Overview
Since 1997, Fortitude Valley has put itself in the spotlight with a huge street party, with Valley Fiesta taking a variety of forms over its quarter-century run so far. It's a celebration of hearing live tunes, checking out art and shopping your way around markets — and hitting up the inner-city suburb's bars and eateries, too — and it turns the Valley's regular haunts and activities into a festival. But, it's only a once-a-year happening.
Can't wait till 2023's Valley Fiesta, which hasn't yet announced its dates? Meet Brunswick Street Live, a day-long fest which is popping up this winter to tide everyone over — and give Brisbane another excuse to revel in the Valley and its main street. The name gives away where it's taking place, debuting on Saturday, June 10. And the lineup has the classic Brunswick Street experience all covered.
Artisan and vintage markets will run from 12pm, plus live street art by Stewart Shuker, John Smith Gumbula and Seana Clarkson, with music from 12.20pm. Leading the bill are Horrorshow and Monstera, alongside Danyon, Ghost Mutt, First Beige DJs, Zed Mero, and Nejmere and mumgenes.
The aim: not just to showcase the Valley, its venues and the city's talents, but to add another annual music festival to Brisbane's cultural calendar. Brisbane City Council is planning for the free fest to become a yearly event alongside Valley Fiesta and the Lunar New Year festivities.
Brisbane City Council via Flickr
"The festival will activate the Valley's day and nighttime economies while featuring free performances from some of Brisbane's best emerging and current musicians," said Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, announcing Brunswick Street Live.
Whenever Valley Fiesta arrives for 2023 — 2022's took place in November — Brunswick Street Live will help fill the gap before not just that beloved fest, but BIGSOUND in September. There's no such thing as too many Valley music festivals, after all.
Brisbane City Council via Flickr
Brunswick Street Live takes place on Saturday, June 10 in Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley — head to the Brisbane City Council website for further information.
Top image: Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons.
