Many of us across the nation are starting to feel rather fed up with the necessary stay at home orders in place, so Swedish furniture giant IKEA has arranged a little treat for us to lift spirits.

Inviting people to take part in a retail-first festival around the world. IKEA will offer a 24-hour-long program on September 16 which will feature intimate concerts and DJ relays. Home visits with people like Virgil Abloh, food demos with popular chefs, livestream gaming sessions, behind the scenes at IKEA, and kitchen talks on all things life at home. The IKEA Festival will take place in more than 50 countries across the world, making it free and open to everyone.

How does it work?

For IKEA Australia folks, the festival will be completely digital with lockdowns sweeping the nation. The festival will kick off at 4.00pm AEST on ikea.com.au. In additional to the global program, IKEA Australia is putting the spotlight on their interior designers who will be taking viewers through interior styling, tips on getting a good night sleep in your space, and reducing food waste.

As for the lineup, acts like MØ are set to perform intimate concerts from their homes and neighbourhoods or join DJ sets with the likes of Kaytranada if they’re missing the club scene. Interior design fans are invited through the doors of different countries for home makeover inspiration and see the unique spaces of designers like Virgil Abloh and Ilse Crawford. People can experience cook-offs with Flynn McGarry, Pasta Queen and Oliver English. There will be discussions around the kitchen table on important topics like circularity, air and play.

“At a time when so many Australians understand the importance of their home, we’re excited to be able to bring a new energy into people’s lives and spaces through this 24-hour cultural experience. There’s something for everyone at IKEA Festival, and to make it even more relevant for Aussies, we’ll be sharing a range of tips and tricks from our local IKEA Australia designers on how to enhance different areas of their homes”, said Christine Gough, Country Home Furnishing and Retail Design Manager for IKEA Australia in a press release.

You can head to the IKEA website to tune in on September 16.

Image: @virgilabloh