The Eighty-Six 2023 Major Program Announcement
Published on 27 July 2023
The Eighty-Six is a new festival celebrating one of the world's greatest music cities.
From October 23 to 31, venues along High Street from Westgarth to Preston – possibly the most densely concentrated strip of live music venues on the planet – will showcase Melbourne’s prolific and exciting music culture.
The festival’s marquee event is Super Saturday: on October 28, more than 40 curators will take over the area’s bars, nightclubs, bowls clubs, record stores, bocce courts and beyond. Kicking off in the early AM and running through to sunrise, Super Saturday is a musical journey through a variety of venues. Whether you are a yiayia, a toddler, a raver or a rocker, Super Saturday is for you – it’s a proud showcase of Melbourne’s multifaceted music scene. And with the cost of living so high,
The Eighty-Six is making the entire Super Saturday program free to attend, simply register for your ticket at theeightysix.com.
Melbourne boasts a distinct culture of discovery and exploration in its bars, clubs, restaurants, cafes and galleries. These intimate experiences are what captivate travellers and excite locals. The Eighty-Six is dialling up neighbourhood vibrancy by offering hundreds of small-scale, music-focused experiences to visitors and residents – a paradise for music lovers.
Alongside Super Saturday, The Eighty-Six is presenting a range of unique and fun satellite events:
Independent Music Exchange
Efficient Space and Butter Sessions will present the first Independent Music Exchange, a celebration of the independent record labels that are crucial in promoting and exporting our homegrown favourites. This is a unique opportunity to meet the minds behind iconic imprints and purchase exclusive items.
1800 Street Party
A cult pasta crew 1800 Lasagne are curating a food, music, beverage and dog bonanza. Ring, ring! Hello? We’ll be there.
Quote attributable to The Eighty-Six Co-Founder & Artistic Director, Woody McDonald:
“Melbourne is one of the world's great music cities. A hub of discovery and subculture, where art and entrepreneurial spirit are valued. It also produces a wild amount of music and is internationally considered a hotbed of musical greatness.
"I’ve always felt Melbourne needed a festival that stays within and elevates our grassroots environment. The Eighty-Six’s goal is to do this, and there’s currently no better area than High Street to be our festival precinct.”
Quote attributable to the Mayor of Darebin City Council, Councillor Julie Williams:
“The Eighty-Six festival showcases Darebin as the epicentre and ultimate destination for live music in Australia, and a diverse and inclusive city of artists and music lovers.
"What better place to bring together music makers and music lovers alike in this whole-community celebration that has something for everyone to enjoy.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous:
“High Street is the beating heart of the inner north and live music pumps through its veins.
"There's something truly magical about seeing a great band play live. It transcends barriers, unites hearts, and creates those timeless memories that linger in our souls.
"The Eighty-Six will embody the authenticity, revelry and artistry that make Northcote, Thornbury and Preston a precinct that undeniably captivates locals and visitors.”
Super Saturday
Almost 24 hours of free gigs and more: 7am—5am Saturday, 28 October
For nearly 24 hours on Super Saturday, 200+ of Victoria’s best musical acts will take over iconic spots along the 86 tram line. Emerging and established performers will play free shows across 40+ venues, including theatres, record stores, bars, restaurants and bocce and bowls clubs.
Start the day at a cafe listening to a folk band while sharing a croissant with your mum. Meet some friends for lunch at the pub to the tune of a new post-punk band. Vibe to a dub set while playing a cheeky bowls game. Enter a techno haze and dance with strangers in the club until dawn. Get the tram home!
- 1 street, 1 day, 40 curators, 40 venues, 200 acts, all free
- See our Super Saturday venue map
- Super Saturday party details including lineups and schedules will be dropping over the coming months.
Super Saturday free ticketing info
Sign up for a free digital ticket to attend the Super Saturday events (including the Independent Music Exchange and 1800 Street Party). The ticket will be sent via email, can be printed out if preferred or required and will scan attendees into Super Saturday’s free events. Entry to all Super Saturday events are pending capacity.
The Eighty-Six has been made possible with support from the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria and in partnership with Darebin City Council.