This October, a brand-new music festival is set to celebrate Melbourne as one of the world’s great music cities, with the first international acts announced today, and more local acts and events to come.

Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos today announced the first taste of the inaugural Eighty-Six festival, which is set to run from 23 to 31 October, taking over venues along High Street, Northcote.

The new festival has been named after the 86 tram route which runs along High St between Northcote and Preston, an area that is home to more live music venues than in any other street in Australia.

Across nine days and nights, The Eighty-Six will see live music events held in theatres, record stores, bars, restaurants, and bocce and bowls clubs that regularly present live music along the famed tram route.

The first international artists include icon of jazz and R&B Patrice Rushen, an Australian-exclusive live show from the American podcast How Long Gone, notoriously wild Japanese punk rockers Otoboke Beaver, jazz performer Makaya McCraven and a three-night residency from indie rock heroes Built to Spill.

The Eighty-Six is backed by the Victorian Government through On the Road Again – Metro, part of the $20 million Live Music Restart package, which has seen live music make a strong return across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Melbourne is renowned as Australia’s live music capital and one of the best places for live music anywhere. In 2019, live music contributed $2.55 billion to the state economy, and live music audiences topped 50 million.

Partnering with Darebin City Council, the festival will collaborate with a range of small local businesses to showcase the best local and international artists. The Eighty-Six will run from 23 to 31 October 2023, with more program announcements coming soon. For more information visit theeightysix.com.

Quotes attributable to Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous

“There is nowhere else on earth that could host a festival like The Eighty-Six. With so many amazing venues, set to host an array of artists and events, this festival will showcase Northcote’s live music scene like never before.”

Quotes attributable to The Eighty-Six Founder & Artistic Director, Woody McDonald

“The Eighty-Six is designed to create ideal conditions for music to thrive and be valued – today’s announcement is focused on internationals and is just a taste of what is to come. We are excited to share the full program, including a truly epic celebration of our local music ecosystem.”