‘Dance away the pain’: Esoteric organisers to hold one-day party following festival cancellation

Esoteric Festival ticket holders will have a chance to “dance away the pain” at a one-day party in Melbourne this Sunday after the festival was cancelled at the last minute this week.

A popular music and arts festival will be holding a one day party after it was axed a day before it was intended to start. Picture: Supplied

In an effort to soothe the pain of the last minute cancellation of Esoteric Festival in Donald this weekend ticket holders will be able to attend a one day party to be held at Melbourne Pavilion tomorrow.

Organisers announced the party on their social media telling ticket holders to come down on Sunday and try to “dance away the pain” left by the festival’s cancellation.

It might not be the same as the full five day Esoteric Psychedelic Circus Festival experience fans were hoping for, but they will be in for a full evening of dance tunes from some of the festival highlight acts including Avalon, Dreamvibe and Samra.

The popular music and arts festival was axed with people already lined up to get in. Picture: Supplied

“Come and experience international artists who have travelled from around the world to be part of Esoteric 2025,” the post read.

The original festival, which was due to start Friday, was cancelled at the eleventh hour when it was denied an event permit by council officers, leaving organisers “utterly devastated”.

So, last minute was the decision not to grant the permit that thousands of punters had to be turned away who had been lined up outside the festival venue from Thursday night.

Organisers were promising to make Sunday as “the closest we can get” to the real thing, with festival ticketholders to walk in free, and limited tickets for others at the gate.

“We’ve got a stellar line-up of international artists with TAS on VJ duties, delivering a full laser and visual show,” organisers said.

“Enjoy face painting, live art from Arcane Arts Arcade, and a chill area with music and food trucks.

“It’s not Eso, but it’s the closest we can get right now. See you there tribe.”

Festival ticket holders will get free entry on Sunday. Picture: Supplied

For those that can’t make Sunday’s one day banger, they are still able to get a full refund or hold their tickets for 2026.

“We will be offering refunds; however, before you request one we seriously encourage you to consider holding on to your ticket so that we can continue crafting the magical experiences we all cherish,” organisers said.

“Esoteric has a place in this world and in our lives; we need your help to keep the dream alive.”

The Esoteric one-night party will be pumping from 4pm to 1am Sunday at Melbourne Pavilion in Kensington.