The former Pentridge Prison site celebrates 20 years since it closed its doors with a massive party for the community. Don't worry; the space isn't as spooky as you think. The site was closed in 1997, and plans are underway to develop it into a community hub through a combination of residential, commercial and retail spaces.
Pentridge Festival is your chance to explore the ex-prison's history. Melbourne's favourite food trucks, including Billy Van Creamy, Mr Burger, White Guy Cooks Thai and more, will be rolling up to serve delicious food over the weekend, and you are welcome to roll out the picnic blanket at the Pentridge Piazza. There will be plenty of cold bevvies available at the bar if you need a frothy while you listen to live performances from local bands and musicians. The music will go on all night, so stick around for an all-day party in a unique location. Acts performing include Big Words, Cumbia Massive and Billy Davis on Saturday and Kieran Lee, Funkalerros and Arthur Penn and the Funky Ten on Sunday.
Take the opportunity to walk through the historic former prison buildings, exercise yards and even the solitary confinement cells. The festival runs noon to 10pm on the Saturday and noon to 7pm on the Sunday.
In case you missed it, last year Palace Cinemas announced that they will be building a 15-screen cinema complex at the Pentridge site.