City of Yarra’s annual winter music festival is back for another year, transforming pubs, clubs, bars and band rooms across the city into a vibrant celebration of live music, performance and community connection.
Now in its 12th year, Leaps and Bounds Music Festival returns as one of Yarra’s most beloved annual events – attracting locals and visitors alike to listen, dance and be inspired by the musical talent and creativity in our community.
In the spirit of the melting pot of the artists and DJs that live, work and create in Yarra, this eclectic and unique tapestry of live shows, experimental pop-ups, raves and club nights will take over venues across Fitzroy, Collingwood and Richmond from Thursday July 24 to Sunday July 27.
Ensuring that the festival reflects the beating heart of the area's live music venues, Leaps and Bounds presents a community-curated festival program assembled from the ideas and legendary expertise of local venue bookers, promoters and record labels.
Highlights include:
- The much-vaunted return of legendary Punters Club, a true icon of Melbourne’s live music legacy who will be hosting Kennel District (presented by I Oh You and Calibre) as well spilling out across the road to The Evelyn Hotel
- Rocket Science at The Gem Bar and Dining.
- Roger Knox (AKA Blak Elvis) – a true legend of Australian country music and respected First Nations trailblazer playing an intimate show at the Standard Hotel in Fitzroy.
- A multi-floor distortion of space and sound at The Grace Darling – from post-club haze to dub-drenched noise, outsider electronics and ambient soundscapes, presented by Scorched Axis.
- Chestivus – a chess tournament soundtracked by Naarm’s hottest DJs at Runner Up Rooftop Bar
- Queer Shift at The Workers Club – a day rave led by trans and gender diverse DJs.
- 4 fully stacked days and nights of First Nations programming at the Bodriggy Brew Pub, featuring Candice Lorrae, Poli-Pearl, WVCHWY, Kanisha, Liv and The Dreams Art, Fosters and Tjum Tjumba Collective.
- Tracey Miller Band and friends – an afternoon for Yarra’s Aged Care and Disability home residents at The Corner Hotel, featuring jazz classics and gospel music in a throwback to dance parties of yesteryear
- Anti-Fade and The Tote present Lazy Sunday (Constant Mongrel, J. McFarlane’s Reality Guest, The Shifters, Dom Sensitive (SA) , The Judges , Blue Communications )
- AND PBS’ own Swinging City live broadcast featuring Thursday shows Radio City and Swinging Doors with hosts Crispi and Ernie and musical guests all afternoon at The Railway Hotel in Fitzroy North. More info here,
Leaps and Bounds Music Festival is proudly presented by Yarra City Council, with presenting partner PBS 106.7FM.
For more information and the full program, visit lbmf.com.au.