Brunswick Music Festival 2024

The nine-day Brunswick Music Festival always kicks off with Sydney Road Street Party. On day one the suburb’s main thoroughfare will once again transform for a day of music, food and art.

From there, 60 gigs will take place at 30 venues scattered across the inner north, including The Retreat, Bergy Seltzer, Brunswick Ballroom and Howler.

In a huge steal, iconic rock group Yothu Yindi, best known for 1991 protest song Treaty, is headlining for 2024. On March 5 the band plays Estonian House on Melville Road, the festival’s key venue this year, also hosting headlining American alternative five-piece Wednesday (March 6) and Zambian psych-rock band Witch (March 7). On March 9 local promoters Crown Ruler and Slow Clap will take over the space for a six-hour knees-up with punk/post-punk acts Gut Health, Vanessa Worm (NZ), Sneaks (USA) and Frenzee (Greece), plus DJ sets from Lori and DJ Daddy.

The line-up also features Balinese community group Saudara Sound System; American singer-songwriter MJ Lenderman (playing at Howler, supported by Quality Used Cars); Trawlwoolway and Wiradjuri singer Canisha (launching her debut album at Brunswick Ballroom) and more.

Another highlight is the Bulleke-bek Journey, a showcase on March 10, which sees 15 unexpected spaces around the suburb putting on free shows. There’ll be contemporary Arabic sounds at A1 Bakery, dancehall at al fresco African eatery Vola Foods and a late-night jam session at Jazz Lab.

And finally, there’s the inaugural Night Bowls at Brunswick Bowls Club, a waggish event featuring live performances by Don't Thank Me, Spank Me!, Eggy, Kosmetika, and Obscura Hail. Per the ticket page: “Country hospitality, lamingtons and lemon slice provided, BYO biscuits and cakes for the share table. Shandies available at the bar, food options available from BBQ. Everyone is invited to enter a representative team of three players for a big bowls tournament. Just remember to wear flat-soled shoes or go barefoot for the game. Prizes await the victorious teams!”

brunswickmusicfestival.com.au