Prahran Square is getting a full-blown jazz takeover this October

Prahran Square is getting a full-blown jazz takeover this October

Clear the afternoon.

On Saturday 24 October, the Melbourne International Jazz Festival is taking over Prahran Square for a huge afternoon of free live music, bringing big band energy, soulful grooves and world-class jazz into the heart of the precinct.

And yes, it’s completely free.

Big band to Afro-Soul, all in one afternoon

Things kick off with DJ MzRizk from 1pm, setting the tone and keeping the energy moving between sets all afternoon.

Then at 1.30pm, the Melbourne Conservatorium Big Band brings the full force of a roaring live ensemble to the Square.

From 3pm, Owelu Dreamhouse takes over with lush, soulful sounds before the day builds to its headline set.

At 4.45pm, internationally acclaimed South African vocalist and trumpeter Mandisi Dyantyis closes the afternoon with Afrospace Interchange, bringing a powerful mix of Afro-soul and jazz to Prahran.

Not a bad way to spend a Saturday.

Free music, big energy, right in the middle of Prahran

This is the kind of afternoon made for gathering the crew, grabbing something nearby and settling in for a few hours of seriously good live music.

No tickets. No fuss.

Just jazz, sunshine, good company and one very lively Prahran Square.

Melbourne International Jazz Festival at Prahran Square

When: Saturday 24 October 2026
Where: Prahran Square
Cost: Free

DJ MzRizk
1pm–1.30pm, and between live acts

Melbourne Conservatorium Big Band
1.30pm–2.30pm

Owelu Dreamhouse
3pm–4.15pm

Mandisi Dyantyis with Afrospace Interchange
4.45pm–6pm

One afternoon. Four acts. Zero dollars.

See you in the Square.

Jazz up your bottle

Raise a glass to the Jazz Festival with 10 dollars off a bottle of wine at Windsor Wine Room.

Available Saturday 17 to Saturday 24 October during normal trading hours, including both ticketed and non-ticketed festival events. Simply mention the Jazz Festival to the team when ordering to redeem.

A work of art, at a great price

Add a little art to your festival experience with 10% off artworks at MARS Gallery for Melbourne Fringe and Melbourne International Jazz Festival attendees.

Available Thursday 15 to Saturday 24 October during the festival period. Simply mention the festival when visiting MARS Gallery to redeem.

Donut miss this one!

Make your Saturday jazz session even sweeter with 50% off a regular donut when you purchase a hot drink at Pesty’s Place.

The offer is available to everyone from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 24 October, no event ticket is required to redeem this promotion.

Feeding the whole crew? Pesty’s Place also offers discounts when purchasing multiple donuts, including boxes of 6 and 12.

You had me at fromage.

Take your tastebuds to France with Maker & Monger’s 55 dollar French Favourites Cheese Platter for Two, featuring four expertly matured French cheeses paired with fresh and dried local fruits, honeycomb and crackers.

Perfect for sharing before or after the festivities, and even better paired with a bottle of wine. Maker & Monger has a great selection of wines available to purchase to complete your French-inspired feast.

Pre-order your platter online for 55 dollars here. Be sure to order by Friday, 23 October.

A taste of España, picnic style.

Pick up a little taste of Spain with La Colmena’s 42 dollar Picnic Box, packed with sweet treats made for sharing, or keeping all to yourself.

Inside you’ll find three varieties of La Colmena’s signature Flor Manchega, a slice of almond-rich Tarta de Santiago, plus lemon and almond & chocolate biscuits.

How to order: No pre-order required. Simply visit La Colmena at Prahran Market, next to Market Lane, and order your Picnic Box for 42 dollars.

Terms and conditions: Available for walk-up orders only, subject to availability.

You had me at grazing.

Picnic plans, sorted! Pick up a 35 dollar Wandilla Picnic Box for two, packed with premium cold cuts, artisan cheeses, gluten-free wafers, dried fruits, cornichons and marinated vegetables.

Add a bottle of wine from Wandilla’s range and you’ve got everything you need for the perfect picnic. 🍷🧀

How to order: Pre-order online by 12pm Friday, 23 October, then collect your box from Wandilla at Prahran Market.

Terms and conditions: 35 dollars per box. Designed to serve two. Pre-orders must be placed by 12pm the day before collection.

Smart cookies come in boxes of six.

Build your dream cookie box at Cookie Avenue with six cookies for 32 dollars. Mix and match from Chocolate Chip, Salted Caramel, White Choc Biscoff, Banoffee Pie, Choc Macadamia and Tiramisu. Stick with your favourite or try a bit of everything!

How to order: No pre-order required. Simply visit Cookie Avenue at Prahran Market and build your box on the day.

Terms and conditions: 32 dollars for a box of six. Available for walk-up orders.