The Moomba Festival, presented by the City of Melbourne, is returning in March 2026, bringing four days of fun, excitement, and unforgettable memories! Since 1955, Moomba has been an annual highlight, uniting families, artists, and thrill-seekers for a long weekend packed with entertainment.
Aligning with the Labour Day long weekend in March. This makes it the perfect time for families and visitors to enjoy thrilling carnival rides, live music, stunning fireworks, and quirky events in Melbourne. With an extended holiday, attendees can fully experience the excitement of Australia’s largest free community festival.
Whether you’re a lifelong Moomba fan or experiencing it for the first time, expect thrilling rides, live performances, delicious food, stunning fireworks, and beloved traditions—all set along the beautiful Yarra River.
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When is Moomba 2026? – Dates & Location
📅 Dates: Friday, March 6 – Monday, March 9, 2026
📍 Location: Alexandra Gardens & Birrarung Marr, Melbourne
🎆 Fireworks: Every night at 9:30 PM over the Yarra River
Moomba holds a special place in our hearts for anyone who grew up in Melbourne. It’s where we had our first Ferris wheel ride, screamed on the Gravitron, or watched in awe as waterskiers soared across the Yarra. And in 2026, it’s set to be bigger and better than ever!
Moomba Festival 2026 Top Events & Must-See Highlights
Moomba Parade 2026
The Moomba Parade is the heart and soul of the festival, bringing Melbourne’s diverse community together in a joyful, larger-than-life procession. Brightly themed floats, dance performances, and cultural showcases make this event a must-see!
📅 Date: Monday, March 9, 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Route: St Kilda Road (Birdwood Ave to Alexandra Gardens)
🎟️ Admission: Free
👉 Tip: Arrive early to snag the best viewing spots along the parade route!
Moomba Masters 2026
If you’ve ever watched waterskiers race along the Yarra, you know this isn’t just any competition—it’s a Moomba tradition! The Moomba Masters attracts world-class athletes competing in trick skiing, slalom, and high-flying jumps.
📅 Date: March 6 – March 9, 2026
📍 Location: Yarra River, Melbourne
🎟️ Admission: Free
🔥 Highlights: Night skiing finals, wakeboarding tricks, record-breaking jumps
👉 Personal Experience: Seeing waterskiers soar over the river at night with fireworks in the background is one of my favourite Moomba moments—don’t miss it!
Birdman Rally 2026
Nothing screams classic Moomba fun like the Birdman Rally! Competitors build bizarre flying machines and attempt to launch themselves over the Yarra River—some aiming for distance, while others just make a splash (literally!).
📅 Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026
📍 Location: Yarra River, Melbourne
🎟️ Admission: Free
😂 Expect: Outrageous costumes, creative contraptions, and plenty of laughs!
👉 Fun Fact: Some participants compete to raise money for charity, so it’s not just hilarious—it’s for a great cause!
Moomba Monarchs 2026
Every year, two well-known figures from Melbourne’s entertainment, sports, or community scene are crowned as Moomba Monarchs. Their role? To lead the parade, attend official events, and spread the Moomba spirit.
👑 Who will be the Moomba Monarchs for 2026? Stay tuned for the big announcement closer to the festival!
👉 Past Monarchs: Eddie McGuire, Molly Meldrum, Shane Warne, Emma Memma, and Pete Helliar have all had the honour!
Moomba Kings 2026
The Moomba Kings competition is where top BMX riders, skateboarders, and scooter pros battle it out at Riverslide Skate Park. Expect crazy stunts, high-energy tricks, and intense competition.
📅 Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
📍 Location: Riverslide Skate Park, Alexandra Gardens
🎟️ Admission: Free
💰 Prize Pool: Up to $20,000 in cash and prizes
🔥 Highlights: Best trick contest, meet-and-greet with pro riders, live DJ performances
👉 Why You Should Go: If you love extreme sports, this is the best place to see some insane tricks up close.
More Moomba 2026 Attractions to Enjoy
🍿 Carnival Rides & Games – Thrill-seeking or family-friendly fun? Moomba has rides for everyone!
🍔 Food & Drink Stalls – Indulge in delicious street food, carnival snacks, and international flavors.
🎤 Live Music & Performances – From local bands to dance workshops, there’s entertainment everywhere.
🎆 Fireworks Every Night – The ultimate way to end each day—sky-high fireworks over the Yarra at 9:30 PM.
👉 Tip: Bring a blanket and find a spot by the river for the best fireworks views!
Getting to Moomba 2026
🚆 Train: Flinders Street Station is just a short walk from the festival.
🚋 Tram: Stops near Federation Square & St Kilda Road make tram travel super convenient.
🚌 Bus: Multiple routes service the festival area.
🚗 Parking: Limited—public transport is highly recommended!
Where to Stay for Moomba 2026
Since Moomba is one of Melbourne’s busiest events, book your accommodation early!
🏨 Crown Towers Melbourne – A luxury stay in Southbank.
🏨 The Langham Melbourne – Elegant riverside views and top-tier service.
🏨 Novotel Melbourne on Collins – A great mid-range option in the heart of the city.
Tips for an Amazing Moomba Festival Experience
✔️ Stay Hydrated: Melbourne’s March weather can be warm—bring a water bottle!
✔️ Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential.
✔️ Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking a lot between events.
✔️ Use Public Transport: Avoid parking stress and take the train, tram, or bus.
✔️ Follow @MoombaFestival on Socials: Get live updates on performances, weather, and any schedule changes.
Don’t Miss Moomba 2026 – Melbourne’s Most Iconic Festival!
Whether you’re soaring on carnival rides, watching the parade, cheering for the Birdman Rally, or enjoying fireworks over the Yarra, Moomba Festival 2026 will be packed with unforgettable moments.
📅 Lock in the dates: March 6–9, 2026
📍 Location: Alexandra Gardens & Birrarung Marr, Melbourne
For more updates, visit the City of Melbourne’s official Moomba Festival page.
✨ See you there! 🎡🎆🚀
