The Eighty-Six festival will play host to Super Saturday, with a massive program of free gigs as more than 200 musicians and bands take over live music venues, restaurants, bowls clubs, band rooms, record stores and more on 28 October.

Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous and the team behind The Eighty-Six today revealed the latest additions to the festival, which celebrates the live music culture of Melbourne’s northern suburbs, centering on High Street along the iconic 86 tram line.

The free Super Saturday celebration will kick off with family-friendly morning gigs and run throughout the day, and night, with gigs for children, families, seniors and everyone in between. With the line-up to be announced in the lead up to the festival, Super Saturday is expected to bring thousands of people to the area.

Alongside Super Saturday, the free Independent Music Exchange will take place from 28 - 29 October, an expo-style event showcasing Australia’s independent record labels. A must for music lovers, stallholders will offer limited edition vinyl, merchandise, artist signings and meet and greets.

For those seeking to feast on more than music, Thornbury restaurant 1800 Lasagne is putting on the 1800 Street Party on Saturday 28 October, with local food, wine, beer and coffee.

The new events join international acts that have already been announced alongside a special in-conversation with Happy Mondays’ legend Bez, and an Australian exclusive live show of the hit US podcast How Long Gone.

The Eighty-Six is backed by the Andrews Labor Government as part of its support for live music across Melbourne and regional Victoria. The festival will be delivered in partnership with City of Darebin.

The Eighty-Six will run from 23 to 31 October 2023. For more information visit theeightysix.com.

Quote attributable to Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous

“Northcote and Thornbury are truly iconic for live music and with free gigs across so many venues, the Eighty-Six is giving locals and visitors the chance to experience the inner north at a whole new level.”

Quote attributable to The Eighty-Six Co-Founder and Artistic Director Woody McDonald

“Melbourne is one of the world's greatest music cities. The Eighty-Six's goal is to celebrate and elevate our grassroots scene and there’s currently no better area than High Street to be our festival precinct.”