Leaps and Bounds Music Festival 2026 has opened applications for live music venues across the City of Yarra.
Melbourne’s winter just got a whole lot louder. Leaps and Bounds Music Festival has officially opened expressions of interest for its 2026 edition, and the annual City of Yarra celebration of grassroots live music is expanding to a 10-day run for the first time.
The festival, which has championed local artists and venues since launching in 2013, will take over pubs, bars and music rooms across Fitzroy, Collingwood, Abbotsford, Richmond and Fitzroy North from 16 to 26 July. That’s a significant jump from the four-day format used in previous years, giving venues more room to spread programming across days and nights.
Yarra City Council is inviting venues, bookers and producers to pitch new or expanded programming designed specifically for the festival. Applications close at midnight on 5 April.
Leaps and Bounds Music Festival 2026
- EOIs close midnight, 5 April
- Festival dates: 16–26 July 2026
- Venues must be located within the City of Yarra
- Apply via the online application form at yarracity.vic.gov.au
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In a notable shift for 2026, the application process has been simplified into two stages following feedback from venues. Stage one only requires a concept pitch and indicative programming approach rather than locked-in lineups and full budgets. Venues that make it through will be invited to confirm details in stage two ahead of the program launch on 4 June.
There are two funded tiers on offer. Category one provides up to $3,000 for smaller-scale events like single gigs or modest showcases, while category two sits between $3,000 and $5,000 for more ambitious multi-night programming or expanded lineups. Venues can also nominate non-funded events to be included in the wider festival program and benefit from the marketing campaign without receiving cash support.
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To be eligible, applicants need to be a registered live music venue within the City of Yarra with a track record of hosting live music. They also need to demonstrate fair payment of artists in line with industry minimums. Programming must feature artists from at least one priority group, including First Nations artists, women and non-binary performers, LGBTQIA+ artists, people with disability, young people or seniors.
Applications are assessed by an independent industry panel across criteria including festival distinctiveness, audience inclusion, accessibility and support for priority communities on stage. The council will notify venues of outcomes on 15 April, with final event details and marketing materials due by 13 May.
For more information, head here.
