Inspired by the ethos of community-led festivals AfrikaBurn and Burning Man, The Happening is built entirely by volunteers and its participants. Musicians perform for the love of it, artists colour the streets, businesses open their doors and a market offers hand-crafted goods and art.
You can go to the event just to revel in the energy, or join in the fun by dressing up, showcasing your hobby and art, volunteering, or bringing small gifts to hand out. And you'll want to try be there at 12:00 for the parade starting at the bottom of 7th Avenue, next to Saffron Guest House. A major highlight, you can design a mutant vehicle, grab some stilts, get a costume, or bring an instrument, the more ideas the better. Just make sure you're there at 11:45 for the set-up.
What you can expect at The Happening
Parade at 12:00 – Starting at the bottom of 7th Ave next to Saffron Guest House. Dress up, bring drums, stilts, mutant vehicles, or just your best moves. Be there by 11:45.
Open Mic Stage – Songs, stories, poems, or comedy, the open mic will run throughout the event. You can book a slot in advance or just pitch up.
Artisan Market – Carefully curated stalls selling hand-crafted and homemade goods and art, it's a great way to support many of the people who have given time to making the event happen.
Street Art and Mutant Vehicles – Graffiti, public art installations and bizarre vehicles fill the street.
Businesses come alive – Shops and restaurants along the strip host live music, art exhibitions and activities.
Volunteer and participate – Help hang bunting, set up art, contribute your craft or clean up, you can sign up to participate here.
The Happening is a daytime-only event and the street is closed to traffic for the day. Free to attend and open to all, participation is encouraged.
Where: 7th Street (and 4th Ave), Melville
When: Sat, Mar 28 from 10:00 – 18:00
Cost: Free, find out how to participate here.
