The Family Fiesta is BACK for a 2025 season at MPAC! This annual event celebrates the arts and performances for children in a 4 day action packed program.

This year the theme is Antarctica and life on the worlds largest ice sheet. Expect to see interactive installations, performances and workshops, as this year’s festival blends cutting-edge Antarctic science with imaginative and creative experiences.

Mamma has scoured the tickets program and here are some key highlights (oh and added bonus - maximum ticket price for any show is $15)

The Rockstar and the Krill, 9-12 July: A cabaret for the climate. This all-singing, all-dancing Antarctic escapade from award-winning theatre company Finucane & Smith invites kids to dive into the belly of a whale alongside a rebellious rockstar queen and a tap-dancing krill. It will be interactive and very silly!
ColdVoice, 9-12 July: A Mamma long Time favourite, Playable Streets presents ColdVoice, a sparkling sound and light installation of musical instruments made entirely from ice. Located in the acoustically superb David Li Sound Gallery, this sensory art experience invites children and families to create soundscapes while the instruments slowly melt.
Into the Ice with Alison Lester and Coral Tulloch, 10 July: Bestselling children’s authors and illustrators Alison Lester and Coral Tulloch bring Antarctica to life through live drawing, storytelling and tales of exploration. Based on their new book Into the Ice: Reflections on Antarctica, this session is perfect for curious young minds and aspiring artists. A post-show book signing will follow!
The Very Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra with Sammy J, 12 July: Melbourne’s much-loved musical comedian Sammy J teams up with the Monash Classical Collective for a joyful musical journey through the orchestra. This lively Saturday concert introduces little ears to classical favourites like Flight of the Bumblebee and Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, with Antarctic flair and plenty of laughs along the way.

book your tickets here

Along with the ticketed activities, there is a range of FREE experiences throughout the performance centre to explore both before and after the main events. These are always the added highlights to the fiesta and Mamma’s kids always enjoy these experiences (along with a hot chocolate from the cafe!)

This year activations include:

Polar Camp: At Polar Camp, kids can meet scientists from Monash University who’ve just returned from the icy continent. They’ll see the clothes and gear scientists use in the cold, hear stories about life.
Ice Play: This interactive art space lets kids explore a pretend Antarctic landscape. They can hop between "icebergs," listen to real sounds recorded in Antarctica, and look out for animal models like penguins and seals.
Precious Plastic: In this hands-on workshop, kids learn how recycling works by turning old plastic into something new. They’ll use machines to shred and melt everyday plastics, then make their own small souvenirs – like penguin keyrings – while learning about waste, reuse, and how to care for the environment.
Cool Stuff with Scienceworks: Children can take part in simple science experiments and learn how animals (and people) survive in freezing conditions. There’ll be fun demonstrations – like freezing things with liquid nitrogen – led by a scientist who’s been to Antarctica
Penguin Parade: Look out for some special visitors waddling around the festival, as friendly performers dressed as Emperor Penguins will roam the venue, stopping to share fun facts, dance moves, and playful moments with kids and families!.