FUSE: Darebin's multiarts festival

FUSE Festival is Darebin’s contemporary, multi-arts festival. Every year the festival offers signature events presented by the Darebin Arts Festival and Events unit, artist-led events supported by the FUSE Fund, and a platform to share events by local artists and creatives as part of the FUSE Open Access initiative. 

FUSE reflects Darebin’s uniqueness as a vibrant, inclusive, creative and forward-thinking city. During the festival, we invite the community to enjoy our streets, parks, venues, theatres and galleries as transformative zones, infusing Darebin with the power of art, culture and creativity.

Darebin FUSE Festival 2025

For two unforgettable weeks from 31 August – 14 September, the City of Darebin will light up with creativity as Darebin FUSE Festival returns. This year’s multi-arts festival offers the chance to come together as a community and enjoy live music, cultural experiences, exhibitions, public art, workshops, activities for kids, and more!

FUSE Deadly Darebin Program

Darebin FUSE Festival events featuring work/s by acclaimed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and creatives.

Taking Back Language

How do artists subvert and reclaim language? Find out in this new exhibition of works that utlilise text in both humourous and powerful ways.

Ganbu Gulin: wudhanu yuwanguth (festival opening)

As the opening event for Darebin FUSE Festival, Ganbu Gulin: wudhanu yuwanguth (One Mob: From Many to the Next) is a gathering of Voice, Culture and Ceremony with a stellar music lineup and cultural activities, as new citizens are welcomed to Wurundjeri land. FREE to attend and open to all.

FUSE Films

Six FREE curated film sessions presented as part of Darebin FUSE Festival. A mix of local and international films.

En Masse

Rawcus Theatre Company with Amelia J. O’Leary & Michael Carmody: a life-sized dance-work projected in public space.

FUSE Festival @ Northcote Town Hall

A weekend of breathtaking large-scale installations as part of Darebin FUSE Festival.

Smocks & Hot Chocs

Darebin FUSE Festival presents a playful morning of artistic discovery for young artists

Bunjil & Paliyang

By Amos Roach, William Vyvyan Murray and the Murrundaya Yepengna Dance Troupe

FUSE Signature Events

Key FUSE events curated by the Darebin Arts Festival and Events Unit

Ganbu Gulin: wudhanu yuwanguth (festival opening)

As the opening event for Darebin FUSE Festival, Ganbu Gulin: wudhanu yuwanguth (One Mob: From Many to the Next) is a gathering of Voice, Culture and Ceremony with a stellar music lineup and cultural activities, as new citizens are welcomed to Wurundjeri land. FREE to attend and open to all.

FUSE Films

Six FREE curated film sessions presented as part of Darebin FUSE Festival. A mix of local and international films.

Rock-A-Bye Baby feat. Wrong Way Up

PBS' #1 kid-friendly event comes to Darebin FUSE Festival, with a performance from Afro-disco-psychedelic-boogie duo Wrong Way Up.

FUSE Festival @ Northcote Town Hall

A weekend of breathtaking large-scale installations as part of Darebin FUSE Festival.

A Night Under the Stars with Watty Thompson and Friends

A night of uplifting music and deep community spirit at Darebin FUSE Festival, with special guests Annie-Rose Maloney and Brodie Buttons.

Smocks & Hot Chocs

Darebin FUSE Festival presents a playful morning of artistic discovery for young artists

FUSE Fund Events

Works presented as part of the festival that have received funding support from the Darebin Arts FUSE Fund.

En Masse

Rawcus Theatre Company with Amelia J. O’Leary & Michael Carmody: a life-sized dance-work projected in public space.

Enki

A celebration of Darebin through sound

3 by Yuiko Masukawa

Three dancers. one shot. in public space

FUSE Open Access Initiative

Works presented by creatives across Darebin as part of the FUSE Open Access platform.

Taking Back Language

How do artists subvert and reclaim language? Find out in this new exhibition of works that utlilise text in both humourous and powerful ways.

Sammaneh Pourshafighi - You, Me and Everything Around Us

A collection of works that navigates the artist’s autobiographical and familial relationships, tracing the shifting boundaries between family, environment, memory, and self.

Hootan Heydari - Remembering to Forget

A new exhibition by Hootan Heydari, examining history, place and memory.

Gallery Unbound: Solo and Duo Exhibitions

Shane Reynolds | Megan-Jane Johnstone | Lindesay Dresdon and Sheena Mathieson | Susan Holmes

artX Metro

artX Metro features distinguished artworks by artists who identify as living with disability and or have a history of mental health issues living in Metro Victoria.

Plastic Arts

Sarah’s plastic forgeries mimic ceramic patterns and designs that go back hundreds of years, including the familiar willow pattern and the Dutch Delftware that forms part of the worldwide pottery family of blue and white.

Spring Gardening Storytime Special

Join us in the garden at Northcote Library for a special storytime!

Smudgies: Kids Art Club

Smudgies is a monthly, hands-on art club for kids held during the school term at Fairfield Library.

Latin Dance for Beginners

Beginner steps, bold moves – come and try Latin Dance!

"Go Ball-istic" Art & Craft Sessions

A creative workshop for families - transform old sport equipment into a brand-new piece of art.

Slice of Life

A Still Life workshop for Young People (12-25 years) at Northcote Library

Spring Has Sprung

Join a fun-filled morning at Reservoir Village to celebrate the arrival of Spring, Father’s Day, and a special visit from Bluey & Bingo!

Saturday Family Storytime

Join us at Preston Library for a special Father's Day family storytime!

dSCRIBE 18 Launch: Spiralling

Join us at Low Key for the launch of dSCRIBE: Issue 18 – Spiralling. dSCRIBE is Darebin's literary magazine.

THE JOLTED SHOWCASE AT FUSE

A weekend showcase of the creative streams JOLT Arts has to offer

Singing for Joy with the Bells

Singing for Joy with the Bells is an open invitation to join the choir as an audience member and hopefully be inspired to sing-along with them as they perform a repertoire of their favourite songs.

A Space to Write Night

Feel like you need to give your writing some focused time or need some inspiration? Join us at Reservoir Library.

Youth Gallery Launch

Join us at the launch of our Youth Art Gallery, featuring works on paper by young people aged 12-25.

Bakers Eddy @ Shotkickers

Bakers Eddy ‘I’m Doing Better’ EP Tour: Melbourne show at Shotkickers in Thornbury

Bunjil & Paliyang

By Amos Roach, William Vyvyan Murray and the Murrundaya Yepengna Dance Troupe

Arts Project Australia: Studio Open Day

Explore the studio and connect with leading neurodivergent artists

Preston Symphony Orchestra Youth Concerto Competition 2025

A chance to hear the dazzling virtuosity of young musical talent at its best

Music On The Green

Tee up a chilled out Sunday afternoon with relaxed music vibes in the open air of Northcote Golf Course

Image: Performance by Djirri Djirri Dancers at Ganbu Gulin in Spring 2022, image by Wild Hardt.