Ability Fest 2024 Lineup: Cub Sport, King Stingray, Middle Kids, ONEFOUR & More

Days after Ability Fest was confirmed to return for 2024 – and make its grand debut in Brisbane (Meanjin) – the event’s team have swung through with its enormous lineup, boasting the likes of Cub Sport, King Stingray, Middle Kids and ONEFOUR.

The impressively eclectic bill sports a total of 28 acts, however each edition will feature a few of their own exclusive performances: ONEFOUR, for example, will only play at the Melbourne (Naarm) date – which is set to go down on Saturday October 19 at Alexandra Gardens – while Middle Kids will only play at the Brisbane date (slated to go down a week later, on Saturday October 26, at Victoria Park).

Also exclusive to Melbourne’s show will be Floodlights, Crybaby, DAWS, Kuzco, NayNay and Wax’o Paradiso. And for those heading to the Brisbane gig, you’ll catch exclusive sets from Eves Karydas, Cheq, Mikalah Watego, Moss, Neesha Alexander and Xeimma.

As for all the other acts playing both dates, highlights include Asha Jefferies, Bag Raiders, Eliza Hull, jamesjamesjames, Kita Alexander and Ocean Alley – not to mention a special appearance from US stalwart brenn! in his Australian debut. There’s also a few brilliant up-and-comers rounding out the bill: Boone, Dewbs, Jordan Brando, Jordz, and of course the as-yet-unannounced triple j Unearthed pick.

Tickets for Ability Fest 2024 go on sale at 12pm next Thursday (July 11), following a presale that kicks off at the same time a day earlier (July 10) – head here to sign up for the presale, or bookmark this link for the general sale.

As always, this year’s Ability Fest will be held as a non-profit endeavour, with all proceeds going directly to the Dylan Alcott Foundation “to help empower young people with disability to achieve their ambitions”. Alcott himself developed the original concept of Ability Fest, launching the first edition in 2018.

In a press release, Alcott said of the festival’s return: “First and foremost, Ability Fest is a ripper festival at its core, but with the added plus that it can bring people of all abilities together. We’ll have a completely accessible venue with elevated viewing platforms, pathways, quiet zones and sensory areas, ensuring that everyone has the ability to have an unreal day.”

The sentiment was shared by Steve Dimopolous (the Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events), who said in his own statement: “Ability Fest’s dedication to making events more accessible and diverse creates a positive impact on both our local community and tourism sector, showcasing that Melbourne continues to be the vibrant and inclusive city we call home.”

Likewise, Queensland’s Minister for Tourism and Sport, Michael Healy, said of the festival’s debut up north: “With around 5,000 people expected to attend Ability Fest in October, this is a great opportunity to witness world-class musical performances in a completely inclusive and fully accessible environment.”

ABILITY FEST 2024

FULL LINEUP (A-Z)

Asha Jefferies
Bag Raiders
Boone
brenn!
Cheq^
Crybaby*
Cub Sport
DAWS*
Dewbs
Eliza Hull
Eves Karydas^
Floodlights*
jamesjamesjames
Jordan Brando
Jordz
King Stingray
Kita Alexander
Kuzco*
Middle Kids^
Mikalah Watego^
Moss^
NayNay*
Neesha Alexander^
Ocean Alley
ONEFOUR*
Wax’o Paradiso*
Xeimma^

* Melbourne only // ^ Brisbane only

Saturday October 19 – Naarm/Melbourne, Alexandra Gardens
Saturday October 26 – Meanjin/Brisbane, Victoria Park

Tickets: abilityfest.com.au