The Third Festival takes place from 6 to 8 March, presenting eight performances across three days.

This year’s festival is artist-led and volunteer-driven, focused on supporting Iranian-Australian artists creating original music across a wide range of practices. The program spans traditional forms, contemporary composition, experimental approaches, and cross-genre work, reflecting the diversity of Iranian musical expression in Australia today.

In 2026, the festival introduces a new stream, Neighbours, which explores shared musical histories across the region. Through this stream, the festival invites audiences to listen across long-standing cultural connections, engaging with both similarity and difference. As part of this initiative, the festival welcomes the Zela Margossian Quintet, bringing Armenian music into dialogue with Iranian traditions.

The Iranian Music Festival continues as a platform for listening, exchange, and artistic development, shaped by the artists who lead it and the context in which it takes place.

"In light of the ongoing and devastating events in Iran, we acknowledge the profound impact this is having within our community. The courage of the Iranian people who are seeking freedom has compelled us to reflect deeply on how we move forward with the 3rd Iranian Music Festival Australia (IMFA).

We have been reflecting on the role of cultural and artistic practice, and on what it means to continue artistic work while remaining attentive to what is unfolding around us.

After extensive consultation with participating artists, the 3rd Iranian music festival will be held in recognition of music as a way of gathering, listening, and remaining connected at a time when connection itself carries weight.

‏As an independent, artist-led festival, we want you to know that we are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and creative environment rooted in our musical heritage. We believe this work is stronger, more meaningful, and more honest when it is done TOGETHER."

Contact the host of 3rd Iranian Music Festival: TOGETHER