Nongkrong Festival brings 2 weeks of music, dance & culinary delights to Melbourne
Following last year’s sold-out run, this year’s edition continues to delve into Australian-Indonesian identity with 9 immersive events
Nongkrong Festival 2025 kicks off on February 9 and runs until February 23, bringing a dynamic mix of music, food, and cultural events to Melbourne.
This year’s theme, Roots & Routes, explores heritage and identity through club nights, live performances, and communal dining experiences.
Curated by a collective of Australian-Indonesians, the festival is all about connection—between communities, histories, and the beats that move us. After a sold-out 2024 season, this year’s edition is set to be even bigger.
The festival opens on February 9 with Marga at Fairfield Amphitheatre, celebrating the historic connection between Makassar and Yolngu culture. This family-friendly event features an Australian-Indonesian BBQ, DJ sets, and performances from Abdi Karya and Leila Gurruwiwi, reflecting on shared histories through dance and discussion.
On February 13, Proper Pedas takes over Operator San for a fiery four-course dinner, where Indonesian tantes (aunties) showcase some of Melbourne’s best home-cooked Indonesian flavours.
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February 15 brings Soda Gembira, a high-energy club night at a secret CBD warehouse, where artists like Cristal No.5, Koplotronika, and Haus Of Ralph fuse Indonesia’s underground dance music—dangdut, koplo, funkot, and breakbeat—with a playful, genre-blending edge.
On February 19, Gotong Royong at Ultra Culture Kiosk spotlights rice porridge as a symbol of community care, with chefs from Indonesian, Thai, Filipino, and Chinese backgrounds serving their own takes on this comforting dish.
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February 21 shifts into deeper sonic territory with Mistis, an intimate warehouse event exploring Indonesia’s mystic sound traditions. Artists like Eka Poedijono, Yadayuri, and Y-DRA reimagine gamelan, ambient jazz, and new age koplo, creating a meditative, immersive experience.
The festival wraps up on February 23 with Sarapan at Federation Square, a vibrant morning of gamelan orchestras, dance performances, and a street food feast featuring traditional and contemporary Indonesian breakfast dishes.
With an eclectic blend of club sounds, live performances, and bold culinary experiences, Nongkrong Festival 2025 is a must for those seeking an immersive dive into Australian-Indonesian culture.
For more info, follow Nongkong Festival on Instagram here or purchase tickets to each individual event here.
Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.
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