Venue History

Festival Hall first opened its doors in 1913 as a roller-skating rink and later became a boxing arena. The venue was originally known as the West Melbourne Stadium and was a popular spot for sporting events and entertainment. In the 1950s and 1960s, Festival Hall became one of the most iconic music venues in Australia and hosted some of the biggest names in music. 

West Melbourne Stadium was tragically destroyed by fire in 1955, but was rebuilt in time for the 1956 Olympics Games, where it played host to the gymnastics and wrestling.

Over the years, Festival Hall has undergone several renovations and upgrades to keep up with changing trends and technologies. In the 1990s, the venue was extensively refurbished to modernise its facilities and expand its capacity. 

Since its reconstruction Festival Hall’s versatile set up has been utilised for many events. Festival Hall was known as the original House of Rock and Roll, and is famous for its electric atmosphere. From the pandemonium that greeted The Beatles, Bill Haley, Johnny Cash and the famous Lee Gordon “Big Shows”, through to the classic styles of Frank Sinatra, Liberace and Shirley Bassey.

Today, Festival Hall remains one of Melbourne's premier live music venues and continues to host a wide range of concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment, and has hosted artists such as Justin Timberlake, Rage Against The Machine, A$AP Rocky, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Lorde, Lewis Capaldi and Lily Allen.

In addition to its rich history in music and entertainment, Festival Hall has also played a key role in Melbourne's cultural and social history. The venue has hosted political rallies, community events, and charity fundraisers, and has been a gathering place for people from all walks of life.