After all the restrictions and closures that turned last year on its head, it's safe to say you're probably itching for some live music right about now. And the folks behind the long-running Brunswick Music Festival are more than happy to provide. Yep — the much-loved northside event is back for a tune-filled 2021 edition, taking over a swag of Brunswick's music venues, bars, pubs and parks.

The festival is has embraced a brand-new ten-day format with a stacked program of artists performing from, Friday, March 5–Sunday, March 14. And the best part for your post-lockdown wallet? None of the tickets on offer will cost you anything more than a tenner (plus booking fee), with plenty of them completely free.

Much of the magic will be happening at Brunswick Music Festival's new openair venue at Gilpin Park, with local acts like DJ JNETT, East Brunswick All Girls Choir, Loose Tooth, Good Morning and Kee'ahn will take the stage. Thanks to collaborations with curators including Bad Apples, Flightless Records and Port Fairy Folk Festival, you'll also enjoy sounds from renowned artists like Cash Savage and The Last Drinks, Emma Donovan and The Putbacks, singer-songwriter Alice Skye and Mo'Ju at the new site.

Meanwhile, emerging artists Pinch Points join indie-pop act Tender Buttons for a special show at Brunswick Library, and Howler fires up the speakers for a trio of album launches that promise to get you moving.

And, as always, some of the suburb's favourite bars and pubs are transforming into live music venues for the duration of the festival. The Venues 3056 program features an expansive lineup of gigs at haunts like The Edinburgh Castle Hotel, The B. East, urban winery Noisy Ritual, Brunswick Ballroom, The Retreat Hotel and many more.

Brunswick Ballroom by Nicole Cleary

Top image: Brunswick Music Festival by Joshua Braybrook