[MEDIA RELEASE] 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.
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 is 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 is 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 is a 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 is 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.
Free and un-ticketed. EVENT LINK.
