G'day Bisons,

It’s April: the month of Easter, rebirth, and fresh starts. And as the Buff continues its own little renaissance of arts, culture and all-round good times, we’re perfectly placed for another cracking month at the Club.

March gave us plenty to chew on: a heartfelt tribute to the late, great James Baker, some seriously big rock’n’roll from our friends over East, and a standout Fenians Festival celebrating Fremantle’s rich Irish connection.

Now we roll into April, and things are only getting bigger, with our biggest Bufflings yet, a major Club fundraiser, and a stack of local favourites stepping up to do what they do best.

As always, catch it all in the Club Calendar: the all-encompassing, ever-reliable bovine encyclopedia of what’s on at the Buff.


The Buff was buzzing last month as we co-hosted the Fenians Festival History Symposium alongside Fenians Fremantle & Freedom, the University of Notre Dame Australia and Limina. And what a turnout: over 60 people packed in for an afternoon of stories, discussion, and a healthy dose of historical intrigue (with Guinness flowing, of course).

The infamous Catalpa escape took centre stage: a tale of daring, timing and global connections, but this wasn’t just about looking back. With a keynote from Professor Jane Lydon, a panel of local researchers, a presentation from a Catalpa descendant, and a room full of curious minds, the day felt alive, conversational, and unmistakably Fremantle.

And fittingly, it all happened right here: on the very site where news of that great escape once travelled out to the world via telegraph wires. These days the stories travel a little differently, but the spirit remains the same.

A huge thanks to everyone involved. Proof once again that the Buff isn’t just a place for a pint, but a place where history, community and a good story come together.

Catalpa Symposium: the Buff gets academic

Shout-outs and Call-outs

Shout outs to:

  • Ra Ra Viper: local legends who showed their love for the Buff with a generous donation. Absolute champions.
  • Oli and the boys: for hauling a new fridge up the stairs (no small feat). Strong work in every sense.
  • The History Subcommittee crew: for putting together a cracking symposium and bringing a packed room along for the ride.

Call outs (help wanted!):

  • Lemons & limes: the bar is thirsty for citrus. If your tree’s overflowing, bring a bag down! 🍋🍈
  • Communications Subcommittee volunteers: we’re building a team to spread the word of the Buff far and wide. If you’ve got a knack for words, photos, or storytelling, we want you.
  • Volunteers, full stop! Keen to get more involved? Jump into the WhatsApp and introduce yourself, or (for the shy Buffs), email deskjockey@freobuffclub.org to put your hand up.

Deep Crates: A Fundraiser for an In-House DJ Setup

We’re gearing up for the next chapter of music at the Buff, and this one’s all about keeping the tunes flowing. zigzag x randyhouse are throwing a special Sunday session to help raise funds for an in-house DJ setup, think turntables, CDJs, and a whole lot more opportunities for DJs, open deck nights, and seamless sounds between bands.

It’s an investment in the future of the Club: more music, more access, more reasons to gather.

Expect a stacked afternoon of local selectors and friends of the Buff, including Jamie B2B Nick (POND), Sliding Doors B2B Margie Rita, PEX, and Doz B2B Bubz.

Sunday 26 April

3pm – 9pm

$10 members / $15 non-members

Come down, have a dance, and help build something that’ll keep the Buff sounding good for years to come.

Buffalo Community Kitchen: Feeding the Herd

The delicious tucker of our beloved Buffalo Community Kitchen

The Buffalo Community Kitchen is well and truly back in the swing of things for the year, with March seeing a steady stream of both new and familiar faces through the doors each week. It’s been a bustling, heartening start — and a huge credit to the dedicated crew of volunteers who make it all happen.

From hearty meals to good company, the Kitchen continues to be one of the Buff’s most important community offerings. If you’ve been meaning to get involved, now’s the time — the team is always keen to welcome new hands and friendly faces. Reach out via BKC's email to join in.

You can also keep up with what’s cooking (literally) by following them on Instagram where they share snaps of the fantastic meals being served each week.

And if you’d like to support the Kitchen in another way, you can contribute to their fundraiser here.

Big gig this week: GUNMAN & THE HOLY GHOST

This is not your average Buff gig — this is a blink-and-you-miss-it moment. Saturday April 4 upstairs, we’re hosting the only Australian appearance of GUNMAN & THE HOLY GHOST, featuring members of the legendary Brian Jonestown Massacre.

But it doesn’t stop there - BJM DJs will be taking over the decks. That’s right: members of one of the most iconic underground bands of the last 30 years, spinning records in our upstairs room. You won’t catch this in a big venue — this is as close as it gets.

Backing it up are Michael Savage Group launching their new single, and The Dimmer Twins (Greg and Nick from The Feel Alrights), rounding out a seriously stacked night.

$15 members / $20 presale / $25 on the door

Doors 8pm | Upstairs at the Buff

Committee Updates

A few handy upgrades and updates around the Club:

  • The pool table in the pool room has been freshly re-felted — smoother, faster, and ready for action.
  • Happy hour pricing has been updated for non-members. Members still score a pint of Buff Lager or a glass of house wine for $6, while non-members will now pay $8. Happy hour runs weekdays, 5–6pm.
  • And the big one — air conditioning is now complete! A huge thanks to the government grant that made it possible. There’s no way we could’ve pulled this off on our own right now, and we’re already feeling the difference.
The coldest bar in Freo

🌿 BUFFALO MEMBER DISCOUNTS 🌿

Bufflings #4

Thursday 2nd April | Free for members | $15 for non-members

Our biggest Bufflings yet. Legs Electric, Black River Ransom & Cöupla Stüds. Good old fashioned raw, hard, unfiltered rock n' roll.

Gunman & The Holy Ghost, The Dimmer Twins, Michael Savage

Saturday 4th April | $15 for members | $20 for non-members

Half of Brian Jonestown Massacre will be there. Don't miss this one.

Mountain of Noise

Friday 10th April | $5 for members | $10 for non-members

Have your ears melted and your mind distorted by utter points of sonic insanity.

Streets of Your Town

Saturday 18th April | $10 for members | $20 for non-members

Local musos celebrate the music of the Go-Betweens.

Deep Crates: A Buff Fundraiser

Sunday 26th April | $10 for members | $15 for non-members

Come and boogie to some local legendary selectors and friends of the Club.

Upcoming Events