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What to See and Do with Kids at St Kilda Festival 2025

The 44th annual St Kilda Festival returns on 15–16 February 2025, bringing a weekend packed with FREE family-friendly entertainment. If you are wondering what to see and do with kids at St Kilda Festival 2025, expect an exciting mix of performances, workshops, and interactive activities designed to keep young festivalgoers engaged. From skateboarding lessons to immersive pop-up installations and live music, the festival precinct will be buzzing with energy.

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What to See and Do with Kids at St Kilda Festival 2025
Image: Ngarga Warendj Cultural Arts

Day 1 – First Peoples First
Saturday 15 February 2025

Day 1 celebrates First Peoples culture with a powerful lineup of established and emerging First Peoples artists. From the Main Stage to the Optus Stage at O’Donnell Gardens, experience a day of music, storytelling, and cultural activities honouring the voices and creativity of First Peoples.

Family-friendly highlights:

Ngarga Warendj Cultural Arts

Time: 11 am – 12.15 pm, 12.45 pm – 1.45 pm & 2.30 pm – 3.30 pm
Location: O’Donnell Gardens
Taungurung artist Mick Harding leads a hands-on arts and crafts workshop, offering insight into Indigenous woodworking, sculpture, and printmaking.

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Yarn Strong Sista

Time: 11 am
Location: O’Donnell Gardens
Interactive storytelling and arts workshops featuring face painting and First Nations-designed resources, connecting kids with cultural storytelling.

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Creed Jewellery Designs Workshops

Time: 11 am – 12 pm, 1 pm – 2 pm & 3 pm – 4 pm
Location: O’Donnell Gardens

Families can craft jewellery using native seeds and emu feathers, explore pyrography on wooden boards, or paint shoes, all with a focus on sustainable, ethical materials.

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Afro Dancehall Performance and Workshop

Time: 1 pm
Location: Palais Forecourt

Learn high-energy Afro Dance and Dancehall moves in an interactive workshop led by Melbourne’s top dancers.

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What to See and Do with Kids at St Kilda Festival 2025
Image: DJ Dorothy the Dinosaur

Day 2 – Big Festival Sunday
Sunday 16 February 2025

St Kilda Festival’s Big Festival Sunday brings a massive multi-stage lineup featuring some of Australia’s top artists. With over 80 performances across the precinct, plus family-friendly activities, food and market stalls, and more, the festival atmosphere will be in full swing. 

Family-friendly highlights:

T-shirt Twists and Turns – Upcycled Craft Workshop

Time: 10 am
Location: O’Donnell Gardens

A creative upcycling workshop where kids (ages 6+) can transform old T-shirts into necklaces, tote bags, and accessories.

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DJ Dorothy the Dinosaur

Time: 12.15 pm
Location: Optus Stage

An Australian icon, DJ Dorothy the Dinosaur brings an electrifying dance party to St Kilda Festival 2025. Joined by Wags the Dog and Henry the Octopus, she remixes beloved classics into high-energy beats, creating a fun-filled experience for all ages.

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CLIPPED Karaoke

Time: 1 pm
Location: Palais Forecourt

A live music video experience where kids can sing their favourite songs and see their performances on the big screen.

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Future play lab

Time: 11 am
Location: Shakespeare Grove

An interactive urban play experience blending music games, new sports, and creative exploration for all ages and abilities.

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What to See and Do with Kids at St Kilda Festival 2025
Image: Esther Holt and Maddy Kelly - Whistle & Trick

Whistle & Trick

Time: 1.45 pm
Location: Optus Stage

An interactive performance by childhood friends Esther Holt and Maddy Kelly, featuring songs from their ARIA-nominated album Bananas and Other Delicious Things.

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Japanese Taiko Drumming

Time: 5 pm
Location: Catani Gardens North
Experience the powerful rhythms of Miyake Taiko with Melbourne’s Taikokoro drumming group, where audiences can join in on the traditional “wasshoi” chant.

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YMCA Action Sports – Learn to Skate

Time: 10 am
Location: Triangle Carpark

A fun, inclusive skateboarding session led by experienced instructors, focusing on skill development, safety, and park etiquette.

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Discoyoga

Time: 10 am
Location: St Kilda Festival Main Stage

Discoyoga blends yoga with Melbourne’s top DJs, creating an energising mix of movement, dance, and breathe. Since 2015, it’s been a festival favourite—recharging bodies and lifting spirits. Join hundreds of yogis and get ready to move!

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Trash Test Dummies Circus

Time: 11.05 am
Location: Optus Stage

Awarded Best Children’s Presentation at the Adelaide Fringe Festival in 2015 and 2016, and runners-up for the Children’s Choice Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2016, the Trash Test Dummies deliver non-stop laughs and unexpected surprises. This family show transforms the humble wheelie bin into a stage for high-energy antics and clever comedy.

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What to See and Do with Kids at St Kilda Festival 2025
Image: Trash Test Dummies Circus

Alongside kids’ entertainment and activities, the festival features an amazing lineup of artists, including Peter Garrett & The Alter Egos, Cub Sport, Young Franco, Sycco, Troy Cassar-Daley, Sarah Blasko, Jem Cassar-Daley, Painters & Dockers, Playlunch, and many more. Get ready for an unforgettable weekend!

St Kilda Festival

Date: Saturday 15 – Sunday 16 February 2025
Price: FREE – no bookings required
Location: St Kilda Foreshore and surrounds, St Kilda 
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What to See and Do with Kids at St Kilda Festival 2025
Image: St Kilda Festival, credit Kiddiehood

Frequently Asked Questions for Families – St Kilda Festival 2025

1. Is St Kilda Festival family-friendly?

Yes! The St Kilda Festival offers a range of family-friendly entertainment, including live music, interactive workshops, cultural performances, and fun activities for kids of all ages.

2. What are the best activities for kids?

Families can enjoy DJ Dorothy the Dinosaur, interactive craft workshops, First Peoples storytelling and arts, Future Play Lab, Japanese Taiko drumming, skateboarding lessons, and more.

3. Is entry to the St Kilda Festival free?

Yes! The St Kilda Festival is a FREE event, including all performances and activities.

4. What time do the family activities start?

Family-friendly activities run throughout the day. On Saturday, First Peoples cultural activities take place across the precinct. On Sunday, the Optus Stage features children’s entertainment in the morning and early afternoon, while interactive workshops and activities run all day.

5. Are there food and drink options for families?

Yes! The festival has plenty of food trucks and market stalls offering a variety of options, including kid-friendly meals and drinks. You are also welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks.

6. Can I bring a pram or stroller?

Yes, prams and strollers are welcome, but keep in mind that some areas may be crowded. Accessible pathways and pram-friendly zones will be available.

7. Is there shade or seating for families?

There will be shaded areas, seating zones, and rest spots throughout the festival precinct. Families are encouraged to bring hats, sunscreen, and refillable water bottles.

8. What should we bring for the day?

  • Hats, sunscreen, and refillable water bottles
  • Picnic blankets or folding chairs for extra comfort
  • Ear protection for young children during live music performances

9. Is the festival accessible for families with special needs?

Yes! The festival offers accessible pathways, designated viewing areas, and sensory-friendly spaces.

10. What happens if we lose each other?

Lost children should be taken to the Festival Information Booth or notify a festival staff member. Families are encouraged to set a meeting point upon arrival in case of separation.

11. Where can I find more information?

For schedules, maps, and updates, visit the St Kilda Festival website.

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We try our best to provide accurate information on kid-friendly events around Victoria but do recommend parents check details directly to confirm dates, times, prices as some details may be subject to change.

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