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City of Stonnington Roola Boola Children's art festival

About

Roola Boola Children’s Arts Festival is one of Melbourne’s most successful, longest running children’s arts festivals, held annually throughout the mid-year school holidays for children under 12.

The Festival presents an interactive and exciting program featuring highly skilled performances and workshops in magic, circus, dance, music, theatre, immersive art, craft and more!

Roola Boola takes its name from an Irish phrase meaning ‘boisterous fun’, and with 30 events across the Festival – it certainly delivers on the fun!

Your child can expect a fun-filled, interactive and dynamic program running at Chapel Off Chapel and various venues across Stonnington.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Roola Boola Children’s Arts Festival?

Roola Boola will take place during the Victorian winter school holidays from Tuesday 8 July to Friday 18 July, 2025. Times and dates vary – check out the festival program for the most up-to-date times.

Where is Roola Boola Children’s Arts Festival held?

Roola Boola is held across the City of Stonnington, with a curated program of performances and workshops taking place at Chapel Off Chapel. A series of additional activities will take place across Stonnington venues as part of the ‘Beyond the Chapel’ program.

What age group is Roola Boola suitable for?

All activities are suitable for children aged 4 to 10 years, unless otherwise stated. Some activities are also suitable for other age groups, please refer to the event program which outlines what performances and workshops are suitable for what age.

How much does it cost to attend?

There are a mix of free and low cost events at Roola Boola. Please refer to the program for all pricing information. For performances, adult tickets are the same cost as children’s tickets, however there is no charge for adults supervising their children at workshops.

How do I purchase tickets?

All tickets for the curated program can be purchased by visiting the website roolaboola.com.au or via Chapel Off Chapel Box Office. Tickets to satellite activities (Beyond the Chapel Program) are available directly via the event organiser(s).

How can I change my tickets?

For ticketing enquiries for the curated program, please contact the box office at Chapel Off Chapel on (03) 8290 7000. For ticket enquiries for events not held at Chapel Off Chapel, please contact the event organiser directly.

Do I need to stay and supervise my child?

Children should be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Adults will need to purchase tickets for performances at Chapel Off Chapel, however there is no charge for adults to supervise their children in workshops.

How long do the performances and workshops go for?

All performances run between 50 – 60 mins and workshops run between 45 mins – 90 mins. Please note: these times are approximate and some sessions may run slightly longer.

Is there an interval at the performances?

There are no intervals in any of the performances.

Is there disability access?

All performance and workshop spaces at Chapel Off Chapel are wheelchair accessible. There is also one disability parking space in the car park directly in front of the venue at Chapel Off Chapel.
A hearing loop is available in each theatre. Please ask the staff at Chapel Off Chapel upon arrival and they will assist you with this.

Is food available for purchase at the venue?

Light refreshments will be available to purchase from the venue including fruit, chips and drinks and there are lots of food options on nearby Chapel St.

Do I have to be a resident of Stonnington to attend?

No, you do not need to be a resident of Stonnington to attend Roola Boola Children’s Arts Festival, however we do encourage residents to participate and join in the fun.