Mallrat, Mildlife and Hatchie headline the free Valley Fiesta, which returns to Brisbane's Fortitude Valley 3-4 November.
A staple of Brisbane's event calendar for more than 25 years, the festival kicks off with King St Food Fiesta on Friday night featuring a stack of emerging artists (including Kuzco, Lucy Korts and Taitu'uga) alongside roving entertainment and delectable pop-up dining options from King Street restaurants.Valley Fiesta then brightens the mood on Brunswick St on Saturday (from mid afternoon late into the evening) with an outdoor stage featuring a host of national talent with local artist programming handled by Brisbane tastemakers The Tivoli.
Rapper-singer Mallrat ('Groceries', 'Wish On An Eyelash') who co-wrote 'Do It Again' with BENEE, which was the official song at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, headlines proceedings, joined by Melbourne's psych-jazz groovers Mildlife (who have won Best Jazz Album at the ARIA Awards 2021-2022) and the shoegaze dream-pop of Hatchie (who was nominated for a J Award in 2019).
Homegrown artists set to take to the Valley Fiesta stage include Miss Kaninna (who'll be showcasing at SXSW in Austin next year and whose new single 'Pinnacle Bitch' drops this Friday), alt rockers Selve (fresh from releasing their debut album 'Red Desert Dream'), vibrant dance-funk-jazz-experimental ensemble First Beige (who just shared their newest single 'Reflections') and Sydney-based improv duo Party Dozen (the sonic partnering of saxophonist Kirsty Tickle and percussionist Jonathan Boulet).
Other fiesta experiences include Hidden Lanes Bar Trail, with local bars offering special deals and DJs playing in Winn Lane and Bakery Lane. The After Parties will be keeping the celebrations going with local venues opening their doors late into the night.
"For more than 25 years, Valley Fiesta has been captivating audiences and contributing to our incredible local music scene," Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says. "Last year, the festival included 115 events across 24 venues – showcasing 63 performers and seeing more than 400,000 music fans in attendance.
"The festival's two jam-packed days will provide an incredible platform for local artists to strut their stuff, while bring more free and affordable activities to our entertainment precincts."
QMusic CEO, Kris Stewart, says Valley Fiesta is an iconic event offering attendees an exhilarating experience showcasing the best the city has to offer. "We're so excited to be bringing the best version of Valley Fiesta back, with awesome live music and cultural experiences free on the streets.
"There's nothing like a street party to celebrate our vibrant music scene, and Valley Fiesta is the best free street party in Brisbane!
"Valley Fiesta is more than just a festival; it is a testament to the enduring power of music, culture, and community. It showcases the vibrant heartbeat of Fortitude Valley, inviting everyone to join in the celebration and create lasting memories."
Valley Fiesta takes place at various locations in Fortitude Valley (Brisbane) 3-4 November and is absolutely free to attend.
Valley Fiesta 2023 Line-up
MallratMildlife
Hatchie
Skeleten
Miss Kaninna
First Beige
Party Dozen
Selve
Middle Name Dance Band
JayBird Byrne
Ixaras
DJ Line-up (Programmed by Quivr)
David VersaceEljae
Greer
Hol Hibbo
Jake Amy
Jimmy Ellis
Kodos
Moths to a Flame
Nejmere
Quiet Storm DJs
Ryzen Shine
Squidgenini
King Street Food Fiesta performances
Lucy KortsTaitu'uga
Kuzco
