🪄 Starring a dozen of Australia’s very best magicians! 

ONE SHOW ONLY -> 7.30pm on MONDAY JUNE 29, 2026 at Arrow On Swanston: The Houdini Theatre

This show sells out every year and is a fundraiser for the MMF so it is not part of the presale. However, if you book early, you can grab a reserved VIP seat in one of the front three rows at no extra charge! Enjoy the very best stage magic that the Festival has to offer in one star-studded show.

Highlights
✨ Kick off the 2026 Festival by experiencing a world-class gala stage show
🍸 Enjoy a drink before the show and at interval in Magic Central
🏆 Featuring multiple Award–winning magicians including World Champions
🎩 See twelve of the Festival’s best magicians giving previews of their shows

*VIP Tickets include seating in the first three rows*

General Info
📅 Dates and times: 7.30pm on Monday June 29, 2026
⏳ Duration: 2 hours including interval
📍 Location: Arrow on Swanston: The Houdini Theatre. 488 Swanston St, Carlton
👤 Age requirement: This show is a family-friendly event and we generally recommend ages of 6+
♿ Accessibility: the venue is fully accessible

Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I enjoyed the fact that each performer in the gala had their own show on during the festival. It’s a great show to use as a ‘festival sampler’ – if you want to see more from a particular performer, it is easy to remember them and grab a flyer for their show. With only one Stage Gala (and one Close Up Gala) show per festival, I highly recommend booking a ticket early.’ – Tay Around Town

⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The opening gala offered its usual smorgasbord of talent. It was hosted by ‘honest conman’ Nicholas J Johnson, a likeable rogue who spiced up proceedings with a few uncanny feats, including a cardsharp routine that mixed legerdemain with insight into secrets behind the seemingly impossible.’ – The Age

LOCATION: Arrow on Swanston: The Houdini Theatre – 488 Swanston Street, Carlton