There’s a magic in the air that can only mean one thing: gigs and festivals are back and in full swing.
As we move into the colder months, it is of utmost importance that you do everything in your power to keep warm, and what better way than to get yourself to one of these fire events that will surely heat you up.
There’s a whole stack of dance-inducing lineups across Australia and New Zealand, and we’ve got you covered on some of the best that you must get yourself to in June.
Vivid - Sydney - 27 May - 18 June
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We’re already midway through the festival of cultural and creative celebration throughout Sydney, and we’ve seen buoyant performances from the likes of Sampa the Great, Tkay Maidza, Hermitude, Ninajirachi, and a stunning showcase from innovative label Future Classic.
There’s just over a week left of the annual Vivid festival and there is still plenty on offer from a range of artists throughout the city.
This long weekend, legendary label Ministry of Sound is holding their three-day ‘Testament 2022’ warehouse party in the heart of The Rocks at Campbell’s Stores. Not only will punters be treated to three nights of dance history from the ‘90s, ‘00s, and now, but the multi-room set-up is an experience in itself.
On Sunday audiences will be treated to some of the best in modern-day house, techno and bass with the likes of Anna Lunoe, Northeast Party House, LO’99, and Hydraulix, who will no doubt have the aptitude to make you move.
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Elsewhere, indie-soul powerhouse Meg Mac will make her Sydney Opera House debut on June 18, where she’ll be dropping some favourites such as ‘Roll Up Your Sleeves’ and ‘Is It Worth Being Sad’, while also providing a preview of new tunes from her upcoming third album that is set to drop later this year.
There is so much more going on for Vivid around Sydney, so make sure to check it all out here.
Mardi Gras - Ohakune & Queenstown - June 18 / June 25
A huge Mardi Gras celebration is set to take place across the Tasman in Ohakune and Queenstown, New Zealand. The party will be headlined by drum and bass legends Delta Heavy and Luude, and ultimate party-starter Hot Dub Time Machine.
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What will undoubtedly be a celebration of much more than music, is bringing some serious heat regardless.
Luude will be bringing his hit ‘Down Under’, which is possibly the biggest DnB tune of the year and was an instant chart-topper in New Zealand. The drum n’ bass edit master will be at his head-banging best, in what will surely be a set full of fun and fire.
The London duo of Simon James and Ben Hall, who make up Delta Heavy, will bring pure energy, with their drum n’ bass offerings, which will surely be loved by the New Zealand audience.
They’ll be joined by the likes of 12th Planet, Bensley, Keeno, and Twerl among many other rave instigators for the Mardi Gras celebration. Check it out here.
Dark Mofo - Hobart - June 8 - 22
One of the most unique festivals in the country, Dark Mofo, returns to its two-week format with a wide range of acts and events across June.
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The midwinter festival is centred around the theme of ‘resurrection’ and will feature more than 100 artists from 30 countries.
The most high-profile act of the event, The Kid Laroi, is set to make his Tasmanian debut this Saturday (June 11) at the My State Bank Arena. The Grammy-nominated artist has taken over the globe as one of the most popular Australian acts on the planet with his chart-topping blend of pop and rap.
Elsewhere, the likes of Japanese quartet Chai will grace the Altar stage on June 12, and experimental electropop artist, Kučka, will be performing on June 19.
Check it out here.
Luna Electric - Gold Coast - June 11
Delving more into the world of hip-hop and EDM with Luna Electric, which kicked off in Sydney last weekend, and is now set to shake up the Gold Coast this Saturday (June 11).
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Featuring some of the best in Aussie hip-hop like ChillinIt, Hooligan Hefs, Illy, Kerser, and Youngn Lipz, the atmosphere will be second to none.
There will be plenty of stank face-inducing DJ sets as well, with the festival bringing in some of the best international EDM acts like Pendulum, Carnage, and Darude to our shores. While the homegrown talent will be off the charts with Enschway, Havana Brown, Godlands, and Sunset Bros also set to electrify audiences.
There’ll also be a cheeky little appearance from The Veronicas.
If you miss out on this one, there’s a sideshow festival by the name of Inside Out that will carry on into Adelaide this Sunday, June 12, and Cairns on June 18.
Much like Luna Electric, Aussie hip-hop will take over the AEC Theatre and Munro Martin Parklands, with Chillinit, Hooligan Hefs, Day1, Illy, and Kerser all set to take the stage.
Jayden Collins