BRUNSWICK MUSIC FESTIVAL REVEALS 2026 PROGRAMMING

Produced by Merri-bek City Council and carefully curated by local legend MzRizk, BMF brings a massive week of live music programming to the suburb to celebrate Brunswick’s significant contributions to live music. This year’s installation of BMF centres on community, with a program reflecting the smorgasbord of sounds that shape Brunswick.

Kicking off on Sunday March 1, Sydney Road Street Party will see four stages spanning surf-punk to South African jazz, Turkish classical to youth Pasifika harmonies. Roving performances, pop-up acoustic sets and iconic venues opening their doors. Experience family-friendly performances, cultural storytelling and exciting exhibitions at one of Melbourne’s most memorable days of the year.

A headlining collaboration with Crown Ruler and Research Records pairs Alfi Antico & Go Dugong with Khaled Kurbeh and RAFET at Brunswick Ballroom. Rita Bass headlines a multi-sensory journey ‘Eternity is a Terrible Thought‘ presented by Dreamache.

BMF’s international mission continues with headliners including iconic hip-hop beatmaster DJ Krush (Japan), the Xylourides siblings straight out of Crete, French disco icon François K, and Ganavya also on board – replete with spiritual jazz and Indian devotional traditions.

Horns of Leroy’s big brass bonanza will wobble the very foundations of Brunswick Ballroom and the suburb’s reliable live music locales Howler, The Retreat, Jazzlab, The Bergy, Bar Spontana, Co Conspirators and more will offer up something a little bit special for Brunswick’s very big week.

Gilpin Park will come alive on Sunday 8 March with a huge concert closing the festival, featuring Fred Leone X Radio For Ghosts, Allysha Joy, Cool Out Sun, Jace Clayton and Pirritu. The entire community is invited to recline under the trees for free, from 2-8pm.

Merri-bek’s Neighbourhood Noise program returns, celebrating Arts Merri-bek partners and the creative pillars of Brunswick. Counihan Gallery, Brunswick Library, Next Wave, Balam Balam Place and Blak Dot Gallery will activate spaces with live performances, activities and interactive installations – from punk energy at the Library to music and image in conversation at Counihan Gallery. Next Wave presents an installation by multidisciplinary artist Leon Rodgers, bringing playful audiovisual territory to the Mechanics Institute.

2026 ignites new partnerships for BMF, including a pop-up exhibition at music store Found Sound, the return of the weird and wonderful That Paper Joint collaboration and intimate artistic experiences at correspondences studio.

Merri-bek City Council Mayor Nat Abboud said the Brunswick Music Festival is a powerful celebration of the creativity, diversity and community spirit that defines Merri-bek.

“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.

“Council is proud to present a festival that brings people together through music, shared experiences and a deep connection to place – having the festival curated by local legend Mz Rizk is something I’m personally really excited about.”

For tickets and event details, visit brunswickmusicfestival.com.au and @brunswickmusicfest or sign up to our dedicated mailing list to stay across all BMF news and updates.

Brunswick Music Festival is proudly presented by Merri-bek City Council.