‘Close your eyes, point at random’: 40 free bands rock the Valley

“Look at the set times, close your eyes, point at random, and you’re sure to find a winner.”

That’s senior programming manager Braydon Ritson’s advice for navigating the 40-deep line-up of artists playing Mountain Goat Valley Crawl in Fortitude Valley this weekend.

The ninth Mountain Goat Valley Crawl returns, delivering 40 free live acts across eight stages in Fortitude Valley. Credit: Red Stockholm

Now in its ninth year, the free festival is spread over eight stages at some of the Valley’s most beloved venues, including Black Bear Lodge, The Brightside, Suzie Wongs and The Outpost.

“Mountain Goat Valley Crawl has established itself as an important staple event in the local music scene,” Ritson said.

“The choose-your-own-adventure style festival allows hungry music fans a chance to see emerging acts, sometimes for the first time, all while being completely free.”

Over the years, the festival has become a tastemaker for up-and-coming artists, with Ritson admitting they’re often ahead of the curve on the acts starting to make noise.

“The vibes are always high, with thousands of people making the Valley alive from the early hours of the night into the wee hours of the morning,” senior programming manager Braydon Ritson said. Credit: Red Stockholm

“[We’ve] hosted acts such as Mallrat, Hollow Coves, WAAX, the Terrys, the Buoys, Teenage Joans, and Hatchie over the years, in the early stages of their careers.”

It helps that Ritson has his finger on the pulse of the best venues in the city and access to one of the most important live music ecosystems in the country.

“The Valley is the most unique and important music scene in Australia. We have so many key venues within walking distance and a close-knit community of industry and artists – it’s incredibly wholesome,” he said.

As for who the senior programmer is rushing to see on Saturday, the headliners – These New South Whales, Mia Wray and Peach Fur – are obvious picks.

“But there are so many hidden gems in the line-up: Sesame Girl, Felony, Jet City Sports Club, Dancing Water, SAMMM., Flamingo Blonde, Blue Diner.

“There’s too many. I’m sad I won’t catch them all.”

Which will be a dilemma for anyone planning to attend, though there are worse things than having too many free bands to see in one night.

“The vibes are always high, with thousands of people making the Valley alive from the early hours of the night into the wee hours of the morning,” Ritson said.

“Each venue has capacity limits though, so get down early, support the artists and local venues … and find your new favourite band.”

And if a long-night of live music isn’t your thing or you need a pre-crawl palate cleanse, BrisAsia Festival is hosting a bubble tea and food party next door at Chinatown Mall.

Mountain Goat Valley Crawl runs from 5.30pm to 1.30am, beginning Saturday, February 10. The full lineup, set times and venues can be found here.

Get the inside word on the news, sport, food, people and places Brisbane is talking about. Sign up for our City Talk newsletter here.