Performing Arts Centres during the July school holidays at the Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts, families can enjoy a cool line-up of art making, dancing, storytelling, and singing—served with a touch of Antarctic magic.
Monash University Performing Arts Centres, (MPAC) is the public performing arts and cultural arm of Monash University which welcomes hundreds of thousands of guests each year.. MPAC is renowned for bringing in the best local, national, and international performing artists to its centres, aiming to excite the emerging generations with its thought-provoking and memorable programming. Family Fiesta is held at MPAC’s Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts venues: The Alexander Theatre, David Li Sound Gallery, and The Count’s.
Event Details:
Dates: 9th to 11th July 2025 - various times & dates (check individual events)
Location: Monash University Performing Arts Centres - 48 Exhibition Walk, Clayton VIC 3168