Festivals are just how life should be, and with Summer just a flower short of a headband away, I’ve been scoping out all the big events that will hit NSW this side of Christmas… and can confirm we’re pretty spoiled for choice.
With so many to choose from, and the general price of a festival ticket over $100, it’s important to make your decision wisely. So whether you’re a techno scenester, old school raver, indie kid, hip hop connoisseur or prefer your dance music underground; we’ve handpicked the strongest contenders for your hard earned dollar so far:
1. RETURN TO RIO
Friday 13th – Sunday 15th November 2015
Return to Rio, does indeed, return, for its fourth weekend at the beautiful Del Rio resort on the banks of the Hawkesbury River. The boutique dance festival promises a weekend filled with “music and fun, dancing and drinking, laughter and sun”, and I promise you all of the above and then some.
Wild kangaroos roam the fields as you you rave underneath the lilac petals of the Jaconda tree. Choose to camp onsite or get a group of you together and hire a chalet with A/C and showers- cos you might want to wash that glitter off between outfit changes.
Boston duo Soul Clap have jetted in to head this summer’s lineup, alongside German producer Matthias Manother Rio favourite Mr C [Who, last summer who actually made someone’s entire lifetime at an impromptu *unofficial* after party in one of the chalets by reciting an acoustic rendition of ‘Ebeneezer Goode’. 90’s ravers- you understand].
Here’s a tip: Fancy dress is a MUST, particularly on the Saturday, or go all weekend if you succumb to the urge. One recommendation is to put in EFFORT with your fancy dress. Rio folk don’t do things by halves, and believe me, if you don’t make the effort you will feel massively under-dressed.
Del Rio Resort, Wisemans Ferry NSW
The last 100 tickets are now available here.
2. SOULFEST
Saturday 24th October 2015
90’s R’n’B, and Hip Hop, still reigns, in my opinion. And for those of you that fully concur, Soulfest is right up your street. Hosted by Triple J, the neo-soul/jazz/hip-hop festival has landed international legends Mary J Blige, Lauryn Hill and De La Soul in Sydney, alongside an equally solid lineup of homegrown talent including Remi and Daniel Merriweather.
Two stages, 10 hours and a promise of no headline clashes – a rare feat for any festival. This is set it to be be one smooth Saturday afternoon down at the Domain, and I can’t wait to find out if Eric Benet is still THIS SEXY: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUGN-I7KM_Q&w=854&h=480]
The Domain, Sydney
Buy tickets here.
Saturday 14th November 2015
If you like things a little more laid back, then legends The Beach Boys are set to headline one of the world’s most famous beaches. Bondi Beachfest is the epitome of Australian Summer: surf, sun and sand, and a sure fire fun way to spend an afternoon. This is an opportunity to see one of the most influential bands in pop history perform their entire back catalogue alongside performances by Aussie favourites The Whitlams, Busby Marou, Kim Churchill and Sahara Beck.
If you can pull yourself away from the music you can also watch displays by the Bondi Life Savers including a march, beach flag event and board race demonstrations. There will also be Miss Beachfest competition, surf and skating exhibitions plus street food and fashion markets.
Different packages are available from General Admission to reserved seated and dinner packages, $1 from each ticket sold is being donated to Surf Life Saving NSW.
Bondi Beachfest
Bondi Beach, NSW 2026
Buy tickets here
4. HARBOURLIFE
Saturday 21st November 2015
Harbourlife 2015 presents a stellar lineup this year for house music lovers. Located in what is undoubtedly one of the most iconic festival settings in the world, with the Sydney Harbour view as a backdrop.
Booka Shade is set to headline but with a build up including Feel My Bicep, the legendary Derrick Carter and Tensnake; If you can only manage one festival this Summer I suggest this be it, and if you are lucky enough to have nabbed yourself a ticket for this one here’s what you can look forward to:
Booka Shade (DJ Set)
Eats Everything
Tensnake
Klingande
Derrick Carter
Feel My Bicep
+ more to be announced!
Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney NSW
Tuesday 29th – Thursday 31st December 2015
With a number of New Year festivals on the horizon, Lost Paradise promises more than music; just an hour outside Sydney, the 3 day boutique camping festival promises good food, yoga, art, yoga, a circus, mermaids…tucked away in the luscious wilderness of Glenworth Valley.
Jamie XX and Four Tet will be getting all up in the forest to provide your backdrop to the weekend, alongside Angus & Julia Stone, Jon Hopkins mixing up live performances and DJ sets . It’s another fancy dress affair, and the theme this time is #BackToNature so you’ve got a month or two to get creative.
Check out the glamping and VIP options if you can’t quite bear the thought of camping mats for three nights under the stars. If you’ve experienced Sydney over NYE and looking to escape it all with a gathering of beautiful like minded folk then be quick, as tickets are flying, much like my dragon asana…
Cooks Road, Glenworth Valley NSW
Final release tickets available here
Made your selection? Then get ready for Pt 2: Festival virgin or pro, we’ll be bringing you the ultimate preparation guide.
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