Here at Forte, we love our music, and when it’s celebrated on such a large scale as a festival, well, it’s pretty hard to fault it. Below is a list of a few festivals you’ll be sure to find some of our staff attending.
Beyond the Valley – December 28 – January 1, Lardner Park
Held over the New Year and with acts like Chance the Rapper, Sticky Fingers, Alex Lahey, Luke Millions and more, these guys have gone great guns since starting a few years ago. Heck, you can even get (fake) married at this year’s event. Be quick though, there’s very limited tickets left.
New Year’s Evie – December 31-January 2, Tallarook
For those who love Boogie Festival (which also gets a mention), this is one of the more humbling experiences you’ll have at a festival. With a smaller crowd and equally killer small and big acts, you’ll find friends in the mosh pit that you’ll be returning to each year. Acts lined up for this year are Jazz Party, Dorsal Fins, Totally Mild and more.
Shady Cottage – March 31-April 2, North Blackwood
Starting as a small party amongst friends, it soon became a party that everyone wanted an invite too, and hell, why not make it a festival? This one’s held in the bush and has the mentality to boot too. Head down for one of the state’s quickest rising boutique festivals featuring Sex on Toast, Wax’o Paradiso, Sunbeam Sound Machine and more.
Innervarnika – April 14-16, Bookaar
It may be a “bush door” when you get down to it, this festival rounds up some of the finest acts in an idyllic part of Victoria. Put simply, this one’s for the music lovers and the dancers. As the site says, “Dancing is an essential, elemental and a simply fundamental way of warming your Inner Varnika”. Next year already is set to feature In Aeternam Vale. Keen.
Boogie festival – April 14-16, Tallarook
Likened to Meredith for its feel-good vibe, head to Bruzzy’s Farm for nothing but a good time. Also home to the creators of New Year’s Evie mentioned above. Next year features Cosmic Psychos, Endless Boogie, Tyrannamen and more.
Pitch Music Festival – March 10-13, location TBA
Launching this year, Pitch Musi Festival is one of the most exciting additions to the music scene, coming from the brains behind Novel and Beyond the Valley. With glamping available, the festival takes what the two creators do best in the electronic/producer world and mashes it together in Pitch. Location is yet to be announced.
Golden Plains – March 10-13, Meredith
For those familiar with the wonder of the ‘Sup, Golden Plains needs no reminders, but for those who aren’t your times at this festival will be some of your finest. With a line up that features well known, music legends and something a bit more obscure, there’s something for everyone. And the espresso martinis at Eric’s Bar always go down a treat. Next year features Neil Finn, Kurt Vile, The Specials and more will be in attendance.
Twice as Nice – January 1, Mt Duneed
Also a new festival joining the circuit, Twice as Nice comes from those who bring you the many A Day on the Green concert series. With Sneaky Sound System headline as well as many others, this boutique festival is a little different in that your ticket covers your food and alcohol – no joke.
By the Meadow – March 31 – April, Bambra
Recently adding more days means a whole lot more fun. And when there’s demand for more, that can only mean a good thing. Relatively young to the festival scene, By the Meadow creates a relaxed environment where it’s all about dancing, appreciating the music and good times. Next year catch the Pretty Littles, Banoffee, Jaala and more.
So Frenchy So Chic – January 15, Werribee
If we were to attend a music festival in France, we imagine this would be EXACTLY what it would be like; lots of lounging around sipping wine and eating cheese, perusing the many flowers in the gardens and swirling around our floaty skirts to the crooning music. This one is for those who love having a picnic just as much as they love music – which by the way, is all French. Merci!
Babylon – March 10-13, Northern Grampians
Described as a music, arts and lifestyle escape, it’s already sound pretty appealing. Happening at two locations (one in Vic and one in NSW), the festivals brings some of the finest techno, psy-trance, trip-hop and experimental beats to thousands of enthusiastic experience seekers. Make sure you’re one of them.
The Hills Are Alive – March 24-26, South Gippsland
With a little bit of music and a little bit of comedy, The Hills are Alive bring the people to South Gippsland. Not clashing on the Easter long weekend with other festivals, you’ll be wanting to grab tickets to next year’s event featuring the likes of Dope Lemon, Cloud Control, Remi and more.
Port Fairy Folk Festival – March 10-13, Port Fairy
When it’s comes to towns getting transformed into a musical haven, Port Fairy certainly appears near the top of the list. Returning next year after its 40th event in 2016, the festival has a new director at the fold and things are stronger than ever. This is one of those festivals where when you start going, you won’t stop.
Bruthen Blues & Arts Festival – February 17-19, Bruthen
Claiming to be one of Australia’s biggest little blues festivals, this event certainly brings the whole community together. Running in an otherwise festival free month, head down for a few days of quality blues music and arts. Oh, and seeing the town come alive with the two is pretty spectacular as well.
This is just a mere snippet of some of the festivals happening from New Years until early April, and there are many, many more that haven’t made it onto this list.
Main image from By the Meadow, all images taken from festival’s socials.