MUSIC NEWS: Summer in the Park returns for 2026
The Summer in the Park festival is returning for 2026, offering free all-ages arts and music events across Boroondara gardens in January and February!
Boroondara’s favourite warm-weather tradition is back, bigger, bolder and bursting with music, culture, cinema and community spirit. Summer in the Park 2026 runs from 29 January to 28 February, transforming parks and precincts across the City of Boroondara into vibrant outdoor stages.
With free, all-ages events every Friday night and every weekend, the program features First Nations artists, jazz, indie, cinema, opera, country, global music and more. From family-friendly mornings to dancing into the nights, it’s a festival made for everyone. All are welcome. All free. Just turn up and enjoy summer at its best with your friends and family.
Artist: Bumpy - credit Emily Dynes
Summer in the Park 2026 champions sustainability, local artists, cultural diversity and community connection and the full program features over 70 artists and 21 vibrant performances in the inner-East’s most iconic parks and gardens.
The 2026 program commences with a special night of Indigenous storytelling, ceremony, dance and music curated by Jason Tamiru. Wander through the magical Maranoa Gardens from 6 pm, then gather for a deeply moving evening featuring evocative dance group Culture Evolves, opera, First Nations folk music and more.
The Camberwell Civic Precinct Hub, which will feature a solar-powered stage hosting live music, dancing, and community activities every Friday from 30 January to 27 February.
Friday 30 January: Party in the Park
Features powerhouse First Nations vocalist Bumpy, party-starter DJ Mz Rizk, and iconic soul trio Cookin’ on 3 Burners.
Friday 6 Dannii Disco in the Park
A celebration of local icons with Perfectly Queer and DJ Chelsea Wilson (Disco gear and sequins are encouraged!)
Friday 13 February: Zorba in the Park
An evening of classic Greek melodies, dance lessons, and big community energy from beloved Melbourne Greek outfit, Estudiantina of Melbourne.
Friday 20 February: Country in the Park
Boot-scootin’ and line dancing fun with the Country Struts and toe-tapping live bluegrass by the Canyon Callers.
Friday 27 February: Gusto Gusto in the Park
The Friday Hub series closes with a euphoric global-music party featuring one of Australia’s hottest festival bands, Gusto Gusto, fresh from stages like Glastonbury.
Slow Art Collective will be installing a progressive artwork at the Camberwell Hub, with all festival-goers invited to contribute to its colourful structure over five festive weeks.
Other festival events include Lunar New Year in the Park (Sunday 15 February) at Balwyn Park, Classical in the Park (Saturday 7 February) at Alexandra Gardens, Jazz in the Park (Saturday 21 February) at Riversdale Park, and Opera in the Park: La Dolce Vita (Saturday 28 February) at Canterbury Gardens
Enjoy more Family Fun with Woody's Bush Bash at Maling Road (kids' cabaret: puppetry, ukulele, Aussie stories) and Cinema in the Park: The Addams Family at Greythorn Park (outdoor spooky movie screening, costume prizes).
Alternative Valentine's Day at Junction Skate offers young people a chance to skip the clichés for Valentine’s Day with skate and BMX competitions with pros, followed by a free concert featuring popular Indie bands Krystal Rivvers and Vollie.
“Summer in the Park is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy free, family‑friendly entertainment in Boroondara’s beautiful gardens and parks. With music, kids’ activities, outdoor cinema and more, there’s something for everyone - so bring a picnic and join us for a safe, welcoming celebration of community.” - City of Boroondara Mayor, Wes Gault
This accessible and inclusive festival is completely free, no booking required. Simply bring a picnic blanket, gather your friends, family and neighbours, and enjoy the magic of summer in Boroondara.
Dates:
29 January – 28 February 2026
Schedule:
Djirrungana Kulture - Maranoa Gardens, Thursday 29 January, 6 to 8 pm
Party in the Park - Camberwell Civic Precinct Hub - Friday 30 January, 5 to 8pmWoody’s Bush Bash in the Mall - Theatre Place, Maling Road - Saturday 31 January, 10 to 11:30 am
Kylie and Dannii Disco in the Park - Camberwell Civic Precinct Hub, Friday 6 February, 5 to 8 pm
Classical in the Park - Alexandra Gardens, Saturday, 7 February, 5 to 7 pm
Zorba in the Park - Camberwell Civic Precinct Hub, Friday 13 February, 5 to 8 pm
Cinema in the Park - Greythorn Park, Friday 13 February, 6 to 8 pm
Alternative Valentine’s Day - Junction Skate Park, Saturday 14 February 4:30 to 8 pm
Lunar New Year in the Park - Balwyn Park, Sunday 15 February, 4 to 6 pm
Country in the Park - Camberwell Civic Precinct Hub, Friday 20 February, 5 to 8 pm
Jazz in the Park - Riversdale Park, Saturday 21 February, 5 to 8 pm
Gusto Gusto in the Park - Camberwell Civic Precinct, Friday 27 February, 5 to 8 pm
Opera in the Park: La Dolce Vita - Canterbury Garden, Saturday 28 February, 5 to 8 pm
Stay tuned for more event updates and announcements.
FREE and un-ticketed
Event Link
Hawthorn Arts Centre presents an exciting and varied arts program and is home to performance, exhibition, workshop and events spaces. boroondara.vic.gov.au/arts