Every year, the Yarra City Council puts on a beloved music festival focussed on showcasing and supporting local artists and venues during the quieter winter season. It’s no secret that things are tough for Melburnian musicians at the moment, so this year’s festival is a great opportunity to get out and support the world-class music scene happening on our doorstep.
This year, Leaps and Bounds Music Festival is taking place across four days and nights from Thursday, July 25 until Sunday, July 28. Anticipate parties and performances to suit all ages and budgets, including plentiful free and family-friendly gigs. It all happens in Fitzroy, Collingwood, Fitzroy North, Abbotsford and Richmond – which are some of the suburbs that make up the City of Yarra area.
The festival will open in grand style with PBS presents ‘Swinging City’ live from the Corner Hotel, with two radio shows (Swinging Doors and Radio City) set to broadcast live from the rooftop of one of Melbourne's most famous live music venues.
Another festival highlight is Amos Roach Unplugged at the Railway Hotel Fitzroy, where the band room has just been refurbished after lying dormant for decades. Roach, an award-winning musician, dancer and director, will play an intimate show at the venue which once hosted dances for returned soldiers back in the ’50s. You can also head to Nighthawks for Berada, a showcase of Southeast Asian artists, or take the little ones to Baby, You’re a Star at Lulie Tavern – a gig for kids, parents and pals.
Crowd favourite events from last year will return for 2024, including the Leaps and Bounds Record Fair at Collingwood Town Hall and Grrls to the Front at Bad Decisions Bar. The latter is a hip hop show spotlighting female identifying, non-binary and LGBTQIA+ rap and hip hop acts. Over at the Evelyn Hotel, Flight! Will showcase the city’s next generation of artists with nine acts from culturally diverse backgrounds.
While many of the events are free, some do require a ticket and booking. Head to the website to check out the full program and figure out how to cram as many of these fun events into your schedule as possible.