Concrete Playground

There are several wonderful things about this festival. The first is that it’s entirely for charity. All proceeds go to the Sarah Hilt Foundation, which funds victims of meningococcal disease. The second is that you pay a flat rate of $105 and you get unlimited alcohol for the entire 24 hours. And we’re not talking house wine and VB; the event is catered by Apple Tree Flat and Vodka O, so there will be enough sugar in your booze to keep you dancing all day and night. The third is always a winner: fancy dress. If you were at Playground Weekender you’ll understand how much fun can be had boogying with an aubergine or having your photo taken with a tribe of sexy aliens from the planet Pandora.

This quaint little festival boasts a delectable local lineup including Deep Sea Arcade, the Thundamentals, Matt Corby, and Fun Machine and 104 Collective ft. Seekae, with DJs DCup, Elane, Much Love, Bondi House DJs, Bad Wives and SMS. You can also post a postcard to your mum, drink tea with a 1950s tea lady and join a Japanese sing-along.

So c’mon, this is your last chance to run barefoot through a field, release your inner hippy and set up a tent that you probably won’t use before the summer fizzles out. Secret Garden’s location will be revealed shortly before the event — but word on the street is it’s just one hour south of Sydney.

Image (Deep Sea Arcade) by Kylie Coutts.

By Emma Waters Freeman