Melbourne's much-loved Moomba Festival is back with an action-packed program featuring high-flying daredevils, world-class water sports, a colourful parade, dance workshops, exhilarating rides and family-friendly entertainment.
Now in its 68th year, the iconic event will reignite the banks of the Yarra River - Birrarung from Friday 11 March to Monday 14 March.
Moomba 2022 sees the return of three festival favourites - the hilarious Birdman Rally, the vibrant Moomba Parade and the Moomba Masters water sports competition.
Eleven daring competitors will hurtle themselves across the Yarra in homemade flying devices in the name of charity, as part of the Birdman Rally on Sunday. Participants include 18-time Birdman entrant Michael 'Kavinci Flyer MK III' Paul and British Consul General Steph 'the Liver Bird' Lysaght.
Crowned Moomba Monarchs Peter Hitchener and Fifi Box will lead 1,500 performers through the leafy Kings Domain parkland for the colourful Moomba Parade on Monday.
Some of the world's best water skiers and wakeboarders will also show off their skills on the Yarra for the Moomba Masters water sports competition.
There will be carnival rides, free performances by local musicians, nightly fireworks, more than 20 food trucks, a dedicated Pirate's Cove kids play area including face painting and sea shanties, skateboarding and BMX competitions, dance workshops and more.
For the first time, this year's festival will be a carbon-neutral certified event.
Moomba Festival thanks its valued partners, including the TAC, 9News, Wallaby Water and Streets.
For the full program and to purchase a Friday Ride Pass for the Moomba Carnival, visit the Moomba website.
Attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp
"Moomba is one of Melbourne's most treasured events, celebrating our city's strong community spirit and thriving creative scene.
"This year's program is jam-packed with returning festival favourites like the Birdman Rally and the Moomba Parade, as well as free family-friendly entertainment, adrenalin pumping rides, dance workshops and plenty of delicious food options.
"We expect up to one million people will join in the festivities over the weekend, and we can't wait to welcome them to our great city."
Attributable to City Activation portfolio lead Councillor Roshena Campbell
"In 2019, prior to COVID-19, Moomba provided a $34.7 million boost to the local economy.
"As thousands of people flock to the city once more to enjoy the event, we know our business owners will reap the rewards of increased foot traffic and spending."
2022 Moomba Festival program highlights:
- The hilarious Birdman Rally, which will see 11 courageous competitors hurtle themselves over the Yarra in homemade flying devices - all in the name of charity. The 2020 Birdman Rally raised more than $110,000.
- The much-loved Moomba Parade, starring the 2022 Moomba Monarchs Fifi Box and Peter Hitchener. The parade will feature floats designed in collaboration with radio host Andy Lee and the Children's Cancer Foundation, as well as 1,500 performers.
- The Moomba Masters, showcasing an elite field of Australian and international water ski and wakeboard athletes in competition on the Yarra.
- The Moomba Carnival, with rides for all ages, including 'The Beast' which reaches speeds of 120km/hr and swings 38 metres into the air.
- A Dance Zone with workshops and performances by community-focused dance group L2R, as well as kids' yoga and African drum and dance workshops.
- A dedicated Pirate's Cove kids play area, featuring a sea-themed playground, roving performers, treasure hunts and face painting.
- The Moomba Stage with entertainment for young and old, including Bluey, the Public Opinion Afro Orchestra, Mariachi Los Romanticos, The Mamas and Amaru Tribe, as well as sing-along drag time and bubble shows.
- Skateboarding competitions, including the Australian Skateboarding League's National Final at Riverslide Skate Park, as well as free scoot, skate and BMX clinics, demos and competitions.
- A range of other festival favourites, including roving entertainment, silent disco, ArtPlay, Design-a-Float, nightly fireworks and more than 20 food trucks offering up festival eats.
