A brand new music festival is taking over Melbourne. Journey along the 86 tram along High Street from Westgarth to Preston, and celebrate Melbourne’s exciting music culture in this concentrated strip of live music venues. The big event to watch out for is Super Saturday on October 28. Experience over 200 music acts at 40 venues over almost 24 hours. But there’s other events too, like a tasty street party and an expo to exchange independent music. The Eighty-Six festival will run from Monday October 23 to Tuesday October 31.
The Eighty-Six
Find hundreds of small-scale, music-focused experiences at The Eighty-Six. During the festival, venues up and down High Street will host bands, DJs, a record label expo, a pasta party, dog parades and more.
“I’ve always felt Melbourne needed a festival that stays within and elevates our grassroots environment,” said Woody McDonald, The Eighty-Six Co-Founder and Artistic Director. “The Eighty-Six’s goal is to do this, and there’s currently no better area than High Street to be our festival precinct.”
Super Saturday
Iconic spots along the 86 tram line will light up with gigs for almost 24 hours. Look forward to over 200 emerging and established performers, playing at theatres, record stores, bars, restaurants and bocce and bowls clubs. Expect a vast range of genres, from folk music to post-punk, as well as gigs that are for all ages and senior-friendly. This mammoth celebration will kick off at 7am on Saturday October 28, and run all the way until 5am. And the best part? It’s completely free!
Independent Music Exchange
Visit this record label expo and find a vast range of stallholders. Discover plenty of vinyl, casettes, merch, zines, test pressings, posters and specialty items. Meet your favourite musicians and artist signings and stumble across rare releases. This all-ages event is free to attend, and will run on Saturday October 28 and Sunday October 29.
1800 Street Party
1800 Lasagne are celebrating at the festival with an epic street party. Feast on dreamy lasagne, pair it with a glass of pet nat, and listen to the sweet sounds of live jazz. Expect a vast selection of local food and beverage traders, serving up food, wine, beer and coffee, as well as an array of performing artists.
While you’re there, look forward to The Eighty-Six x 1800 HowlOween Dog Parade and Costume Contest. Bring your dog along, or watch, as local dogs strut their stuff and raise money for Pets of the Homeless. Find plenty of pup-cakes and puppuccinos, as well as a limited selection of dog merchandise.
This fabulous street party will take place on Saturday October 28.
More details about the festival will be revealed over the coming months. To stay up-to-date and find out more, click here.