We Victorians love a music festival, but even the best festivals can get old once you’ve been like a gazillion times. If you’re ready for something new, here are a few lesser-known festivals that might take your fancy.
1. Paradise Music Festival
October 27- 29 | Lake Mountain Alpine Resort (2 hours from Melbourne)
A three-day camping adventure high up in the mountains. The music is strictly home grown and delivered from a natural amphitheatre by day and a heaving club tent by night. Decorated in alpine foliage and capped at 2000 patrons, Paradise offers a unique and intimate festival experience. Oh, and it’s BYO – nice.
Paradise Music Festival // 2014
This is “Paradise Music Festival // 2014” by Kate Shanasy on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
2015 Headliners:
My Disco, Lurch & Chief, Black Cab, Black Vanilla, Tired Lion
Would you go back?
“Yes! Sweet location, a good mix in the lineup and enough room to make your own fun if that’s what you’re into” – Bron, 24, Brunswick
2. So Frenchy So Chic
January 11 | Werribee Mansion (30 minutes from Melbourne)
Against the regal backdrop of Werribee Mansion, So Frenchy So Chic is a family-friendly celebration of French music and culture. This soirée has a distinct air of Parisian class, so dress smartly, roll out a picnic rug and enjoy food and champagne well above normal festival standards – Oh la la!
SFSC in the Park 2015
http://cartellmusic.com.au/sfsc/ The champagne is live, the music is French. Garlands are essential, as is dancing till sunset. A picnic for lovers, musicians, families, and friends. Melbourne 11.01.15 – Sydney 17.01.15 Featuring The Dø, Francois and the Atlas Mountains, La Femme & Emilie Simon
Would you go back?
“Yes, I would. The festival was relaxed, well run, and had a good vibe. The venue was stunning, I was introduced to whole lot of fantastic music I hadn’t encountered before, and the champagne was in great supply – what more do you need? ” – Phoebe, 39, Melbourne
*2016 lineup TBA
3. Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues
October 30 –November 2 | Wangaratta (2.5 hours from Melbourne)
“Welcome to Jazz Country.” Once a year the big mountain town known as “Wang” opens its doors to thousands of jazz and blues enthusiasts for three days of thigh-slapping good times. With an impressive array of international acts, along with workshops, master classes and other events, this one’s got something for everyone (except people who don’t like jazz).
Wangaratta Jazz & Blues Festival 2015 Promo
WELCOME TO JAZZ COUNTRYWelcome to the 2015 Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues http://wangarattajazz.comVenture to Victoria’s high country this Spring to e…
2015 Headliners:
James Morrison, Thirsty Merc, Ash Grunwald, Dave Douglas, Fabian Almaza
Would you go back?
“Yes. I’m a jazz tragic so I go every year. The whole town comes alive for it. It’s a great time” – Graham, 72, Omeo
4. Boogie
April 3-5 | Tallarook (1.25 hours from Melbourne)
There’s nothing ground-breaking about this boutique festival on the outskirts of Melbourne, but past revellers cant speak highly enough of it. Quality food and drink (BYO or bar) and an eclectic lineup are the key ingredients. The vibe is relaxed and friendly and when the music stops on the main stage, campfire antics and spontaneous moonlight discos abound.
Boogie Festival
Directed by Tajette O’Halloran Shot by Luke Symes Edited by Simon J Green Music by The Wagons ‘Good Town’
Would you go back?
“Definitely. It’s the perfect way to spend the Easter weekend. Bruzzy’s farm is beautiful and with a diverse lineup there’s plenty of fun to be had for everyone” – Stephanie, 22, Brunswick
* 2016 lineup TBA
5. Out on the Weekend
October 17 | Seaworks, Williamstown
Named after an iconic Neil Young song, last year’s inaugural Out on the Weekend attracted a pleasantly assorted crowd, with twenty-something hipsters standing alongside rural types with cowboy hats and tucked-in flannelette shirts. This festival is all about Americana and with another stellar lineup announced for 2015, country and blues lovers should go right ahead and pencil this one in. Yee haw!
Out on the Weekend 2014 Highlights
Thanks for coming to Out on the Weekend y’all! Relive the memories from the event at Seaworks, Williamstown on Saturday 18 October 2014. Starring Justin Town…
2015 Headliners:
Dawes, Sam Outlaw, Jamestown Revival, Kasey Chambers, Robert Ellis, Tex, Don & Charlie
