About this Event
The wider community will unite once again for a day of friendship, sunshine and outstanding music performances. We can't wait to welcome you to our new home, in the heart of Melbourne's CBD — Birrarung Marr.
Ability Fest is proudly Australia’s first all accessible music festival and one of the leading inclusive events in the country.
A non-for-profit event, Ability Fest has hosted some of the biggest names in music including What So Not, Peking Duk and Cub Sport and just shy of $500,000 for the Dylan Alcott Foundation. These funds have helped young Australians living with a disability fulfil their potential through their grant program.
Our festival oasis is located at Naarm/Melbourne’s Birrarung Marr, an urban space embracing civic life and community involvement with sweeping city skyline views and lush greenery.
You can expect all the usual fun you'd find at a festival like delicious food & drink options, unique experiences and unforgettable music performances across two stages, with the added bonus of Birrarung Marr being transformed into a completely accessible venue. Elevated platforms, pathways, a dedicated sensory area, quiet zones, companion ticketing, ramps, friendly volunteers, Auslan interpreters, accessible toilets and more help make Ability an inclusive and enjoyable environment for all music lovers.
How will the venue be transformed?
Our festival oasis will be transformed into an accessible venue with the inclusion of elevated platforms, pathways, dedicated sensory areas, quiet zones, a network of bridges and ramps and other facilities and amenities so that Ability Fest can be enjoyed by all!
Will there be accessible toilets?
Yes! Accessible toilets will be located throughout the entire site.
Will there be Auslan interpreters?
Yes! They will be placed on each stage.
Who can I reach out to if I need help on the day?
There will be a friendly team of volunteers around all day ready to assist with anything you may need!
Will there be a place I can go to if the music becomes too much?
There will be sensory areas, dedicated chill spaces, quiet zones and an assistance dog respite area if the music ever becomes too much throughout the day.
Where is the viewing platform?
There will be 3 viewing platforms available - 1 will be located on Lower Terrace and 2 on Middle Terrace.
These locations can be found on Bindi Maps and our site map once revealed!
Are there dedicated accessible drop off and pick up points?
We are working on ensuring we have dedicated accessible drop off and pick up points available. Check back here soon for information.
Where there be an accessible car park?
FedSqaure has its own multi-level car park, which is accessible from Russell Street or Batman Ave (Exhibition Street extension). The Federation Square Car Park is open 24 hours and has accessible spaces located next to the lift on each level.
Where there be changing places?
We are working on ensuring we have these facilities available. Check back here soon for information.
Does the event provide sensory kits?
We will have sensory kits available. Check back here soon for more information.
Does the venue have an audio loop installed?
Unfortunatey, Birrarung Marr does not have an audio loop installed.
Do you accept Companion Cards?
Yes - you won’t need to contact us ahead of time to arrange a ticket!
On arrival, head to the Box Office where our team will sight your valid Companion Card and scan in your general admission ticket. Both the ticket holder and the companion will be wristbanded and ready to enter the event.
