Unsure of where to go over the new year period? Sick of watching the fireworks alone on NYE while everybody else is pashing on your mate’s balcony?
We’ve rounded up six festivals around Australia that are worth your time and money, bringing world-class acts to our shores for one hell of a way to welcome 2017 with open arms. Get involved here and get ready for holiday season:
BEYOND THE VALLEY
WHERE: LARDNER PARK, VICTORIA
WHEN: DECEMBER 28 – JANUARY 1
OUR PICKS: LUNICE, TOKIMONSTA, SKREAM, DUNE RATS, GOLDLINK
Beyond The Valley isn’t slowing down, winding down the final days of 2016 and starting 2017 with a serious bang. Located just a short drive outside of Melbourne, the festival boasts UK bass pioneer Skream, Brainfeeder’s own Tokimonsta and both members of TNGHT – will Hudson Mohawke & Lunice unite onstage for some joint action? There’s Dune Rats and DZ Deathrays for the long-haired demographic who are keen on a shoey or two, while locals include the legendary Bag Raiders and Vera Blue – responsible for one of the year’s best hooks on Illy’s ‘Papercuts’. Camping and glamping options available, so be prepared to lounge in style.
TICKETS HERE
FOMO
WHERE: ADELAIDE GAOL, ADELAIDE // RIVERSTAGE, BRISBANE // PARRAMATTA PARK, SYDNEY
WHEN: JANUARY 6 // JANUARY 7 // JANUARY 8
OUR PICKS: METRO BOOMIN, LASTLINGS, DESIIGNER, FLOSSTRADAMUS, EMPIRE OF THE SUN
The mantra of FOMO is beautifully simple: One stage, no clashes and an entire day of bangers from the best in hip-hop, dance and those who bridge the gap between the two. 2016 saw the inaugural opening of FOMO in Brisvegas, and it was such a success that they’ve expanded to Sydney and Adelaide for the 2017 edition. Headlining are Chicago party-starters Flosstradamus, as well as the return of the eccentric and elaborate Empire Of The Sun. For the rap heads, there’s the forever-hyped Freebandz producer Metro Boomin – the man behind the beats for ‘Low Life’ and ‘Jumpman’ – as well as the recent addition of Desiigner. Throw in stacks of local talent like sibling sensations Lastlings, and we’re sure that this is gonna be a belter.
TICKETS HERE
ORIGIN NYE
WHERE: CLAREMONT SHOWGROUNDS, PERTH
WHEN: DECEMBER 31
OUR PICKS: ASAP ROCKY, DIE ANTWOORD, DENZEL CURRY, CHASE & STATUS, RYAN HEMSWORTH
Swag lords looking for an excuse to go to Perth: Origin NYE is the only place you’ll be able to see ASAP Rocky live over the new year period. One show only, and one chance to yell the lyrics to ‘Fuckin Problem’ as loud as you can. In addition to Pretty Flacko, Origin NYE is the only festival so far to have Die Antwoord on their lineup, which is extra special considering the South African maniacs have just released their album Mount Ninji & The Nice Time Kid. While those two should be enough to have you scrambling to your travel agent, throw in the likes of Denzel Curry, Chase & Status and Ryan Hemsworth, and this is making a serious claim for Australia’s best festival.
TICKETS HERE
FALLS FESTIVAL
WHERE: MARION BAY, TASMANIA // FREMANTLE, WA
WHEN: DECEMBER 29 – DECEMBER 31 // JANUARY 7 – JANUARY 8
OUR PICKS: LONDON GRAMMAR, THE AVALANCHES, REMI, TKAY MAIDZA, DMA’S
While Falls Festival’s editions in Lorne and Byron Bay have sold out, that shouldn’t deter you from heading to either Marion Bay or Fremantle for a camping extravaganza. Falls Festival will host The Avalanches, fresh from their live return at Splendour In The Grass earlier this year. Local rap talent will also be on show, with Remi and Tkay Maidza performing after the recent release of their respectvie full-lengths Divas & Demons and Tkay. DMA’s will be delivering sing-a-longs after their recent sold-out headline tour, and did we mention these guys and girl named London Grammar? Big vibes.
TICKETS HERE
FIELD DAY
WHERE: THE DOMAIN, SYDNEY
WHEN: JANUARY 1
OUR PICKS: CHANCE THE RAPPER, ALISON WONDERLAND, CHILDISH GAMBINO, ZHU, ALUNAGEORGE
For Sydneysiders, January 1 is a no-brainer – Field Day has long been the best way to welcome in a new year. Over the years, the festival has diversified its lineup from the dance-heavy into a more well-rounded approach, and in 2017 we have two hip-hop headliners in Chance The Rapper and Childish Gambino. Sydney queen Alison Wonderland will be returning home for the event, while elusive producer ZHU was announced just last week. Situated on a slice of greenery right in the CBD, experience the tunes alongside Sydney’s booming skyline.
TICKETS HERE
LOST PARADISE
WHERE: GLENWORTH VALLEY, NEW SOUTH WALES
WHEN: DECEMBER 29 – DECEMBER 31
OUR PICKS: GANG OF YOUTHS, HUDSON MOHAWKE, HUMAN MOVEMENT, FLIGHT FACILITIES, STICKY FINGERS
If the picture of old mate above wasn’t enough to convince you, then the lineup curated by Lost Paradise ensures a very nice time for all. Sitting just a short drive outside of Sydney, it’s a boutique event with an emphasis on flamboyant costumes and extra-curricular yoga. Huge! After playing to 15,000 people in their hometown, Flight Facilities will be back for the event. Gang of Youths and Sticky Fingers will also be playing after their colossal sets on the Splendour In The Grass mainstage, while local emerging talent like Human Movement will be delivering the techno thumpers.
