This March sees the Brunswick Music Festival returning for its 36th anniversary, taking over the Melbourne suburb and turning it into a veritable hotspot of culture, artistic expression, and – above all – music.
It all kicks off on March 3rd and runs until March 11th, with nine days full of eclectic entertainment helping to provide something for all lovers of the arts.
Of course, one of the most important and highly-anticipated events at the Brunswick Music Festival is its premier launch event; the Sydney Road Street Party. As its name suggests, it’s a massive celebration that takes over the titular arterial and helps to mark the kick off the annual fest.
In true fashion, it’s important to ensure a huge lineup worthy of the event, and organisers have not disappointed at all with various performances spread out amongst various stages and venues. So let’s take a closer look at all of the threads that make up the tapestry that is the Sydney Road Street Party.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
Birum Djerring (coming together) Stage
The day begins on Albert Street, with names like Norwood, David M. Western, Charlie Needs Braces, and Merpire helping to launch proceedings.
Engakeng-eng (song) Stage
A celebration of First Nations artists and their songs, the Engakeng-eng (song) Stage hosts Madi Colville Walker, Yirinda, and Bumpy amongst others, with a Welcome to Country and various cultural performances spread throughout the afternoon.
Gaanbun (happy) Stage
Over in Michael Street, the Gaanbun (happy) Stage, curated for children and family audiences, sees names like Zoe Fox and The Rocket Clocks, Riot Baby, and Hobsons Bay Coast Guard coming together to help get you into the evening.
Tonberang Ngarrga (born to dance) Stage
Staying true to its name, the Tonberang Ngarrga (born to dance) Stage brings together acts such as Petrichor, Hot Glue, Mac And The Steeze, and more to help get you moving throughout the afternoon.
Sparkly Bear
Down at Barkly Square, the endearingly-named Sparkly Bear sees Plastiq, Biscotti, and Pillow Pro performing danceable alt-pop to get you in the mood for what’s to come.
Street Performers
Numerous street performers will be spread out throughout the day, including on Merri Street, the Town Hall Podium, and Wilson Ave Park’s Grassy Knoll, collecting Proto Moro, Lily Morris, Isobel Caldwell, and more.
Brunswick Ballroom
The Brunswick Ballroom sees a varied selection of big names performing in the splendour of the acclaimed venue. Expect The Hot Machine, Greece’s Frenzee, Billiam And The Split Bills, and the ever-enigmatic Our Carlson to put on blinding sets across the day.
CoConspirators
The CoConspirators Brewing Co. will also be putting on a brief showing in the early afternoon, hosting two sets from both Nathalie Pavlovic, and her Snowy Band collaborator Snowy.
Correspondences
A ticketed event, Octet Loves Nine Again will see Emma Ovenden showcasing electronic music from her recent Correspondences residency alongside visual artist Elyss McCleary. Dubbed Harmonious Eccentricity, it celebrates the titular concept found within abstract visual artworks, such as Mclearly’s own paintings which inspired the show’s title.
The Bergy
The Bergy undoubtedly hosts the largest lineup of the day, spreading between its bandroom, front bar, Lane Rave Stage, and beer garden, with names like Dole Manchild, Bench Press, Screensaver, Moody Beaches, and many more on the lineup alongside DJs and more. With Poison City Records curating the bandroom, and KISS FM and Beat Repeat lining up DJs, you’re in safe hands.
The Retreat
The Retreat will see acts performing all through the afternoon, with DJs in the beer garden, and a front window performance from Be Kind To Other People. In the bandroom, punters will be able to witness Tamara And The Dreams, Sunfruits, Porpoise Spit, and more.
Stay Gold
Stay Gold will raise the adrenaline a little bit, with the likes of Pizza Death, Chimers, The Maggie Pills, and S.U.G.A.R. performing on the main stage while the Social Disco Block Party rounds out the evening in the front bar.
On3
Closing out the day at Brunswick’s On3 studio, it’s an open-house bootleg party featuring some of Melbourne’s finest selectors, including, PK, Fdluxx, Mothafunk, GloW, Africa100k, and Joey Coco.
Sydney Road Street Party runs on Sunday 3 March from 12pm – 10pm as part of Brunswick Music Festival. Find out more here.
Beat is an official media partner of Brunswick Music Festival.
