Melbourne’s music scene is getting a big dose of love this June with the return of the grassroots, one-day celebration of all things loud, local and lovingly DIY.
After a hugely successful debut last year, Kick On Fest is back on Saturday 28 June at The Leadbeater Hotel in Richmond, and it’s packing serious heat — both on and off the stage.
Kick On Fest
- When: Saturday 28 June
- Where: The Leadbeater Hotel, Richmond
- Tickets: here
Check out our gig guide, our stage guide, our festival guide, our live music venue guide and our nightclub guide. Follow us on Instagram here.
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The 2025 lineup is stacked with 10 genre-spanning acts, including fan favourites Paraquay, Joan and The Giants, Left At The Avenue, Waliens, Laura and the Hellcutz, Fur Blossom, Pepper La Floyd, Phoenix Street, Chloe Booth, and one very mysterious secret act still under wraps. If you like your music fresh, fierce and full of local talent, this is your kind of party.
But Kick On Fest isn’t just about the bands — it’s a full-blown celebration of creative culture. There’ll be a pop-up record store with donated vinyl up for grabs, and a thrift shop treasure trove for anyone who likes their fits as funky as their playlists. It’s a great excuse to shop small, dig through some crates, and find that obscure ‘70s funk album or vintage tee you didn’t know you needed.
At its core, Kick On Fest is all about supporting Melbourne’s local music and arts scene — not just the performers, but the people behind the scenes too. Think sound engineers, photographers, graphic designers, and all the young creatives who make live music magic happen.
The festival crew is stacked with emerging industry talent who are getting real-world experience doing what they love, and building the next wave of the city’s cultural backbone.
It’s all the brainchild of Sarah Gorozidis, who founded Kick On Entertainment and pulled off the festival’s inaugural event in July last year — a successful debut that brought in 200 keen punters and a whole lot of good energy. Now, round two is looking even bigger.
Whether you’re a diehard local music fan, a vintage fashion fiend, or just in the mood for a day of great tunes and even better vibes, Kick On Fest is one to mark in the calendar.
Come support homegrown talent, grab a record, find a new band to fall in love with, and kick on with the people keeping Melbourne’s creative heart pumping.
Stay up to date with all things Kick On Fest here.
