Melbourne's Inaugural Roar Fest Unveils Full 2025 Program

With just a matter of weeks until the inaugural edition of Roar Fest launches in Naarm/Melbourne, the event’s full program has arrived.

Taking place across St Kilda/Boonwurrung Country and running from March 8th – 9th 2025, the event will coincide with global celebrations of International Women’s Day as it shines a spotlight on women in the Australian music industry.

Put together with the intent of seeing “more women on and off the stage”, Roar Fest announced its initial edition back in November, with Kate Ceberano, Tania Doko of Bachelor Girl, and Ella Hooper of Killing Heidi announced as ambassadors for the event.

Featuring a number of free and ticketed events, the weekend will feature Women In Music Walks, which highlight the diverse and talented female musicians and performers who have played key roles in the Australian mainstream and underground music scenes and performed in St Kilda's hallowed venues.

Melynda Von Wayward and Fiona Lee Maynard will lead the Herstory, Notable Women Of St Kilda and the and Women In Music Walking Tour on March 8th, while the latter will repeat the next afternoon, with Helen Cattanach stepping in for Maynard. These events are free, but registration is essential.

The ROAR Women In Music Photographic Exhibition will also open at the Carlisle Street Arts Space on February 10th and run until May 16th, with its weekday opening hours being complemented by a few extra days on for Roar Fest.

The exhibition features stills shot by some of Australia’s best female music photographers and celebrates women, non-binary and gender non-conforming musicians both on and off the stage. Expect shots from the likes of Michelle Grace Hunder, Tiffany Garvie, Jacinta Keefe, Brittany Long and Suzanne Phoenix at the stunning exhibition.

The Grassroots Sessions will also feature a number of interactive panel discussions where industry experts will explore key topics such as diversity, funding, career development, and navigating challenges, empowering attendees to achieve impact and success in the music industry.

These panels will explore topics such as Navigating The Music Industry, Managing Money In The Music Industry, and Creating Opportunities In The Music Industry, with noted industry figures moderating the events alongside live performances from Collarts artists.

On March 8th, George Lane will feature the Women On The Bay concert, which showcases a diverse lineup of emerging artists including Kathleen Halloran, Charlie Needs Braces, Ruby Mae, Charlie Lane and Wild Gloriosa, each performing their own set. Tickets to this event are on sale now.

While local venues will unveil the Roar Fest Side Show Gig Guide on March 1st, the weekend will also host a number of Street Shows from a myriad artists in front of venues in the Fitzroy Street and Acland Street precincts.

Last, but not least, March 9th will celebrate International Women’s Day with an In Conversation panel featuring Kate Ceberano, Ella Hooper, and Tania Doko, with moderation from Chelsea Wilson. Embarking on a thought-provoking conversation about equality, empowerment and action, the discussion embraces the United Nations '2025 IWD theme, 'March Forward – It’s time to turn promises into progress'.

Together, the panellists will share their personal journeys as trailblazers in their fields, insights into the global challenges women face, and their vision for a more equitable future. Tickets for this event are on sale now.

Full details for the 2025 Roar Fest program are available via the event’s website.