MELBOURNE, July 1 — Now or Never is offering five double passes to its 2026 festival, a 12-night program that transforms Melbourne’s iconic venues with art, music, technology and ideas. The festival runs from August 19 to 30. The passes unlock access to programs at either the Royal Exhibition Building or Melbourne Town Hall.
The festival’s theme this year is “A Whole New World,” and the program spans more than 150 events across the city. At the Royal Exhibition Building, pass holders can experience William Basinski’s overnight ambient performance, Somnia, set beneath the building’s dome.
Another option is a celebration of composer Philip Glass, featuring Orchestra Victoria performing In the Upper Room alongside a recital of his Piano Etudes by pianist Maki Namekawa. The Breath Haus x Now or Never experience offers live music, meditation and a sound bath — a slower, more immersive way to take in the space. Melbourne Town Hall hosts Chunky Move’s world-premiere dance work Time Remaining.
Also on site is Revivification, an exhibition exploring the legacy of experimental composer Alvin Lucier through sound, sculpture and biological material. Three music nights close out the festival’s final weekend.
On Friday August 28, Club Chuleo brings Latinx dancefloor energy with A.Chal, Slim Soledad, LIZZ, Dinamarca and Zalina. Saturday August 29 features Finding Figaro leading an all-night electronic journey with Octave One, Sleep D x Hybrid Man, JNETT and Baby G. The Sunday August 30 Closing Night party sees a collision of industrial force and rhythmic intensity with Robin Fox, MY DISCO, and Jeho Yun + Kyoungjin So.
The Town Hall will also host a pair of works in partnership with Arts Korea Lab that blend kinetic sculpture with performance. Now or Never returns for its 2026 edition with 12 nights of boundary-pushing work. The five double passes give audiences a chance to see what the festival describes as a whole new world.
