Ability Fest

Listed provision only. Facilities change between editions — confirm anything you depend on directly with the festival.

About Ability Fest

Ability Fest is a one-day music festival in Melbourne built from the ground up to be inclusive and accessible for people with disability. It grew out of Dylan Alcott's love of music festivals, and the Dylan Alcott Foundation describes it as Australia's first inclusive and accessible music festival. It is presented by Untitled Group, the Dylan Alcott Foundation, triple j and the Victorian Government. All proceeds go to the Foundation, which supports young Australians with disability to achieve their goals, and the festival has raised more than $400,000.

The first Ability Fest was held in April 2018 at Coburg Velodrome and drew 5,000 people. Attendance rose to 6,500 in April 2019, and after a pause in 2020 the festival moved to Alexandra Gardens in November 2021. The Foundation says Ability Fest has completed six Melbourne editions and expanded to Brisbane in 2024.

The most recent Melbourne edition was the sixth, held on Saturday 11 April 2026 at The Timber Yard in Port Melbourne. Untitled Group billed it as the first warehouse-style version of the festival. The 2026 lineup was electronic and dance focused, with PNAU (DJ set), Logic1000, Kito, Blusher (DJ set), Djanaba (DJ set), Louli, Daine, Cooper Smith and Surusinghe among the acts. The 2026 event was 18+, with ID checks at the entrance.

Access is the core of the event rather than an add-on. In 2026 the site had accessible toilets and a Changing Place, Auslan interpreters on the main stage for the whole day, an elevated viewing platform, accessible pathways and ramps, and accessible drop-off and pick-up points. Sensory kits, earplugs and communication boards were available at the Info Hub, along with mobility-device charging and Access Liaisons. Chill spaces, sensory zones and strobe-free production were part of the design, and vendors had Braille menus. Companion Card holders could add a free companion ticket.

As of October 2026, no date, venue or lineup has been announced for a 2027 Ability Fest. Check the official website and the festival's social channels for news of the next edition.

Accessibility

2026 access features: accessible toilets and a Changing Place, Auslan interpreters on the main stage all day, an elevated viewing platform, accessible pathways and a network of ramps, accessible drop-off and pick-up points, chill spaces, sensory zones and quiet zones, sensory kits and earplugs at the Info Hub, strobe-free lighting and production, Braille menus at vendors, Convo Australia on-demand video interpreting, mobility-device charging and Access Liaisons at the Info Hub, and a medical tent. Companion Card holders could add a $0 companion ticket, and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is recognised. Access enquiries: accessibility@untitledgroup.com.au.

Frequently asked

Contact the festival