Summer of Love: Top summer dance festivals

Strawberry Fields

Nov 23-25

The exact location of this year's Strawberry Fields is yet to be announced, but great music, visual treats and loads of tie-dye can always be counted on. Somewhere in the depths of Victorian bushland, at a site yet to be announced, you'll have the chance to see artists including Teebs, Baths, Tycho and James Holden (pictured) lay down some tunes as you drink, dance and flail amongst the trees.

Stereosonic

Dec 1

Now in its sixth year, Stereosonic is as comfortingly familiar as a vodka Red Bull to dance fans. Calvin Harris, Carl Cox, Major Lazer and Diplo are the big drawcards, but the pumping beats will be endless. Expect the Showgrounds to be awash with glowsticks, animal costumes, feathers and hugs – or our name’s not Time Out.

Let Them Eat Cake

Jan 1

Described as a “boutique electronic music festival”, Let Them Eat Cake is an event for only the most discerning of club rats in noble surrounds. For just one day in Werribee Park, performers such as genre-bending superstar Flying Lotus (pictured) and his protege the Gaslamp Killer will be filling the mansion grounds with superior beats.

Summadayze

Jan 1

It's time to slip into some cut-offs and hoist them high, because Summerdayze is upon us again. Among this year's impressive acts are big beat veterans the Chemical Brothers who are joined by M.I.A, Mark Ronson, Kimbra and Booka Shade. If you have a high fluoro tolerance, this is a line-up that can’t be beat.

Rainbow Serpent

Jan 25-28

Beneath painted trees and sculptural art installations, Rainbow Serpent brings together a motley crew of dreadlocked, barefoot, enthusiastic music lovers. Over 10,000 of them, in fact. The artists performing over the four-day frenzy come from all over the globe and include Tripswitch, Shift, Stereo Talk, The Commercial Hippies, Transwave, Peter Van Hoesen, Oliver Koletzki, Ruls & Navarro and Quanta. Expect good vibes and creative energy.