The program engaged 800 artists in over 130 events,[7] intended to focus on "site-specific performance and large-scale public art, new collaborations in theatre and dance and novel line-ups in live music".

[8] The program included several installations and events in site-specific areas in the Birrarung, Chinatown, Arts District, Midtown and Satellite precincts, with the stated intent of developing "multiple connected experiences" across the city.

[9] A headline event for the festival was the installation A Miracle Constantly Repeated by artist Patricia Piccinini, an exhibition that utilised the Flinders Street Station Ballroom and was the first time the space was accessible to the public in 35 years.

[10][11] On 27 May 2021, the Victorian Government announced a public health directive and seven-day statewide lockdown to manage the effects of an abrupt outbreak in the coronavirus pandemic.

The festival has been noted for including a focus on site-specific installations and performances that transform the precincts of inner-city Naarm/Melbourne and experimental works that are "immersive or ephemeral" in nature.

[29] The Australian called the festival a "winner", with critic Tim Douglas writing: “With Mofo having gone quiet across Bass Strait, Melbourne has taken the midwinter mantel and run with it.