Australia’s first all-accessible music festival, Ability Fest has announced the date for it’s 2023 return. March 25th sees one of the country’s leading inclusive events return to its home in the middle of Melbourne’s CBD. While Ability Fest is primarily a music festival, the event also boasts the added perks of more accessibility features allowing everyone the chance to come along and enjoy the universal love of live music. Ability Fest takes place at Birrarung Marr, an urban space that embraces civic life combined with community involvement with a contrasting backdrop of the city skyline and lush greenery.

Like previous years, Patrons can experience delicious food & drink options, unique experiences and unbelievable music performances across two stages set amongst the completely accessible venue that Birrarung Marr is transformed into for this special event. Elevated platforms, pathways, a dedicated sensory area, quiet zones, companion ticketing, ramps, friendly volunteers, Auslan interpreters, accessible toilets and more making Ability Fest an inclusive and enjoyable environment for everyone.

A not-for-profit event, Ability Fest has hosted some of the biggest names in music and raised almost $500,000 for the Dylan Alcott Foundation. These funds go towards helping young Australians living with a disability fulfil their potential through their grant program. One of the previous recipients of these grants, DJ Cooper Smith, who was presented with his DJ decks by Dylan Alcott himself, features on this year’s lineup, proving sometimes you just need a little help and someone to believe in you to make your dreams come true.

Ability Fest was created by 2022 Australian Of The Year Dylan Alcott in conjunction with Untitled Group - Australia’s largest independent music promoter and the masterminds behind Beyond The Valley, Grapevine Gathering, Wildlands, Pitch Music & Arts and more. The festival is also supported by the national radio station triple j.

“I’m so proud to see the path Ability Fest has already paved for inclusive events across the country. First and foremost, our main priority is to create a kick-ass festival that happens to be accessible. And that’s something I think we’ve achieved since launching in 2018,” says Alcott.