The Brunswick Music Festival is poised to make a thunderous return from March 2nd to March 10th, 2025, heralding an electrifying convergence of both local luminaries and international stars as it graces the streets of Melbourne—a city renowned as a live music mecca. The Merri-bek City Council has unveiled a remarkable tapestry of events, curated over nine exhilarating days, showcasing more than 40 performances. The festival will also play host to the beloved Sydney Road Street Party, along with the exhilarating reemergence of Gilpin Park as a prominent outdoor venue, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
In its 37th iteration, the festival is set to evolve further, solidifying its status as an unmissable event on Melbourne’s cultural landscape. Merri-bek City Council Mayor Helen Davidson extolled the festival, deeming it a “flagship event” that not only enriches the lives of local residents but also draws music enthusiasts from all corners of the globe.
Brunswick Music Festival
Dates: March 2 – 10, 2025
Duration: Nine days packed with gigs, including the much-anticipated Gilpin Park events
Featured Artists: Pachyman, Miss Kaninna, Bonny Light Horseman, Bahamadia, Elsy Wameyo, Kaiit and an array of other remarkable talents
A Musical Extravaganza
The festivities will ignite on Sunday, March 2, with the much-anticipated Sydney Road Street Party—a free community celebration that morphs Brunswick’s iconic avenue into a vibrant hub pulsating with live music, delectable local fare, artisanal stalls, and engaging family activities. This street party represents a perennial highlight, serving as a unique juncture for both locals and visitors to revel in the creative essence of this eclectic suburb.
Enchanting Nights at Gilpin Park
As darkness falls, Gilpin Park will light up with two electrifying headline evenings, enveloped by the beauty of night:
- March 7 (Friday): Soulful serenades from Miss Kaninna and Elsy Wameyo—two of Australia’s most compelling contemporary voices—will coalesce for a night imbued with soul, R&B, and storytelling.
- March 8 (Saturday): The stage will pulsate to the beats of hip-hop icon Bahamadia and genre-defying sensation Kaiit, promising an unforgettable musical experience amidst the enchanting ambiance of the natural surroundings.
The Gilpin Park gigs have become legendary, mesmerizing audiences with breathtaking performances set against a backdrop of towering trees.
Distinctive Venues, Memorable Performances
The 2025 lineup dazzles with an array of performances staged across Brunswick’s cherished venues, blending free and ticketed events. Key highlights include:
- At the Altar of Us: A singular event at Brunswick Uniting Church spotlighting queer talent with performances from Ruby Gill, Porpoise Spit, and Merpire.
- Brunswick Ballroom: Up-close and personal with American Americana trio Bonny Light Horseman.
- Howler: A mesmerizing dub-infused performance by Puerto Rican artist Pachyman.
- Gamelan DanAnda and Firetail: An innovative fusion of Balinese gamelan and electro-jazz at a yet-to-be-disclosed location.
In addition, the cherished Bulleke-bek Journey returns, flooding venues across Brunswick with live music on Sunday, March 9.
Unveiling Local Venues & Fostering Community Connections
Beyond the marquee events, festivalgoers can anticipate a whirlwind of activity at familiar Brunswick locales, including Jazz Lab, The Bergy Seltzer, Quad Club, Shell Space, Tempo Rubato, The Penny Black, Brunswick Mechanics Institute, and Rubix.
The festival’s programming encapsulates Brunswick’s rich cultural tapestry, weaving together global acts with homegrown talent and carving niche opportunities for budding artists to shine in the limelight. Mayor Helen Davidson asserted, “The Brunswick Music Festival fortifies Brunswick’s identity as a live music destination and fosters connections within our dynamic creative community.”
As anticipation builds, the festival promises to continue unveiling its full program, with a fresh wave of events set to be announced in January 2025. Stay connected and in the loop, either by visiting the festival’s official website or by keeping tabs on social media!
