One day of food, wine, and collaborative fanfare in Abbotsford, kicking off this February and coming back annually.

A lowkey festival for Lower Johnston Street (aka LOJO) is set to enliven Abbotsford on Sunday 27th February, featuring an all-new food, music, and art precinct. In partnership with the City of Yarra, the long-awaited event will debut this year and repeat annually, paving the way for a revival of events in Melbourne’s inner-north.

Essentially, LOJO is a day where every venue on Lower Johnston Street (18 and counting) will have their own mini celebrations. Expect Bodriggy hosting a once-in-a-lifetime open brewhouse where they’ll share the epic tale of beer-making, and of course pour tastings for the masses.

Across the road, hedonistic hotspot Dr Morse will transform into a makers market, replete with local designers selling fashion, hats, ceramics, vases, bags, jewellery and other eclectic ephemera. Naturally, DJs will be spinning tunes all day and a sizzling BBQ will keep LOJO-goers’ stamina strong.

Blackhearts & Sparrows will be running a pop-up wine bar at Bodriggy, and a few doors down at Rita’s there’ll be an extended spritz bar complete with Aperol, Campari, Montenegro, and Limoncello spritz.

Marfa Gallery is running a group show of outstanding local artists including Kitt Bennett, Sophie Sun, Mic Porter, Tinky and Nathan Markham. Further down the road, the Retreat Hotel will be hosting an epic line-up of live music from local musos and bands, plus flash tats by East Brunswick Tattoos.

Another standout feature of LOJO is a custom-designed mobile wallet for festival-goers. It will be updated with other upcoming events, promos, deals, news relating to the district, all easily accessible via smartphone, so nobody misses a beat, an eat, or a must-do activity on Lower Johnston Street.

A slate of other unmissable activities and participating venues can be found at LOJO’s official website, lojo.com.au. Community, collaboration and creativity awaits, made to be enjoyed in good company, or on a solo date day: you decide.

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