The Drive-In: Music & Entertainment Pop-Up Precinct — CANCELLED

Overview

UPDATE: FRIDAY, JULY 3 — The Drive-In has cancelled all upcoming events at in response to the recent spike in Victorian cases and reintroduced lockdowns in 36 hotspot suburbs. In a statement, organisers said:"The safety of our patrons, staff and artists is our top priority & after consulting with various experts & officials this tough, but necessary decision was made." Ticketholders will receive an email from Oztix on Monday, July 6 outlining refund options.

The team behind festivals Beyond the Valley and Ability Fest adapted to the times and launched a series of virtual day parties during lockdown. Now, as restrictions are easing, Untitled Group is launching its first in-person post-COVID event: a drive-in music and entertainment pop-up.

Touted as Victoria's first drive-in live concert venue, the pop-up will take over Flemington Racecourse with dozens of large-scale events in the upcoming months. The lineup for the first three week — July 10–July 26 — has just dropped and includes Client Liaison, Mwanje, Baker Boy, Set Mo and Ball Park Music, with two performances taking place each night. Midweek comedy and movie nights are also set to be announced.

While the festival group is usually known for flying over hot international talent, with our country's borders firmly closed, it'll be an all-Aussie affair for the foreseeable future — which is not such a bad thing. Since COVID-19 hit, Australians working in the music industry have lost $340 million worth of gigs, according to I Lost My Gig. By hosting the precinct, the Group is planning to create over 200 jobs per event for those in the industry.

If you're wondering just how the experience will work, expect it to be a little like a drive-in movie, but, instead of just looking at a screen, you'll be looking at a raised festival stage. The entire site will be wheelchair accessible and some complimentary tickets will be given to people with disability via the Dylan Alcott Foundation.

Untitled Group's Virtual Day Party by Lady Drewniak

THE DRIVE-IN LINEUP

Friday, July 10 — Client Liaison, Owl Eyes
Saturday, July 11 — Alex Lahey, Alice Skye
Sunday, July 12 — Winston Surfshirt, Mwanje
Thursday, July 16 — Boo Seeka, Creature Fear
Friday, July 17 — Running Touch, Set Mo
Saturday, July 18 — Lime Cordiale, Micra
Friday, July 24 — Ball Park Music, Big Words
Saturday, July 25 — Northeast Party House, London Topaz
Sunday, July 26 — Baker Boy, Close Counters

Tickets to the first three weeks of gigs go on sale at 12pm on Friday, June 19. Pre-sale tickets are available from 6pm on Thursday, June 18 — which you can signup for over here.

Updated June 16, 2020.