Brunswick Street Live

Overview

The crushing news that Fortitude Valley icon The Zoo is closing permanently isn't something that Brisbane's music scene will get over quickly, or necessarily at all. But the best way forward for fans of live tunes is to keep showing up to gigs around town, supporting the events filled with and venues hosting them. Brunswick Street Live is one such shindig.

Since 1997, the Valley has put itself in the spotlight with a huge street party, with Valley Fiesta taking a variety of forms over its quarter-century-plus 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 — that turns the Valley's regular haunts and activities into a festival. But because it's only a once-a-year happening, Brunswick Street Live was born in 2023 to help tide everyone over between Fiestas.

Brisbane City Council via Flickr

After a successful first year, the day-long Brunswick Street Live is making a comeback in 2024. The date for your diary: Saturday, May 11. At a time when it is definitely needed, Brisbane gets another excuse to revel in the Valley's live music scene. The name gives away the main place where it's occurring, and the lineup spans not just tunes but also street artists and performers.

From midday, a roster of talents headlined by Eliza & The Delusionals will hit the stage in the middle of the Brunswick Street Mall stage. Also on the bill: Odarka, DJ Jaguar.B, Juno, Curbside Carnies, Neish, Dizzy Days, ixaras and Bean Magazine.

John Smith Gumbula, Shaun Clarkson and Stewart Shuker will be roving around, as will the Curbside Carnies cohort with bubble art and aerial feats. And at The Royal George, Ric's Backyard, Retro's, Blute's Bar and California Lane, music will also echo.

Brisbane City Council via Flickr

Top image: Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons.