Brunswick’s streets, stages and parklands are set to hum again as the Brunswick Music Festival returns for its 38th year, taking over the suburb from 1 to 8 March 2026 with a stacked program that puts community and creativity front and centre.
One of Melbourne’s longest-running music festivals, BMF is produced by Merri-bek City Council and curated by local icon MzRizk, whose vision this year leans hard into the rich mix of sounds and stories that define Brunswick. Across eight days, the festival spreads out through venues, galleries and public spaces, celebrating the suburb’s outsized contribution to the city’s live music culture.
The festival kicks off in signature style on Sunday 1 March with the Sydney Road Street Party. Four stages will stretch along the strip, serving everything from surf punk and South African jazz to Turkish classical and Pasifika youth harmonies. Add roving performances, pop-up acoustic sets and family-friendly programming and you’ve got one of Melbourne’s most joyful days out.
Live music continues all week with highlights including a Brunswick Ballroom collaboration featuring Alfi Antico and Go Dugong alongside Khaled Kurbeh and RAFET, plus Rita Bass’ immersive project Eternity is a Terrible Thought. International artists also loom large, with DJ Krush, Xylourides, François K and Ganavya joining the lineup.
The closing chapter lands at Gilpin Park on Sunday 8 March with a free outdoor concert from 2 to 8pm, featuring Fred Leone X Radio For Ghosts, Allysha Joy, Cool Out Sun, Jace Clayton and Pirritu.
Merri-bek City Council Mayor Nat Abboud said the festival remains a defining celebration of the area. “For nearly four decades, the festival has championed local venues, artists and cultural expression, while welcoming extraordinary national and international talent to our streets, parks and neighbourhood spaces,” she said.
For tickets and full program details, head to brunswickmusicfestival.com.au.
