Nine Sydney Music Festivals You Can’t Miss This Summer

Summer in Sydney means more than just sun and sand. Festival fever is upon us, and there are more than enough options for which ones you should attend.

Whether your vibe is local techno and house acts or big names like Charlie XCX and Lizzo, there’s something for everyone. Don’t panic, cos we’ve saved you from doing all the hard work with this list of Sydney festivals you can’t miss this summer.

LOST PARADISE

Possibly the biggest New Year’s party in existence, Lost Paradise has a lineup that is absolutely unmissable. Enjoy four – that’s right, four – unforgettable days of electronic music from a wide variety of local and international artists. Lost Paradise is the golden ticket to welcoming 2020 with the best tunes.

Just make sure your camping skills are in check because you’ll be sleeping (or partying) in your tent for all the nights you spend there. But if you can’t be bothered with the tent, save the trouble and book in Tent City or go Glamping. There’s more than just music at the venue, with fashion, food, art and even activities for the soul like yoga.

RETURN TO RIO

For three epic days, Return to Rio is bringing the beats and the feel-good vibes. The popular electronic music festival is gracing Sydney with big-name headliner The Martinez Brothers plus other amazing acts. The Del Rio Resort, where the festival is held, has heaps of features and things that you can do in between partying.

There’s a swimming pool, water park, tennis and volleyball courts and also a river. With so much to do, there’s always something to fill your time while you’re spending three days away in this electronic music paradise. Live your best lives and go off with this banger of a festival!

FIELD DAY

Don’t have plans for New Year’s Day? Or maybe you prefer not camping out for two nights and three days. Either way, it’s all gucci cos Field Day is the all-in-one option for a full day’s worth of hip hop, house, electronica and indie music. Right in the heart of the city, this festival turns it up to kickstart your New Year with the best soundtrack.

Although Field Day goes all out with its festivities, it doesn’t lose sight of the environment. Held in The Domain in the heart of the city, Field Day makes sure that there’s recycling stations and sustainable options and alternatives. They’re serious about sustainability and serious about having fun.

ST. GEROME’S LANEWAY FESTIVAL

What originally started as weekly music shows in a tiny bar in Melbourne has grown to the best one-dayer festival across Australia and New Zealand. We’re living for the lineup, with big names like Charlie XCX, The 1975 and Ruel plus rising Aussie talent like TONES & I. If you want variety in the music and mood, Laneway Festival is a must.

For real, if you want a festival to snatch your wig then Laneway is the answer. The festival now has a new home and is bigger and better at The Domain – so there’s heaps more room to enjoy your favourite artists without losing the spirit of the Laneway origins. The festival lives up to all the hype, so if you’re living for the festival fever, then go to Laneway.

ELECTRIC GARDENS

Vibing with the House and techno scene? If you want to experience the G.O.A.T of boutique EDM festivals, then get in line for Electric Gardens. With massive headlining acts and 4 separate stages, last year’s Electric Gardens absolutely killed it. They bring the music, the festivities and fun – all you need is a ticket.

As an added bonus, they’re celebrating their 5th Birthday, so welcome that festival feeling and celebrate the EDM summer. Although no lineup has been announced yet, the countdown has already started – so keep an eye on their website for more details.

DAYS LIKE THIS

Digging the one-day gigs? Then add another one to the list, because Days Like This is bringing you the ultimate futuristic EDM, House, techno and more. With an even bigger lineup than last year, this festival is set to blast off.

Ride that festival high into March 2020 and experience the forward-thinking music that’s transforming electronic music in Sydney. The lineup has been announced, so go check out the artists, big names, small groups and rising talents that will grace the 3 stages of this festival.

FOMO 2020

It’s obvious that Sydney is obsessed with EDM, House and Alternative music. And with even more to look forward to, it looks like the Electronic, pop and alternative trend is not slowing down. FOMO is embracing all of the EDM hype and amplifying it, with big names like Madeon, Lizzo and Jax Jones. There’s plenty of local and international acts that are ready to get the party started.

Embrace the best music festival experience with one big stage, heaps of acts and a chance to party together with friends and strangers. Get your crew together and flex on the haters with this unmissable festival. Give them the ultimate FOMO while you and your squad enjoy the real deal.

NEWTOWN FESTIVAL

If you’re looking for a festival experience with more, then make a beeline to this very local and community-focused music festival. With a big spotlight on local artists and Aussies supporting Aussies, Newtown Festival is down to Earth and hitting the high notes at the same time. The cost of entry starts from $5 and how much you pay depends on how generous you’re feeling.

But there’s no better cause to donate to, with all proceeds raised go back to supporting the community. They’re big on sustainability and are making the festival as free from single-use plastics as they can. Newtown Festival is an example of a great community coming together to celebrate and support local talents while still having a good time.

SYDNEY FESTIVAL

Technically, Sydney Festival is not a music festival, but if you’re not going to the Sydney Festival while in Sydney, what are you doing? With 19 days of music, dance, cabaret, theatre, art and more, this is Sydney’s biggest and best show of talent.

Celebrate summer and Sydney by supporting local and international artists and acts while exploring the city at the same time. Immerse yourself in more than just music. The lineup of acts and artists is yet to be released, but keep your eyes peeled and your phones at the ready so you can plan the best summer yet.

FESTIVAL FEVER IS REAL

We’re coming into the home stretch of summer – the weather’s getting warmer and the festivals are getting bigger and better. Summer is not summer without the list of amazing festivals that are totally worth the money and the trek. Choose your faves or don’t choose at all – whatever you do, embrace the best entertainment that Sydney has to offer and get in early with grabbing tickets.

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