Melbourne’s cumbia movement unites for one epic night of Latin rhythm and tropical sound. Cumbia is calling — and this summer, Melbourne is answering. This November Cumbia Fest 2025 transforms Howler Theatre, Brunswick into a sonic tropical carnival, a night of deep bass, ancient flutes and collective motion. More than a party, this year’s fest is a collective moment for Melbourne’s cumbia movement, where the many crews that have emerged over the decades unite to bring this celebration to life. From the city’s early Latin pioneers to a new wave of cumbia orchestras, DJs, dancers and soundmakers, it’s a cross-generational fusion of rhythm, colour and community. At its core, cumbia is the groove that unites a continent — born on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, where Indigenous flutes, African drums, and coloniser’s melodies collided to create a rhythm that danced its way across Latin America. As it travelled, it absorbed new sounds and flavours at every stop, eventually becoming the musical backbone of the continent and a sound that keeps reinventing dance floors worldwide. It’s deep, it’s soulful, and it hits you where it matters: the hips, the heart, the collective pulse. Bringing the fire are La Descarga — Australia’s long-standing Afro-Colombian powerhouse, blending deep basslines, hypnotic gaitas and psychotropic tropical funk. Fresh from a national tour that’s taken their explosive sound across the country, the band returns to Naarm to launch their latest music video “Atarraya” and turn Howler into a full-blown tropical carnival. Sharing the spotlight, Sorbo Amplio — Chile’s growing cumbia force — brings raw street energy, ska-infused grooves and infectious communal spirit, amplifying the celebration with their signature high-voltage sound. They will also be returning home after their first Adelaide show. Behind the decks, selectors Emma Peel, Otorongo and Sonidero Esperanza will light up the night with a kaleidoscopic mix of tropical frequencies — from the raw roots of Afro-Caribbean cumbia to an electric mix of Peruvian chicha, Argentinean villera, Chilean neocumbia, Mexico’s narcotic rebajadas, cumbia digital, cumbia dub, and more! This year’s edition is a double celebration —  ISU TAKI’s 6-year anniversary, marking six years of tropical mischief, dancefloor revolutions and unapologetic Latin flavour across Naarm, Meanjin, and beyond; plus the launch of La Descarga’s brand-new music video “Atarraya”, filmed entirely in Melbourne. Presented by ISU TAKI, La Descarga, Sorbo Amplio, with the support of Cumbia Massive, this isn’t just a gig — it’s a tropical uprising. A groovy, magnetic, heart-thumping celebration of rhythm, identity and good times that could only happen in Melbourne. VENUE INFO Shows are Standing unless clearly stated. Check Ticket Type when purchasing. Howler Bar & Grill The kitchen will be serving a full menu from 5pm (Tues - Fri) and 2pm (Sat - Sun) till late including vegan and vegetarian options. You can view the delicious offerings available by clicking here. Booking are not essential but recommended here. Accessibility Howler is Accessible. Both Garden and Theatre are 100% accessible for patrons including a central restroom and easy curbside access for car services. This venue accepts companion cards. Simply purchase your ticket and contact Moshtix to arrange access for your Companion. Parking A park and ride, council operated carpark is located immediately outside of Howler's doors. Public Transport Howler is conveniently located just a two minute walk from both the Route 19 Coburg tram (stop 21), and Jewel train station on the Upfield line. Bicycle We adjoin the Upfield Bike Path and have many designated bike parks on site.