Melbourne Is Getting a New Music Festival Along a Tram Line

Melbourne is going to host the biggest party a tram line has ever thrown this year.

Taking place between October 23rd and October 31st, The Eighty-Six will be held at venues along the – you guessed it – 86 tram line between Preston and Northcote. Venues along High Street from Westgarth to Preston will showcase the city’s exciting music culture.

Built to Spill, Los Bitchos, and Connie Constance were among the first artists to be confirmed to appear at the festival, followed by DJ Theo Parrish, Unknown T, and Happy Mondays legend Bez, who’ll be discussing his wild music career at Thornbury Theatre.

You can check out all of the shows set to take place at Melbourne’s new community festival below.

The marquee event at The Eighty-Six will be Super Saturday on October 28th, which will see over 40 curators take over the area’s bars, nightclubs, bowls clubs, record stores, and beyond.

From the early morning until sunrise, Super Saturday will be a musical journey through a wide variety of venues. With around 200 acts performing across 40 venues, there will be something to suit everyone on Super Saturday.

The entire Super Saturday program is free to attend – simply register for a ticket at the official website.

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Alongside Super Saturday, a series of satellite events will keep everyone entertained.

Efficient Space and Butter Sessions will present the inaugural Independent Music Exchange, a celebration of the independent record labels that are integral in promoting and exporting homegrown favourites. The Exchange will be a unique opportunity to meet the minds behind iconic imprints and purchase exclusive items.

And at 1800 Street Party, cult pasta crew 1800 Lasagne will curate a food, music, beverage (and dog) bonanza. Pooches of all varieties are also encouraged to wag their tails at The Eighty-Six x 1800 HowlOween Dog Parade and Costume Contest, a friendly neighbourhood dog extravaganza that will raise money and awareness for Pets of the Homeless.

“Melbourne is one of the world’s great music cities,” says The Eighty-Six Co-Founder & Artistic Director, Woody McDonald. “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.”

More information about The Eighty-Six can be found here.

The Eighty-Six

October 23-31st 2023
Along 86 Tram Line, Melbourne, VIC

Lineup

Bez (UK) In Conversation ‘The Nine Lives of a Happy Monday” – Aus Exclusive

Monday, 23 October
Thornbury Theatre

Connie Constance (UK) — Australian Premiere 

Monday, 23 October
Northcote Social Club

Otoboke Beaver (Japan) w/ Gut Health

Tuesday 24, October
Thornbury Theatre

Built to Spill (USA)

Tuesday, 24 October
Northcote Social Club

Wednesday, 25 October
Northcote Social Club

Thursday, 26 October
Northcote Social Club

Los Bitchos (USA) w/ Bananagun, Cool Sounds & redlab (DJ)

Thursday, 26 October
Thornbury Theatre