There’s a new live music venue opening in Melbourne this weekend and they want to stage ‘laneway parties and festivals’
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13.03.2024

There’s a new live music venue opening in Melbourne this weekend and they want to stage ‘laneway parties and festivals’

Misfits Bar Footscray
Words by Staff Writer

Welcome to Misfits, Footscray's awesome new music and arts space in the former Baby Snakes building.

Formerly Baby Snakes, Misfits will serve as a dynamic music and arts space in the heart of Melbourne’s inner West, piloted by hospo heavyweights and longtime friends Jacob Bell (Ferdydurke, Whitehart), Amber Hahipene (Section 8, Comet Beverages) and Jerry Poon (The Operatives).

Misfits in Footscray

  • Misfits — Footscray’s newest watering hole is opening in March 2024
  • Open Thursday: 5pm – 11pm, Friday/Saturday: 5pm – 1am, Sunday/Monday: 5pm – 11pm
  • 30 Chambers Street Footscray, 3011

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.

With over 70 years experience in hospitality and event management between them, the trio’s brainchild will be a shifting space reflecting the city’s vibrant cultural landscape and a welcome addition to Footscray’s bustling nightlife.

Speaking of the new venture, Hahipene said: “We want Misfits to be a platform for new talent, a stomping ground for the local community and a home to people who love music and hospitality.” Featuring a fresh lick of paint, new floors and a revived interior, Misfits offers its guests a warm and inviting experience, complete with comfy leather bar stools and trailing plants. The venue also features a delightful sunny terrace, perfect for Sunday sessions and knockoffs.

With Operatives head honcho Jerry Poon behind the helm as Music Director, curation and sound will be of the utmost importance. “For me sound is a major factor, and we’ll work on getting that right and perfect for the space,” said Poon. Punters can expect community focused events such as workshops, panels and live recordings, with a diverse selection of local and international DJs and musicians rounding out the weekly program. The trio also have big plans for the square behind their bar: “We really want to activate this space, promoting Footscray and all it has to offer through laneway parties and festivals,” explained Bell.

Rather than offer an exclusive experience, Misfits will be a home for everyone: “I think there are enough ‘specialty’ places in Melbourne and we want to focus on just being a great venue that ticks all the boxes,” said Hahipene. Misfits will serve a wide range of wines, limited release beers and tasty cocktails, with a few nods to the local culture of Footscray. Punters can also enjoy a pizza delivery from the downstairs Slice Shop Pizza.

Footscray has no shortage of interesting venues and Misfits will be no exception. “A local bar hop is one of my favourite things to do, so I would like to think we’re adding another option to the area,” said Hahipene.

They’ll be kicking things off with a launch party this weekend featuring live music by new collective ‘The Volard Project’ Featuring Emma Volard, Anthony Liddell (KAIIT), Jake Amy (KAIIT) and Jordan Pereira, with support DJs Jnett, Taijae, Dijok and Palazzo.

Follow them here.