California Lane on Brunswick

California Lane on Brunswick The California Cafe was one of Brisbane’s original cafe offerings on the corner of Brunswick & Mclachlan Street in the Fortitude Valley.
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It was an institution in the 1950’s bringing locals and travelers together over hearty meals and good ol' fashion service. This legacy has been resurrected in the form of a unique urban space; aptly named California Lane. The design incorporates retro elements from the nostalgic years of California. Think neon signs, pastel walls and artwork: Cali Laneito be a place of discovery and we hate to say it but you’re probably going to see it on Instagram....

Ever wondered why there is a Brisbane bridge named after the Go-Betweens? Who were the Go-Betweens? ⁠⁠Join us on Saturda...
29/04/2026

Ever wondered why there is a Brisbane bridge named after the Go-Betweens? Who were the Go-Betweens? ⁠
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Join us on Saturday 16 May at 12pm for a very special guest speaker event with John Willsteed, academic and former guitarist of the iconic Brisbane band The Go-Betweens. ⁠
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Hear his personal recollections of the Valley’s live music scene in the 1980s from his time performing and living through one of Brisbane’s most influential music eras.⁠
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Book now via link in bio! Limited tickets.⁠
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What: Record & CD Fair Fortitude Valley⁠
When: Saturday 16 May 2026⁠
Guest Speaker: John Willsteed⁠
Topic: In the Shadow of The Empire: Vague Memories of the Valley Music Scene⁠
Time: 12PM - 1PM⁠
Where: Jiva on Brunswick, California Lane

28/04/2026

Join the Music Trail at the Record & CD Fair in Fortitude Valley and step into the stories that shaped its legendary live music scene.

Guided by historian Robert Allen, this walking tour takes you through iconic venues, unforgettable artists, and the moments that turned the Valley into a music hub from the 1970s to today.

Book via the link in our bio.

What: Record & CD Fair Fortitude Valley
When: Saturday 16 May 2026 Time: 9:30AM – 3:30PM
Where: California Lane
Topic: Music Trail & Guest Speaker

Tours run hourly: 10AM–12PM & 1PM–3PM
Guest Speaker: John Willsteed
12PM-1PM

Spots are limited, don’t miss your chance to walk the story of the Valley’s sound.

[ FORTITUDE VALLEY MUSIC HISTORY WALKING TOURS ] Fortitude Valley is the centre of Brisbane's live music scene. Come wa...
22/04/2026

[ FORTITUDE VALLEY MUSIC HISTORY WALKING TOURS ] Fortitude Valley is the centre of Brisbane's live music scene. Come walk the footsteps of some of the city's legendary bands and artists.⁠
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Fortitude Valley has been a magnet for live music acts for more than four decades, with audiences witnessing the birth of many famous bands and artists across the genres ranging from punk to indie, goth to grunge.⁠
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California Lane will be the epicentre of a tribute to the Valley's live music heritage on Saturday 16 May with the Record and CD Fair from 9.30am - 3.30pm.⁠ a 4ZZZ stall, vinyl-spinning DJs and a special presentation by academic and former Go-Between's guitarist John Willsteed. (see separate Eventbrite below - 'The Shadow of the Empire: Vague Memories of the Valley Music Scene).
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In between these events, join historian Robert Allen for a guided walking tour of several of the Valley's past and present live music venues including The Zoo/Crowbar, The Fortitude Music Hall, The Roxy, The Arena, and Dooley's.⁠
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Spaces are limited. Book via the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/fortitude-valley-music-history-walking-tours-tickets-1987677775734?keep_tld=true

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/in-the-shadow-of-the-empire-vague-memories-of-the-valley-music-scene-tickets-1987682627245?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Standing on the Go-Between Bridge in Brisbane, it’s hard not to think about the music history that runs through the city...
21/04/2026

Standing on the Go-Between Bridge in Brisbane, it’s hard not to think about the music history that runs through the city and the artists who helped shape it.⁠
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'In the Shadow of the Empire: Vague Memories of the Valley Music Scene'⁠
⁠
Join former The Go-Betweens guitarist, John Willsteed ,for a special guest talk at the Record and CD Fair, sharing his personal recollections of Fortitude Valley’s live music scene in the 80s and 90s.⁠
⁠
Fortitude Valley has been a magnet for live music for more than four decades, with audiences witnessing the rise of bands and artists across punk, indie, goth and grunge scenes. On Saturday 16 May, California Lane will become the centre of a tribute to that legacy with a CD and record fair, a 4ZZZ stall, vinyl-spinning DJs, and hourly Valley music tours led by historian Sport Allen.⁠
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At midday, music academic and former Go-Betweens guitarist John Willsteed will present his memories of the Valley’s live music culture from the 1980s through to the early 2000s at Jiva on Brunswick, 368 Fortitude Valley.⁠
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Bookings for the talk and music tours via link in bio. Limited spaces so get in quick!⁠
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Art work: .7_printhouse.

Your nighttime dessert stop is right in California Lane.Find something sweet to hit the spot at , serving up seriously ...
18/04/2026

Your nighttime dessert stop is right in California Lane.

Find something sweet to hit the spot at , serving up seriously good desserts and custom cakes that look as good as they taste.

Open Friday and Saturday nights… consider this your late night sugar fix.

Your night-time dessert stop is right in California Lane. Find something sweet to hit the spot at , serving up seriou...
18/04/2026

Your night-time dessert stop is right in California Lane.
Find something sweet to hit the spot at , serving up seriously good desserts and custom cakes that look as good as they taste.
Open Friday and Saturday nights… consider this your late night sugar fix.

17/04/2026

Spend the day crate digging, discovering old favourites and finding something you didn’t know you needed.

With 1000s of records, expert vendors, a music trail through the Valley, DJs spinning all day and plenty of food + drinks along the way - this one’s for the music lovers.

Event: The Record & CD Fair
Where: California Lane
When: 9.30am - 3.30pm.

📣 Exciting News! 📣QLD OG DIRTY SODA SHOP is coming to California Lane! 🌴🌴🌴What’s Poppin is Brisbane’s first dirty soda s...
15/04/2026

📣 Exciting News! 📣
QLD OG DIRTY SODA SHOP is coming to California Lane! 🌴🌴🌴

What’s Poppin is Brisbane’s first dirty soda shop, bringing a huge U.S. trend to Australia. Classic soft drinks are mixed with syrups, real fruit, and creamers to create fun, fully customisable drinks. What started as a small mobile setup has grown into their first storefront in California Lane

🎉 Grand Opening: 18th April, 12–5 PM 🎉
Be among the first to celebrate! The first 50 people will receive a goodie bag. Come along and try it! 🥤✨

Step into the story of the Valley’s sound on the Music Trail at the Record & CD Fair Fortitude Valley.⁠⁠Led by historian...
09/04/2026

Step into the story of the Valley’s sound on the Music Trail at the Record & CD Fair Fortitude Valley.⁠
⁠
Led by historian Robert Allen, this guided walk traces the venues, artists and moments that shaped Fortitude Valley, from the 1970s through to today. Visit iconic spots, hear the stories behind the stages, and see why the Valley remains a magnet for live music. ⁠
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What: Record & CD Fair Fortitude Valley⁠
When: Saturday 16 May, 2026⁠
Time: 9.30AM- 3.30PM⁠
Where: California Lane⁠
Topic: Music Trail⁠
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* Tours run every hour on the hour, 10AM - 12PM, then 1PM to 3PM⁠
* Bookings to be released soon via the link in our bio - limited spaces so don't miss out! ⁠
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Art Work by No.7 Print House

Fortitude Valley is Australia’s first Special Entertainment Precinct with music at the heart of The Lanes Fortitude Vall...
07/04/2026

Fortitude Valley is Australia’s first Special Entertainment Precinct with music at the heart of The Lanes Fortitude Valley.
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From live sets and DJs to tribute bands and record stores, it’s all part of what keeps this place moving. Wander through and you’ll hear it: late-night sets, vinyl spinning, crowds finding their groove. It’s not just a backdrop, it’s what brings the Lanes to life.⁠
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That same energy rolls into our Record and CD Fair, maybe pick up a vintage record or CD from your favourite band while you’re there. . ⁠

What: Record & CD Fair Fortitude Valley
When: Saturday 16 May, 2026
Time: 9.30am - 3.30pm
Where: California Lane
What: RECORD MARKET STALLS | MUSIC TRAILS | GUEST SPEAKER | PRIZES | 4ZZZ STALL | FOOD & DRINK.

Photo: ‘Hemingway’ Hidden Lanes Festival, 2018

Address

22 McLachlan Street
Brisbane, QLD
4006

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 9pm
Tuesday 11am - 9pm
Wednesday 11am - 9pm
Thursday 11am - 9pm
Friday 11am - 9pm
Saturday 11am - 9pm
Sunday 11am - 9pm

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