Brunswick Music Festival 2025 announces full program including Gilpin Park gigs.
The Brunswick Music Festival will return from 2–10 March 2025, bringing an exciting mix of local and international talent to Melbourne’s live music capital. Merri-bek City Council has announced nine days of diverse programming, featuring over 40 gigs, the much-loved Sydney Road Street Party, and the return of Gilpin Park as a major outdoor venue.
Celebrating its 37th year, the festival promises an expanded lineup of events, cementing its status as a key fixture in Melbourne’s cultural calendar. Merri-bek City Council Mayor Helen Davidson described the festival as a “flagship event” that enriches the community and attracts music lovers from far and wide.
Brunswick Music Festival
- March 2 – 10, 2025
- Nine days of gigs, including the return of Gilpin Park
- Pachyman, Miss Kaninna, Bonny Light Horseman, Bahamadia, Elsy Wameyo, Kaiit and more
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
View this post on Instagram
Brunswick Music Festival’s 2025 lineup
- Bahamadia (USA)
- Elsy Wameyo
- Miss Kaninna
- Kaiit
- Gamelan DanAnda
- Pachyman (USA)
- Mobilegirl (Germany)
- Ruby Gill
- Bonny Light Horseman (USA)
- Porpoise Spit
- Sydney Road Street Party
Opening with Sydney Road Street Party
Festivities will kick off on Sunday 2 March with the always-popular Sydney Road Street Party. This free community celebration will transform Brunswick’s iconic street into a bustling hub of live music, local food, artisan stalls, and family-friendly activities.
The street party has long been a highlight of the festival, offering a chance for visitors and locals to come together and experience the vibrant creative spirit that defines the suburb.
Gilpin Park nights
Two headline evenings at Gilpin Park will showcase powerful performances under the stars.
- Friday 7 March: Miss Kaninna and Elsy Wameyo, two of Australia’s most exciting contemporary voices, will co-headline a night of soul, R&B, and storytelling.
- Saturday 8 March: Hip-hop icon Bahamadia will take the stage alongside the genre-defying Kaiit, promising an unforgettable night of music in this natural outdoor setting.
Gilpin Park gigs have become a festival favourite, drawing crowds to enjoy incredible live performances amidst the trees.
Unique venues and intimate shows
The 2025 program introduces a range of distinctive performances across Brunswick’s beloved venues, with a mix of free and ticketed events. Highlights include:
- At the Altar of Us: A special one-off event at Brunswick Uniting Church, celebrating queer talent with performances by Ruby Gill, Porpoise Spit, and Merpire.
- Brunswick Ballroom: An intimate showcase featuring American Americana trio Bonny Light Horseman.
- Howler: A dub-inspired set from Puerto Rican artist Pachyman.
- Gamelan DanAnda and Firetail: A fusion of Balinese gamelan orchestra and electro-jazz at a yet-to-be-announced location.
The free Bulleke-bek Journey will also return, bringing live music to venues across Brunswick on Sunday 9 March.
Local venues and community connections
In addition to the headline events, festivalgoers can expect a packed schedule at familiar Brunswick locations, including Jazz Lab, The Bergy Seltzer, Quad Club, Shell Space, Tempo Rubato, The Penny Black, Brunswick Mechanics Institute, and Rubix.
The festival’s programming reflects Brunswick’s unique cultural diversity, blending international acts with local talent and providing opportunities for emerging artists to shine. Mayor Helen Davidson emphasised the importance of the event, stating, “Brunswick Music Festival strengthens Brunswick’s reputation as a destination for live music and creates connections within our vibrant creative community.”
The full program will continue to expand, with a second wave of events to be revealed in January 2025. Stay updated by visiting brunswickmusicfestival.com.au or following @brunswickmusicfest on social media.
