Ability Fest

Overview

2024 is set to be a huge year for Australia's most-inclusive music festival, with the Dylan Alcott-founded Ability Fest not only playing Melbourne but also hitting up Brisbane as well. Expanding is a massive achievement for the event. Also hefty: the lineup, with Ocean Alley, King Stingray, Cub Sport and Bag Raiders leading the bill.

In Victoria, Ability Fest will head to Alexandra Gardens/Birrarung Marr in Melbourne on Saturday, October 19. As for what'll get you moving to the tunes, attendees will also see Asha Jefferies, Boone, Brenn!, Dewbs, Eliza Hull and jamesjamesjames, alongside Jordan Brando, Jordz, Kita Alexander and a triple j Unearthed winner.

From there, Melburnians will can catch ONEFOUR, Crybaby, DAWS, Floodlights, Kuzco, NayNay and Wax'o Paradiso as well. Ability Fest is splitting its musicians across two stages, one for bands and one for DJs.

The fully accessible event, which launched in 2018, has been carefully designed from the get-go. It features ramps and pathways for easy access, Auslan interpreters working alongside the artists, and elevated platforms to give everyone a shot at seeing the stage. Plus, there's also quiet zones, dedicated sensory areas and accessible toilets.

Ability Fest is committed to being financially accessible during the current cost-of-living crisis in both of its stops. Accordingly, tickets only cost $60 plus booking fee, and carers receive complimentary entry. The fest has also lowered the age of admission to 16 so more folks can head along.

While dishing up primo live tunes and music experiences to Aussies of all abilities, the not-for-profit fest also raises money for the Dylan Alcott Foundation, with 100-percent of its ticket proceeds going to the organisation.

Chloe Hall

Ability Fest 2024 Lineup:

Asha Jefferies
Bag Raiders
Boone
Brenn!
Cub Sport
Dewbs
Eliza Hull
jamesjamesjames
Jordan Brando
Jordz
King Stingray
Kita Alexander
Ocean Alley
triple j Unearthed winner

Melbourne only:

Crybaby
DAWS
Floodlights
Kuzco
NayNay
ONEFOUR
Wax'o Paradiso

Top images: Ian Laidlaw, Chloe Hall and Jayden Ostwald.