Houg's 5 Australian Boutique Festivals You Need To Know About in 2020.

1)    BIGSOUND

As much as BIGSOUND is first and foremost, a music conference, I completely enjoyed myself for the festival aspects in which it provided. Being set in an urban landscape, it was something new for me as catching different acts in different bars that each had its own personality and vibe was unique, at least in my eyes. Plus, the organization behind it was great. Having a companion app for you to key in acts you’d like to see as well as having reminders is great, especially in an environment where no one is sober. Everything was on time so that's great too.

2)    St Kilda Festival

Being a festival that’s set up in the beaches on one of Melbourne’s biggest hotspots in the summer is always going to be a vibe. With a strong emphasis on local community acts and talents, there’s always something fresh to see and definitely something to remember.

3)    Brunswick Festival

Held in March, this festival is one to take note of. Brunswick is one of Melbourne’s liveliest music suburbs and and you’ll find the most interesting acts at their annual festival. As well as having local bars participate, you’ll see pop up stages and the Brunswick library participate. You’re definitely setting yourself up for two special weeks.

4)    Melbourne Music Week

Not technically a festival, MMW is an event that is held across some of Melbourne's coolest venues over 10 days in November and features not only some of Australia’s up and coming acts but also some big international acts too. What’s great is that being held across the city in parks, bars etc, it's also a great way to see Melbourne’s strong love for the arts.

5)    Strawberry Fields Festival (Tocumwal, NSW)

As someone who is relatively new to Australia, it was a first time for me to embrace a festival in the Australian bush. Though the central aspect of the festival catered towards ravers, there were niche stages that catered towards some of the craziest jazz and soul musicians I’ve seen, which was a pleasant surprise. Seeing how the festival also consciously acknowledges the indigenous grounds in which its held on, as well as informing the goers to respect that in their festival-going practices was a positive thing to see.