As the fifth edition of RISING edges closer, this enormous amalgamation of music, art, culture and architecture is ready to reveal its final additions to the 2026 program. Taking place from Wednesday, May 27–Monday, June 8, almost 400 artists from headline-grabbing stars to underground legends will take over Melbourne's varied stages and spaces, with the likes of Brooklyn rap royalty Lil' Kim, Pasifika block party God Save the Queen and the Australian premiere of The Vinyl Factory: Reverb already huge highlights on the agenda. Now, this final reveal is no small thing. Marking RISING's opening weekend at Fed Square, Midéegaadi is a large-scale projection and sound work by Native American artist Cannupa Hanska Luger. Envisioning the regeneration and return of the North American bison through a speculative world, this instalment also interfaces with Wurundjeri Country, incorporating customary dance, regalia and Indigenous futurisms. Unfolding across multiple locations at first, Fed Square invites guests to linger longer, sitting in beanbags with a hot drink. [caption id="attachment_1101223" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cannupa Hanska Luger's Midéegaadi, presented at Times Square.[/caption] RISING's dining program has expanded, though its just-announced headline act operates at a pint-sized scale. Opening its doors at Fed Square from Thursday to Saturday throughout the festival, Sapporo Supper Club: Chīsai 小 is billed as the world's smallest ramen-ya, where a low-lit, minimalist space serves complimentary bowls of Hokkaido-style ramen. Plus, each 30-minute session is complemented with perfect pours of Sapporo beer. It's first-come, first-served, with just one table reserved for you and a special pal. Also on the dining front, Moon Bites returns in 2026, offering a curated network of restaurants, bars and venues serving late-night menus. Cathedral Coffee has teamed up with Frozen Cola to serve lychee Swiss rolls, hojicha ice cream sandwiches and black sesame lattes, while Melbourne Supper Club is collaborating with Melbourne Gin Company to shake up The Midnight Martini. Then, Dom's Social Club offers a roast beef dippa' pizza, Bottega has a pre-theatre tasting menu, and Mr Mills looks to the Portuguese coast, featuring croquetas, gilda and sweets. Music is at the heart of RISING, and this announcement doesn't disappoint. The RISING Artist Bar will take over Wax Music Lounge from Wednesday to Sunday, acting as a pre-show and late-night hub complete with rotating music and performances. Word to the wise: closing night features an unmissable karaoke takeover. Then, you can reflect on RISING 2026 through a series of artist talks and post-show conversations, including Sovereignty and Sonic Resistance, where Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Raven Chacon, artist Hayden Ryan and RISING curator Kimberley Moulton explore listening, sovereignty and sound on Country. "When the temperature drops, it signals that RISING is about to kick off and the final layer of the program is unveiled," said RISING Artistic Director and CEO Hannah Fox. "Free art after dark, fresh live music, late-night dining and artist-led conversations, clubs and lounges create even more doorways into the festival's expansive program of new art, stories, music and dance." RISING 2026 takes place at various locations across Melbourne from Wednesday, May 27–Monday, June 8. Head to the website for more information. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Images: Supplied.