Summer Festival Guide: One Day Ragers
Go hard then go home.
Every year it seems like the festival list gets bigger, the line-ups more star-studded and the FOMO more all-consuming. Like most of life's problems, the solution is knowledge. Achieving the perfect summer season takes diligent research. You gotta weigh the pros and face the cons. Sharpen pencils. Make a graph. But the sun's out, and there's tins to be crack — so maybe skip all that and just read our handy guide instead. Here's our pick of the one day festivals you should be visiting…
Have you seen the impressive line-ups A Day On The Green assemble these days? We can't get enough of them. Stevie Nicks with Pretenders and Ali Barter just went by, and it's not long until KC & The Sunshine Band, Village People, Sister Sledge and Marcia Hines! The fact that these events are held on wineries might be another reason why they're so popular (you can buy wine by the bottle - hic!). Check out the concert and dining packages, which come with the added convenience of private loos, and be sure to pre-book your return coach.
Every year, our jaws drop when Laneway's line-up drops and this year is no exception: Bonobo, Aldous Harding, Dream Wife, Father John Misty, Wolf Alice - we're not worthy! This festival somehow nails a mix of your favourite established artists as well as about-to-blow-up emerging artists and it's really tricky to plan out your day given the quality on show. Laneway is also definitely one for the hipsters, so plan your outfit well in advance and make sure it's weird and wacky (or perhaps even select a theme to make your entire group standout in the crowd). There's always top-notch food available (we've pigged out on Gelato Messina, designer icy poles, Mr Miyagi tacos and frosé in previous years!). And the inner-city locations mean it's not a head-fuck to get there. Good times guaranteed.
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Ever since we first attended Groovin The Moo in Bendigo, we've returned year after year. The regional locations are a bit of a hike to get to for the for city dwellers among us, but there ain't nothing wrong with a road trip (book your Airbnb/accommodation heaps early and make a weekend of it). There's always a sick mix of acts, whether you're a hip hop head (Allday, L-Fresh The Lion, Thundamentals), giver of devil salutes (Violent Soho, Against! Me, The Darkness) or just wanna get your dance on (Tash Sultana, Northeast Party House, George Maple, Pnau). Thankfully punters are largely over wearing cow onesies these days. We could never get sick of the Red Frogs stand for free sugar fixes to help ya last the distance, either.
Want a bird's eye view of the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge NYE fireworks? Then Harbour Party NYE's for you, 'cause Luna Park in Sydney makes the perfect vantage point for your midnight pash punctuated by shooting sparks. With a line-up featuring the likes of Pnau, Tkay Maidza and Hook N Sling plus more, bangers are a certainty. This location is easily accessible via public transport, which is a bonus, and quality grub - including vegan and gluten-free options - is available in abundance. Some swanky VIP packages that include canapes, a carvery and bevos until 2am are definitely worth looking into (although you may wanna limit your alcoholic beverages if you're gonna go on the Luna Park rides, just sayin').
still looking for tips for the summer season? we've got the guides for you…
Held in the glorious surrounds of Werribee Mansion just a short drive from Melbourne (get a shuttle if you're gonna drink though, obviously), Let Them Eat Cake is a boutique electronic music festival that's held on New Year's Day so you'll avoid all the 'challenges' that heading out on New Year's Eve presents. Ame, Jackmaster, Jon Hopkins, Kllo, Stephan Bodzin and Tourist are all down to play on the day and a fine array of food stalls promises to dust out the cobwebs if you did happen to accidentally have a massive New Year's Eve and need something to wash down with your endless litres of much-needed coconut water.
Another New Year's Day party favourite, Sydney's Field Day has collated a cracking line-up that includes Flume, Schoolboy Q, Vince Staples and Princess Nokia. Who doesn't love cutting shapes in the great outdoors, specifically the lush grass of The Domain, when it's (hopefully) sunny? Heck, take those shoes off for a boogie, if you dare. There's free water available onsite for your hydration needs and you can pick up some free earplugs from the First Aid Tent so you don't damage your precious hearing. Field Day have partnered up with save-a-mate as well, so make sure you dig deep and donate to help ensure young people are educated on drug and alcohol harm minimisation techniques.
A one-day festival that celebrates all things progressive such as psychedelic, art rock, metal and everything in between, Progfest has expanded and will visit Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne in January. How good is it when lovers of a particular musical genre assemble in the one place to geek out about their favourite bands and swap fan stories? This lovingly assembled line-up includes Leprous (Norway), Voyager, Alithia and Orsome Welles to name just a few and we've only ever heard incredible things about Progfest so hope to see ya there next time!
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