Can I choose where I sit?

Seating plans for all Festival venues are available at any Ticketmaster outlet so, subject to availability, you can choose your seat (with the exception of a few events designated General Admission).

Am I eligible for concession?

Anyone 14 years and under, all students, YHA cardholders, MEAA members, 3RRR subscribers, full pensioners, welfare benefit recipients and the unemployed are all eligible for concession price tickets. Please see Ticket Booking Information and Conditions on page 80 of the Program Guide for full details. There are also special student prices for many shows and other discounts available, including for artists with a Local Artist Card.

Can I change my tickets?

If you buy a ticket to an event you can exchange a ticket for a different event.

Is the price listed on this website the price I'll actually pay for my tickets?

The prices listed include all booking fees for over the counter bookings. For tickets booked over the phone, the internet or through the mail/fax booking service, a transaction fee may be charged.

Why is there more than one price reserve on some events?

On some Festival events we offer more than one price reserve. If a premium price is offered, this is for the absolute best seats available at the venue. Where possible we offer a range of affordable ticket prices. We sometimes make available B and C Reserve tickets that are designed to make the performances more accessible. While you will still be able to enjoy the performance, you may find that the B and C Reserve tickets are further to the sides or towards the back of the venue and may be sight or sound restricted.

What is General Admission?

Some Festival events are General Admission. This means that your ticket does not assign you an allocated seat at the venue.

What happens if I lose my tickets?

If the event has reserved seating then a lost ticket pass can be issued to you, as we know where you were supposed to be sitting. If your tickets were for a General Admission performance we regret that we cannot replace them.

What happens if I am running late for a performance? Will they let me in? Do I get a refund on my ticket?

Being late affects performers and the rest of the audience. This is so important that some artists specifically ask that latecomers not be admitted. The Festival therefore reserves the right to exclude latecomers to certain events or to admit them only during a suitable break in the performance. Check the time on the ticket and plan ahead. The Festival regrets it is not possible to refund a completed booking. And please don't take it out on the usher!

Where can I go after a show for some late-night Festival entertainment?

This year the Becks Bar returns to Melbourne Festival with a fantastic line up of gigs and Festival favourites The Famous Spiegeltent and the Artist Bar will also be open for late night Festival revelry.

How do I know what's suitable for family viewing?

Most Festival events are suitable for all ages, but we are not the experts on your family. Your best guide will be to read the event descriptions to get an idea of what the shows are about, or come along to some of the In Conversations to find out more. Where a show contains material we feel we should warn you about, a warning is given on the event page.

Is there any basic etiquette I need to be aware of?

You are not allowed to use mobile phones, paging devices, alarm or chiming watches during performances. Using cameras or other recording devices is a breach of copyright and absolutely not allowed.

Is there a dress code at Festival performances?

Some audience members choose to reveal their fine fashions but we just want everyone to wear whatever it is that makes them comfortable.