Now or Never returns to Melbourne with bold new program

Melbourne’s winter calendar is heating up with the return of Now or Never this August – a bold 11-day festival transforming the city into a playground of art, ideas, sound and technology.

Running from August 21 to 31, the City of Melbourne’s flagship festival is back for its third year with more than 140 free and ticketed events across iconic venues and public spaces.

More than 285 local and international artists will be involved, including 30 new works premiering in Melbourne.

“Now or Never is back – transforming Melbourne into a vibrant hub of creativity, culture and connection,” Lord Mayor Nick Reece said.

“This bold, boundary-pushing festival is a true celebration of Melbourne’s creative spirit.”

A major highlight of the 2025 program is MATRIA – a monumental new installation by Barcelona-based collective Penique Productions, which will take over the Royal Exhibition Building.

The free, immersive artwork transforms the grand interior into a pink, cocoon-like space using a translucent inflatable structure paired with an atmospheric soundscape.

Created in partnership with Museums Victoria, the installation also features a program of performances and breathwork sessions by The Breath Haus.

Other headline events include a large-scale musical takeover of Melbourne Town Hall and a line-up of workshops, talks and experiences designed to “spark ideas and offer a rare glimpse into the future”.

The council’s tourism and events portfolio head Cr Mark Scott said Now or Never had “quickly established itself as a standout on Melbourne’s events calendar – driving city activity, supporting local jobs and energising the economy”.

Last year’s festival brought in more than $14.6 million and supported around 1000 jobs.

This year, more than 400,000 people are expected to attend. The festival also returns in 2025 as a certified carbon-neutral event under the Australian Government’s Climate Active Program. •