11 Best Music Festivals in Sydney
Sydney has a flourishing music festival industry that hosts a number of significant events every year. It boasts notable international performances and a fusion of delectable cuisine and art.By That Festival Site | 10 August, 2023
For music fans from Australia and overseas, Sydney offers a fantastic outdoor festival experience with artists from different genres. We’ve rounded up a list of the upcoming music festivals in Sydney.
1. Field Day
When: January
Where: The Domain, Sydney NSW
Style of Music: Hip-Hop, Rap, Pop, Dance/Electronic, Indie
Field Day is a renowned music festival in Sydney that showcases the best artists in hip-hop, electronic, and pop music. Since 2007, Field Day has been held on the first of January as a celebration to start the year. Along with the energetic beats, Field Day offers roving performers, art installations, gourmet food trucks, bars and entertaining fairground attractions, all of which contribute to the celebratory mood that makes it the perfect place to ring in the new year.
2. Harbourlife
When: November
Where: Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney, NSW
Style of Music: Dance/Electronic
Sydney's renowned Harbourlife music event is held annually in November. This one-stage event offers stunning live music surroundings and views out over the lovely Sydney Harbour. Launched in 2015, Harbourlife features an elite line of artists from various genres, including independent rock, electronic, and alternative music performers from within and outside of Australia.
3. Listen Out
When: September - October
Where: Centennial Park, Sydney NSW
Style of Music: Hip-Hop, Rap, Pop, Dance/Electronic, Indie, Afrobeat
Listen Out is an urban music festival held in the picturesque location of Sydney every year. Since 2012, Listen Out has featured the most popular local artists in hip-hop, R&B, grime, house, and other genres alongside renowned international bands. This one-day events take place on the same weekend in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, and is attended by thousands of music lovers.
4. St Jerome's Laneway Festival
When: February
Where: Sydney Showgrounds, NSW
Style of Music: Hip-Hop, Rap, Pop, Dance/Electronic, Indie, R&B/Soul
St Jerome's Laneway Festival is one of the most popular music festivals that takes place every February in five Australian cities, including Sydney. It offers a stage for the greatest in indie, rock, electronic, and hip-hop music by showcasing upcoming worldwide and local alternative performers and offering new musical experiences to music lovers.
5. NYE In The Park
When: New Year's Eve
Where: Victoria Park, Sydney NSW
Style of Music: Hip-Hop, Rap, Pop, Dance/Electronic, Indie
The renowned New Year's Eve music festival, NYE In The Park, is held every year in Sydney. Music enthusiasts assemble to attend the performances of top Australian and international music artists. The fun-filled event includes live music, DJ, food trucks, and a stunning midnight fireworks show.
6. Festival X
When: December
Where: Sydney Showgrounds, NSW
Style of Music: Hip-Hop, Rap, Pop, Dance/Electronic, Indie, Afrobeat
Sydney's premier dance music festival, Festival X, features top DJs and electronic musicians every year. Since its inception in 2014, the festival has included notable local and international artists who lift the spirits of attendees through their power-packed performances.
7. Good Things
When: December
Where: Centennial Park, Sydney NSW
Style of Music: Rock, Metal
Every year in the first few days of December, Sydney hosts the Good Things rock music festival. Good Things was founded in 2017 to honour alternative, punk, metal, and rock performers from Australia and throughout the globe. The festival takes place at Centennial Park and provides people with great performances.
8. Electric Gardens
When: February
Where: Centennial Park, Sydney NSW
Style of Music: Dance/Electronic, Drum & Bass/Dub
Electric Gardens is Sydney's largest outdoor electronic music festival and takes place yearly in Centennial Parklands. Since its debut in 2017, Electric Gardens has established itself as a summertime must-see for lovers of house, techno, and electro. This event offers a fantastic day out in the sun with local food and drink, funfair rides and positive vibes.
9. Return to Rio
When: October
Where: Del Rio Resort, Wisemans Ferry NSW
Style of Music: Dance/Electronic
The legendary international music event Return to Rio honours Brazilian music and culture. It takes place every November at Bondi Beach and gives the sands a vibrant Rio Carnival ambiance. Since its inception in 2002, Return to Rio has brought Brazilian music to Sydney every summer. Return to Rio offers a weekend-long exotic getaway to Brazil's vivid culture for Sydney people.
10. Knockout Outdoor
When: October
Where: Sydney , NSW
Style of Music: Electronic, Dance
Knockout Outdoor is an upcoming music festival that takes place every November in the picturesque location of Sydney. Being the largest outdoor electronic music festival, Knockout Outdoor features over 100 DJs performing house, techno, trance, and other genres on various stages and arenas. Along with the music, attendees can enjoy cultural activities, food trucks and outdoor bars.
11. Palm Tree Music Festival
When: March
Where: Sydney Showgrounds, NSW
Style of Music: Electronic, Dance
Palm Tree Music Festival is a multi-genre music festival that occurs yearly in Sydney. The event includes renowned Australian and worldwide rock, indie, and techno bands on numerous outdoor stages. Palm Tree provides locally produced food and market stalls, surf and yoga sessions, art installations, camping under the stars, and eclectic lineups of renowned performers.