As one of largest and most iconic venues in Melbourne, the Festival Hall has welcomed a range of both local and international artists and acts for several years. The venue is now owned by Hillsong Church, which is known for its worship music, after it changed hands in October 2020. Hillsong services take place every Sunday, but it still continues to host a variety of events from several music genres. It is also known for hosting wrestling games and has been named ‘the House of Stouch’.
Having welcomed the likes of the Beatles as part of their 1964 world tour, the Festival Hall Melbourne undoubtedly puts the city on the map. Other legendary concerts include Australian acts such as INXS, AC/DC, Midnight Oil and Powerderfinger as well as international touring artists such as Bob Dylan, Neil Young, the Strokes, Rage Against the Machine and the Smashing Pumpkins, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash and many more. The Festival Hall Melbourne is known for its electric atmosphere and intimate feel, regardless of the act.
Capacity and Seating
The Festival Hall Melbourne’s capacity varies depending on the event and caters for a range of styles. Given that there is a floor to ceiling curtains, the venue can have a really intimate feel as well as provide a huge space.
In Full mode, the Festival Hall Melbourne can have a capacity of 4500-54 with standing on the floor and seating on the balcony. In Full Mode with only seating, the Festival Hall Melbourne is a fully seated venue.
In Small Mode, the Floor only has a capacity of 2128-2400 and the Floor and Balcony has a capacity of 2400-2872.
How to get there
Festival Hall Melbourne address:
300 Dudley St
West Melbourne
Victoria, Australia, 3003
- Train: the nearest train station is Southern Cross Station which is a 12-15 minute walk away. North Melbourne Station is also a 8-10 minute walk away.
- Tram: you can take routes 30,35 and 86 which stop at the corner of Latrobe and Spencer Streets.
- Bus: route 220 runs along Dudley Street and you can use stop number 5.
- Foot: Festival Hall is also a 5 minute walk long Spencer Street away from the city and then you can turn left into Dudley Street.
Access
If you have any access inquiries, please call (03) 9329 9699 to purchase tickets to all Festival Events and discuss access options prior to an event. There is only a limited number of tickets so they are not guaranteed. Accessible tickets must be picked up from the Administration.
There is a disabled car park available which is outside the Festival Hall Administration Officer 288 Rosslyn Street on the event night.
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Cloakroom: the cloakroom on Dudley Street charges 43 per item. If you do not pick up your items immediately to the Administration Office, please call 0393299699 to arrange a pick up time.
- ATM: there are two ATMs available at the venue, with one located near Door 7 and a second located in Section 11.
History
Festival Hall Melbourne was originally opened in 1913 by the boxing promoter R.L. Baker served as a function venue for boxing and pro wrestling for several years. It was also a venue for dancing, cultural and religious gatherings as well as the Indoor Tennis Exhibition which featured John McEnroe. After that it was sold to Stadiums Australia.
In 1955, the stadium was sadly destroyed by a fire which meant that it had to be rebuilt. Yet it was rebuilt just in time for the 1956 Olympics Games, where it hosted the gymnastics and wrestling events. It has also hosted other wrestling events with many of the greatest names including Lionel Rose, Johnny Fammachon, Anthony Mudine, Lester Ellis and Barry Micheals. As a multi-purpose venue, it has hosted a range of international artists including the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Shirely Basset, Oasis, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and many more incredible acts.
