Ian Potter State Theatre Housewarming: Your city. Your stage. One big weekend.

Housewarming: The Grand Reopening Weekend

Your city. Your stage. One big weekend.

The doors are open, the curtain is rising and Arts Centre Melbourne is inviting you inside to celebrate the return of the Ian Potter State Theatre.

More than 100 Victorian artists will bring the stage to life in Housewarming, a fast-paced celebration of music, dance, theatre, circus and comedy. With seven free performances across three days, this is your invitation to take a seat and help give one of Melbourne's great theatres a proper welcome back.

Leading the adventure is Melbourne's award-winning musical comedy star Jude Perl, on a quest to find the mysterious Lyrebird missing from the theatre's iconic red curtain. Directed by acclaimed theatre-maker Michael Kantor, the show unfolds through scenes of spectacle, fun and wonder.

Come for an evening out, an afternoon performance or a family-friendly Sunday celebration, with performances and activities throughout the weekend.

All seven Housewarming performances are free, but seats are limited. Book now and be part of the grand reopening celebrations.

A new State theatre

New Name: Ian Potter State Theatre

The State Theatre closed for refurbishment in March 2024 and reopens with a new name: Ian Potter State Theatre.

Read about the refurbishment here..

A new State theatre

A Spectacular Line-up

Every performance features Jude Perl, The Australian Ballet's Principal Dancer Brett Chynoweth, Emma Donovan, Circus Oz, Robin Fox, Cypher Culture x Jungle City, The Yarra Voices, Melbourne Children's Choir, roya the destroya and Victorian College of the Arts Music Theatre students.

Friday and Saturday performances also feature The Australian Ballet, Opera Australia, Stephanie Lake Company and Melbourne Theatre Company.

Sunday performances also feature The Australian Ballet School, Eliza Hull, Bell Shakespeare and The Listies.

Seven Free Performances

Friday 9 October 2026
6:00 pm and 8:00 pm

Saturday 10 October 2026
2:00 pm, 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm

Sunday 11 October 2026
1:00 pm and 3:30 pm

Ian Potter State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne

Free admission. Bookings required. Seats are limited.