The Melbourne International Jazz Festival is set to kick off next week, bringing a wide range of international talent, captivating performances, and unique multi-artform collaborations to Australia’s jazz capital.
Running from 18 to 27 October, the 10-day event promises a packed program, with a special focus on free events for the public to enjoy.
Melbourne International Jazz Festival free events
- Night Crawl: Thursday 24 October, multiple venues across Melbourne
- Second Line Street Party: Saturday 19 October, Southbank, 1:00pm start
- Free Jazz at Fed Square: 18 – 20 October
- Footscray Sunday Sessions: Sunday 20 October, Mamma Chens, Misfits, Moon Dog Wild West Brewery
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Night Crawl – Thursday 24 October
This year’s festival highlights include Night Crawl on Thursday 24 October, offering a choose-your-own-adventure-style experience across eight different venues. Attendees can hop between locations around the city, enjoying live acts and performances from some of Melbourne’s most exciting DJs. The lineup features Uncomfortable Science at The Toff, Evening News and Steady Weather at Whitehart Bar, and Tiana Khasi at Wax Music Lounge. The entire night is co-curated by DJ Mike Gurrieri, host of PBS 106.7’s Mystic Brew, adding a special local touch to the event.
Second Line Street Party – Saturday 19 October
The Second Line Street Party on Saturday 19 October brings the energy of New Orleans to Melbourne with a mobile street parade led by TBC Brass Band. The nine-piece ensemble will march through the streets of Melbourne’s inner city, filling the air with lively brass rhythms reminiscent of New Orleans’ iconic street parades. The parade will start from Southbank at 1:00pm, with early arrival recommended for those eager to join in the festivities.
Free Jazz at Fed Square – 18 – 20 October
Fed Square will also host three days of free jazz events from 18 to 20 October, kicking off the festival with a Smoking Ceremony and a performance by Afro-Cuban group La Influencia. Highlights include performances from Harry James Angus of The Cat Empire and a Saturday afternoon Second Line Parade, followed by the Tony Allen Experience, a tribute to the legendary Afrobeat drummer. Sunday will feature screenings of classic music films, including Louis in London, Jazz on a Summer’s Day, and Summer of Soul, showcasing legends like Louis Armstrong, Stevie Wonder, and Nina Simone.
Jazz Westside – Footscray Sunday Sessions
Another key event in the festival’s free programming is Jazz Westside’s Footscray Sunday Sessions, bringing live music to some of Footscray’s favourite venues on 20 October. Local talent, including African drum master Boubacar Gaye, soul group Wild Gloriosa, and ARIA-winning blues band Collard Greens & Gravy, will perform throughout the afternoon. With venues like Mamma Chens, Misfits, and Moon Dog Wild West Brewery all within walking distance, it offers a lively bar hop with a unique jazz twist.
The Melbourne International Jazz Festival continues to establish itself as a vibrant part of the city’s cultural calendar, with its 2024 edition offering a range of opportunities for the public to experience world-class music for free.
Find out more here.
