Every year, the Yarra City Council puts on a beloved music festival focused on showcasing and supporting local artists and venues during the quieter winter season. It’s no secret that things are tough for musicians at the moment, so this year’s festival is a great opportunity to get out and support Melbourne's musos, venues, DJs and music producers.
This year, the Leaps and Bounds Music Festival is taking place across ten massive days and nights from July 16–26. Anticipate parties and performances to suit all ages and budgets, including plentiful free and family-friendly gigs. It's all happening in Fitzroy, Collingwood, Abbotsford and Richmond.
Some of the standout moments include major venue takeovers like In Motion as part of High Ground, which brings a rotating line-up to the Night Cat, the Evelyn Hotel and the Punters Club. Over in Collingwood, the converted train carriage venue Trainscendence hosts Loco Motion – a weekend-long mash-up of music, arts and creative culture. Elsewhere, the Gem’s free Stone Fest Sunday session and Equaliser: A Disability Pride Party at the Leadbeater Hotel add to the festival’s inclusive, community-driven feel.
From Afrofusion to First Nations storytelling and experimental club nights, the festival leans into music as a shared language. You’ll also find punk showcases, live radio broadcasts and immersive AV parties dotted throughout the program, reflecting the diversity of Melbourne’s independent music scene. As always, the Leaps and Bounds Record Fair returns to Collingwood Town Hall.
New additions this year include pop-up gigs, collaborative artist residencies and secret shows revealed closer to the festival dates. Local record stores, breweries and backstreet bars are also getting involved, hosting intimate sets and late-night sessions.
While many of the events are free, some do require a ticket and booking. Head to the website to check out the full program and figure out how to cram as many of these fun events into your schedule as possible.
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