While we love going to gigs all year round, we must say there’s something special about watching a band or artist do their thing on the live stage outdoors in the summer daytime. Something about having nature as your backdrop and enjoying a performance in the sunlight is just unforgettable.
But with summer now winding down, it seems great daytime gigs are becoming fewer and further between. With autumn just around the corner, it’s the last chance for punters to enjoy a gig in one of the most unique ways possible.
In order to help you get the most out of this summer and experience a beautiful daytime, outdoor gig for yourself, we’ve put together a handy guide of the best daytime gigs in the coming weeks. There’s a great mesh of artists and plenty of memories just waiting to be made.

NGV Summer Sundays

Where? National Gallery Of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne.
When? 1-7pm, Sundays the 15th and 22nd February
Why? The legends at National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) have partnered up with the guys from Mushroom Group to create NGV Summer Sundays, a free musical extravaganza held in the garden of Melbourne’s NGV that will see a stunning array of both local bands and DJs perform (including Husky, The Creases and Alpine just to name a few), as well as delicious catering by the one and only Huxtaburger every Sunday of February from 1 – 7pm.
Tickets & Info: Free, www.ngv.vic.gov.au

Jagwa Ma & Vance Joy At Aus Surf Open

Where? Manly Beach, Sydney
When? 4:30pm, Friday 13th & Saturday 14th February
Why?  Riding the wave of big name announcements into the New Year, the Hurley Australian Open of Surfing held at Manly Beach from 7th – 15th February is kick starting 2015 with live shows featurint big name artists to the free music line-up. Aussie alternative indie dance trio Jagwar Ma will be performing on Friday 13th January. The new band will join chart topper Vance Joy who will take to the stage on Saturday 14th February. Warming up the crowds for Vance Joy, as part of the line-up at the free one-of-a-kind all-ages festival at Manly Beach is indie pop band, San Cisco.
Tickets & Info: FREE, www.australianopenofsurfing.com

Sonic Masala Festival

Where? Club Greenslopes, 131 Ridge Street Brisbane
When? 11:30am, March 14th
Why? Champions of all music garage, punk rock and good quality, the crew at Sonic Masala are throwing another  Sonic Masala fest. Following on from a 400-strong crowd last year, Sonic Masala FEST (presented by the good people over at 4ZZZ) will be taking over Greenslopes Bowls Club (Club Greenslopes) on 14 March for another day of bands, beers, good mates and rad times. Some of the bands playing include Summer Flake, White Walls, and Screamfeeder- if that’s not enough to get you excited you have no heart.
Tickets & Info: $30-$50, www.sonicmasalarecords.com

Sunday Sunset DJ Sessions

Where? Jardin Tan, Royal Botanic Gardens, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne 
When? 2pm Sundays in February & March
Why? Jardin Tan boasts one of the best beers gardens in the city of Melbourne, and considering its location within the Royal Botanical gardens in South Yarra, it’s not hard to see why. Before the lazy summer afternoons disappear for good, the crew at Jardin Tan are throwing Sunday Sessions featuring a residency from Mimi one of the best DJs in town. Good music, good weather, good food, and good booze, that’s what summer should be all about.
Tickets & Info: FREE, www.jardintan.com.au

Aviary Rooftop Sessions

Where? The Aviary, 140 William Street, Perth
When? 4pm, March 1st
Why? Our west-side brothers and sisters at The Aviary in Perth asked the question “what is the perfect Sunday Session?”  Their answer? “Sun, turf, a bucket of Corona and city views. And massive national DJ’s and live acts – all for free.” Pretty good answer if you ask us! One particular session to look out for is happening on March 1st featuring Sydney indie rockers and killer live performers Mansionair.
Tickets & Info: FREE, www.facebook.com

Openair Dance Party Feat Jason Kendig

Where? The Gasometer, 484 Smith Street, Collingwood, Melbourne
When? 5pm, March 8th
Why?
Collingwood’s humble Gasometer Hotel boasts potentially (after Rod Laver Area) the best retractable roof in the city. What’s so great about the retractable roof is not only that you’re able able to enjoy the best of both worlds, but also it means Sydney crew The House Of Mince are able to bring their legendary Openair party to Melbourne. Bringing along DJ Jason Kendig (Honey Soundsystem | USA) who’s here for Sydney’s Mardi Gras, the House Of Mince crew make sure Melbournians don’t feel left out with this the after-Mardi at the Gaso.
Tickets & Info: $20, www.residentadvisor.net

Twilight At Taronga

Where? Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman, Sydney
When? 7pm, Fridays & Saturdays in February & March
Why? Sydney’s Taronga Zoo has announced the return of its annual Twilight at Taronga entertainment series for 2015, confirming another spectacular musical program that will see punters making their way down to the famous zoo to watch a diverse range of acts from the world-class vantage point of a harbour-side amphitheatre each Friday and Saturday night from Friday, 30th January through to Saturday, 21st March, and the line ups are insane! Check out their website for more info.
Tickets & Info: Prices vary, www.twilightattaronga.org.au

Generator Party 8

Where? Top Secret Location in Brunswick (Melbourne)
When? 12 noon, Saturday 21st February
Why? The eighth edition of a now legendary party series, the Generator Party is the brainchild of a crew of bands and mate who love music, love to party and have a spare generator. As the organisers say “it’s pretty illegal but its a shitload of fun and its a great way to see bands in a totally different environment. Plus you can bring your own booze and its totally free!” This edition will feature Sincerely Grizzly,  Maids, and Halcyon Drive in the line up. Follow the Facebook page for more info.
Tickets & Info: FREE, www.facebook.com

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