A 10-day council festival but make it northside. It’s just one way to describe the 10-day Leaps and Bounds Music Festival, though it’s also so, so much more. It’s at times an underground roller disco, then a celebration of the region's First Nations community, and on occasions a retro outdoor cinema in one of Fitzroy’s most unassuming parks—heck, there’s even Britney Spears battle of the bands hidden somewhere in the program.
Most of all, however, it’s a showcase of the sheer talent that’s smattered liberally just north of the Yarra river. In its eighth year, Leaps and Bounds is making, well, leaps and bounds with a festival that’s as diverse as it's ever been. You’d be remiss not to explore the program to its fullest—which you can do so here—however there are several unmissable events in the near two-week celebration of all things audible, visual, sensory and beyond. Scope them out here:
Collingwood Underground Roller Disco
Collingwood
The Collingwood Underground Roller Disco pretty much does what it says on the tin, and we’re here for it. Set in the underground carpark along Collingwood’s Harmsworth street is a five-hour roller disco party hosted by certified vibe bringers (and local radio legends) DJs Eddie Mac, Chris Ng, Greb Molinaro and Jimmy James spinning everything from hip hop, RnB and disco while you soultrain your way around the carpark. Entry starts at $5.
The Details:
When: 3pm until 11pm, Saturday 17 July
Where: 44 Harmsworth Street, Collingwood
For more information, click here.
The Lot
Abbotsford
Anyone who managed to nab a ticket to the Duke St Block Party in previous years will no doubt be aware it’s a big vibe, and now, the people behind that party are throwing another for Leaps and Bounds Festival. For this round, it’ll be hosted in a nondescript Richmond parking lot rather than Duke St; expect artists from all sorts of backgrounds celebrating Naarm’s rising talent across hip hop, soul, RnB along with all the pockets and sub-genres in between. Oh yeah, did we mention it goes for two days, and that it’s free?
The Details:
When: Saturday 24 July and Sunday 25 July
Where: Corner Nicholson and Victoria Street, Abbotsford
For more information, click here.
Live at Charcoal Lane | A NAIDOC Week Celebration
Fitzroy
Join the city’s emerging and established Indigenous artists for dinner and a show at Charcoal Lane, the restaurant supporting young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander hospitality students. There are four sessions for this one—each with a different menu focusing on native cuisine—alongside intimate performances from break-out artists such Bumpy and Lauren Sheree, as well as local legend and No Fixed Address band leader, Bart Willoughby.
The Details:
When: Various shows between Friday 16 July until Wednesday 21 July
Where: Charcoal Lane, 136 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
For more information and tickets, click here.
Cinema Under The Stars
Catch a classic under the stars with your mates (and a blanket). Over three nights in the humble Whitlam Place park, catch the likes of Footloose, The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert as well as My Name Is Gulpilil, a deep-dive into the extraordinary life and career of cherished actor, David Gulpilil. All sessions are free.
The Details
When: Friday 16 July to Sunday 18 July
Where: Whitlam Place, Corner of Moor and Napier Street, Fitzroy
For more information, click here.
Fitzroyalty
Some of the country’s most renowned artists have begun their careers from the creative cauldon that is Fitzroy. This big ol’ party will take up a huge chunk of the iconic Rose Street with Dan Sultan, The Wolfgramm Sisters and OG party-starters 1200 Techniques heading up the bill. Tickets start at $10.
The Details:
When: 3pm until 9pm, Saturday 17 July
Where: Fitzroy Mills, 75 Rose Street, Fitzroy
For more information, click here.
Plenty happening in and around Melbourne. Check out the flame-driven Firelight Festival here.
Image credit: supplied