The Australian summer is a marker of many awesome things – balmy nights, well-deserved annual holidays, sizzling barbecues and Mr Whippy vans that come to mind – but it also means the start of a musical lineup jaw-dropping action brimming with international acts worthy of a to-do list. check. And this summer, Sydney and the New South Wales region are hosting lively music events in spades.
From one-day grass-stomping festivals and one-off intimate gigs to globally revered performances and three-day campsites, you’re spoiled for choice; No matter where you are in Australia, we guarantee these musical events are well worth the plane, train or car journey with your crew.
There are so many gigs and festivals to choose from, but unfortunately we can’t fit them all. So without further ado, here are five awesome, albeit underrated, events in Sydney and New South Wales to add to your burgeoning summer calendar.
Vanfest
Mount Panorama, Bathurst
December 2-3
Moving to Bathurst’s Mount Panorama after a string of years at Forbes, Vanfest, Australia’s regional boutique festival celebrates youth music and arts culture with a stellar lineup of Aussie and Kiwi stage weaponry. Spread over two days, you can soak up the colossal awesomeness of Tones and I, Hilltop Hoods, The Presets, Hocket Dad, Six60, Tash Sultana and many more as you work your way through an inviting mix of pop-up bars , activations and market stalls. If you want to kick up your festival experience, be sure to grab a glamping ticket and relax between sets at the glamping village with private restrooms and fire pits.
Art for all
The domain
December 10
In case you missed it, Sydney’s beloved Art Gallery of New South Wales has undergone a major upgrade and expansion with the unveiling of a brand new building dubbed the Sydney Modern, and throws a hellish party to celebrate. Expect nine days of inspiring art, music, performances and talks, with flagship event Art For All as your crescendo; a unique, world-class concert featuring Grammy-nominated international pop star Ellie Goulding, and supported by Australian Aboriginal electronic music duo Electric Fields and Australian award-winning artist Meg Mac. The best piece? The event is absolutely free and open to everyone. Go here to book your free ticket.
Parkes Elvis Festival
Parkes
January 4-8
If Baz Luhrmann’s recent Elvis blockbuster has had you spinning retro vinyl for the past few months and singing ‘Hound Dog’, then the 30th Elvis Presley Parkes Festival might just be for you. Attracting over 24,000 die-hard Elvis Presley fans and recognized as one of the best festivals on the Australian calendar of events, the festival, which coincides with Elvis’ birthday, is dedicated to absolutely everything Elvis has to offer. to offer. Expect a host of playful, memorization and rock ‘n’ roll imitators. Put on your blue suede shoes and start oiling your hips because it’s a happy holiday the whole family will love.
51st Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival
Tamworth
January 13-22
Want to think big? Why not take a road trip to Australia’s biggest music festivals? Ranked among the top 10 music festivals in the world, the 51st Toyota Country Music Festival Tamworth features more than 2,000 musical performances in 100 venues with the Golden Guitar Awards headlining. Spanning Tamworth for two weeks, the festival features an inviting mix of paid and free events, including performances by Kasey Chambers, Lee Kernaghan, Beccy Cole and The Whitlams, to name a few. As this one is a biggy, accommodation can sell out quickly, so book to avoid disappointment.
Byron Bay Blues Festival
Byron Event Farm
April 6-10
Byron Bay attracts a number of iconic events throughout the year, but Bluesfest is by far the biggest and most spectacular. Returning for the 34th time over the Easter long weekend, the three-day camping festival (five if you count Thursday and Monday) is a feast for the eyes, ears, stomach and soul with its celebration zealous of blues and roots music. Attracting music lovers from across Australia and around the world, this year’s Bluesfest lineup is packed with a wide range of legends including Gang Of Youths, Counting Crows, The Cat Empire, King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizzard and Tash Sultana .
Sydney and the New South Wales region are packed with awe-inspiring music events. A feast for the eyes and ears, be sure to check out what’s on offer here.
Editor’s Note: This article is sponsored by Destination New South Wales and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Please support the sponsors that make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.
Image source: Bluesfest Instagram
