Creative Aussie Music Festivals We Love
- Eva Garnes
- Aug 24, 2015
- 4 min read
Despite the icy mornings and brisk afternoons, summer is right around the corner and for many, summer is synonymous with festivals. It is all about the mix of live music, camping and fashion which seems to have a hold on festival goers.
However, not all festivals are purely about the biggest names in music, camping and alcohol. All over Australia you can, each summer, find an abundance of festivals that offer more than just music and a camp site. Each festival comes not just with its own genre of music, but with its very own creative vibe which surrounds every aspect of attending.
Below are some festivals which challenge the normal concept of the big events around Australia this summer, as they put their focus on creativity and the communities who host them.
1. Strawberry Fields
Photo: Strawberry Fields Website
A few hours north of Melbourne, Strawberry Fields is held every November. This festival is not just about giving local musicians a chance, which they do for promising young starlets of every genre, but also about providing a stage for local artists to showcase their work. The festival stands out as an art exhibition, in contrast to the typical festival scene, and it is sure to give you an experience you will never forget. This year you can enjoy the music of Apparat, Lord Echo, Soul Clap and Willow Beats, among others. In addition to this, in 2015 you can also participate with your own art, as the festival provides any artist with a channel of expression. Anything goes at Strawberry Fields, and it is quickly becoming a hub of artistic expression in Victoria.
For more details and ticket info head to their website.
2. Yours and Owls Music and Arts Festival
Another festival that focuses on combining music and art is Yours and Owls taking place on the October long weekend at Stuart Park, Wollongong. This year announcing their biggest lineup yet, including The Preatures, Bahamas, Gang of Youths, The Smith Street Band and more. In addition to this, the festival managers have also handpicked a selection of local talent that will represent the creative and artistic local community. Making the festival stand out even brighter in the maze of Australian festivals, there will be two films screening, art performances and a food market curated by Foragers. Yours and Owls creates a bubble of creativity in which the festival goers can enjoy music, art, film and food all at one place.
Tickets are available here (Friday 2nd - Saturday 3rd October 18+, Sunday 4th All Ages)!
3. Caloundra Music Festival
For those of you who live further North, Caloundra Music Festival, also taking place from 2nd-5th October, is the festival for you. Here you’ll find the sun, the beach and a healthy helping of music. There is nothing stopping you from either boogying out to music in the sand, or relaxing to the tunes in a sunbed. This year you can do just this while enjoying sweet music from the likes of San Cisco, Angus and Julia Stone, Blue King Brown, Meg Mac Hoodoo Gurus and Josh Pyke in addition to a varied, and exciting group of musicians from all over the world.
Caloundra Music Festival is all about sun, surf and soul!
Want in on all of this excitement? Get your tickets here
4. Queenscliff Music Festival
Photo: Markus Ravik
Most festivals have a huge apparatus behind them when it comes to the organisation of the event. In Queenscliff, Victoria a not-for-profit organisation have started putting on a festival each year which is aimed at benefitting the local community by lifting up local artists, as well as getting in international high rollers. Over November 27th-29th this year they are showcasing young musicians such as Angus and Julia Stone, Ainslie Wills, Harts, Kate Miller-Heidke and Tinpan Orange. The speciality of a festival organised for a not-for-profit organisation is the lack of the commercial aspect which often hangs as a constant shadow over the bigger festivals. The concept has long been used in America and the UK, and our very own version Queenscliff showing the world what we're capable of. After 18 years of running, QMF doesn't seem to be slowing down.
For the full line-up and ticket info, check out their website.
5. The Falls Music & Arts Festival
Photo: Leslie Kirchhoff
Why limit a festival to one place? Falls Festival has not let itself be limited by physical locations. Taking place over New Years, the festival will be held at three different locations; Lorne, VIC, Marion Bay, Tasmania and Byron, NSW. This year the line-up is a diverse plate of artists from The Maccabees to Alpine, Bloc Party to Courtney Barnett and all the way across the board to 'Weird Al’ Yankovic. Roadtrip anyone?
Head over to their website to find out more
These are only some of the creatively alternative festivals out there. Remember, there is always that one, amazing festival that will speak directly to your soul. So go find it this summer, and remember to take sunscreen!
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