Melbourne’s newest major festival, Now Or Never, will return this August for a third year.
The festival, signifying the final days of winter, will present an exciting programme exploring art, ideas, sound and technology. . . From a never-before-seen transformation of the inside of the Royal Exhibition Building, to an epic musical takeover of Melbourne Town Hall.
There will be more than 140 free and ticketed events from more than 285 local and international artists and creatives, taking over iconic Melbourne venues and public spaces.
Highlights for the 2025 programme include a takeover of Melbourne Town Hall with large-scale live music across four nights including Marie Davidson, ‘ultratronics’ by Ryoji Ikeda, DJ Python, DJ Logic1000, Young Marco, and Yarra; Barcelona-based Studio Penique with ‘MATRIA’, an installation transforming the Royal Exhibition Building with a towering pink inflatable.
Plus, Barcelona-based creative studio Hamill Industries presenting ‘DELIRI’, a large-scale facade projection; award-winning scientist and former Australian Of The Year Tim Flannery in ‘I Have Seen The Future’, a conversation exploring how to hold on to hope in the face of climate catastrophe; ACMI presenting ‘Assembly’, a documentary by artist Rashaad Newsome fusing the energy of the queer underground, with sharp political commentary; exclusive performances at Melbourne Recital Centre featuring German electronic music producer Moritz von Oswald, celebrated composer and producer Laurel Halo, and Brooklyn-based cellist Leila Bordreuil.
Two world premiere works will play in a night of expanded cinema and real-time virtual performance, ‘PARA.CINE’, presented by SOFT CENTRE. ‘Hearsay’, by Naarm-based Eek, Kirby Casilli and Tina Stefanou – a surreal, immersive reimagining of cinema as a zoological amphitheatre – and Team Rolfes’ ‘Team Rolfes & The Mustang Speedrun’ – a fast-paced audiovisual performance following avatar jockeys racing through a surreal world.
“Now or Never is back – transforming Melbourne into a vibrant hub of creativity, culture and connection,” Lord Mayor Nick Reece says. “This bold, boundary-pushing festival is a true celebration of Melbourne’s creative spirit – spotlighting local artists, musicians and performers alongside international innovators. This year’s line-up brings together visionary thinkers to spark ideas and offer a rare glimpse into the future.”
“Melbourne isn’t hibernating this winter. With more than 400,000 people expected to take part, Now Or Never is not only enriching our cultural scene – it’s also supercharging our 24-hour economy and supporting local businesses.”
Check out the full programme.
Now Or Never 2025 is on from 21-31 August.
