HOT: Big Fish Little Fish Family Raves, Melbourne

Parents: If you think your days of clubbing are over, think again!

Big Fish Little Fish Family Raves are a popular family-friendly dance party phenomenon in the UK, and they've launched Family Raves in Australia.

We were invited to experience this awesome event when Lady AB was younger; and back then, I dug out all the reflective gear I own for Lady AB and I to wear for the rave party theme. 

For 2023, we found out that the Big Fish Little Fish family rave Melbourne theme will be ‘Circus Extravaganza’ which we can only expect to be full of colour, magic, acrobatic stunts, escapologists, and so much more.

This year the whole event will be held at the beautifully refurbished and reopened Northcote Theatre and is set to bring all the vibes you can expect from a high-energy, micro-festival, rave extravaganza. 

On top of this, we found out that this year will feature one of Australia’s premier league DJs, the legend that is Gavin Keite! 

Just like the previous years, some of the things you can expect to enjoy at the event are face painting stalls…

…a Kids' Craft Area where they’ll get to add splashes of colour to a giant mural, themed crafts, a magnatiles table for tots, play and chill areas, live performances and more… 

If it’s anything like the previous years, then expect the kids' craft and mural area to get really hectic.

When we went, we found that it was a bottleneck to get in and out, so we quickly left to find a quiet corner to hang out and acclimatise ourselves to the dim light and sound.

It's good to have a space to break out from the intensity of the dance floor too.

We BYO snacks and water, but you can buy food and drinks from the licensed bar, plus there is a cake stall.

As it is a family rave, note that there is limited seating, and to create a rave ambience, the lights are low. The music volume was moderate, but just in case, I brought headphones for Lady AB that also acted as a cute prop!

On the dance floor, families were bopping away, with bubble machines and giant balloons making an appearance, to much delight.

The Big Fish Little Fish Rave Melbourne ran for 2.5 hours, but we were done after 1.5 hours. If you have under 5s, I think you can expect to stay for 60 to 90 minutes, so you can afford to turn up a bit later when the crowd has thinned a bit as people start leaving.

Big Fish Little Fish Melbourne is particularly targeted at families with children 8 years and under. I think it's best for kids who are at either end of the age spectrum. For instance, babies are great because you can wear them in a carrier and dance with a drink or a glow stick hands-free! And up to 3 years, they are still light enough to pop on your shoulders.

Older kids are more independent, so you're free to let loose a little bit (though, of course, adults are responsible for their children at all times).

The Big Fish Little Fish rave dance is a fun event that brings something of a dance music festival atmosphere to families. The vibe is relaxed and positive, and it's an opportunity for adults to enjoy themselves as much as children.

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HOT Tips:

• generally suitable for kids 8 and under;
• raves run for 2.5 hours but if you have under 5s expect to stay for 60-90 minutes;
• tickets sell out so book in advance, tickets not available at door;
• lighting is dim, which may not suit all children;
• music volume is moderate but if you or your kids are concerned about music volume BYO earplugs or headphones;
• maximum of 3 children per adult and 4 adults per child;
• non-walking infants are free but you will still need to book a ticket for the baby as the baby will count against the capacity of the venue;
• try not to bring a pram. Pram parking is available though and prams are not allowed on the dance floor. Change facilities are also available;
• there is a chill-out space;
• drinks and food available for purchase or BYO; and
• events are standing with limited seating.

Check out 9 Best Melbourne Day Trips For Families To Enjoy