Get ready to dance your way into a brand new vibe as THE NOWHERE FESTIVAL makes its debut at Sydney’s Cockatoo Island on 8-9 February 2025. This one-of-a-kind transformative experience is set to challenge perceptions and awaken the senses as the 6,000-capacity event delivers two days of vibrant dance music from local and international acts and mind-blowing art installations in one of Australia’s most iconic waterfront settings.

Four mind-expanding stages will push the boundaries of artistic expression, with epic world-class production values creating an immersive labyrinth of festivities in tunnels, passages, forecourts and industrial buildings. The Turbine Hall will take punters in a surreal industrial portal into the unknown, while the outdoor Eastern Apron, Red Room and Rabbit Hole stages take full advantage of Cockatoo Island’s historical surroundings and stunning harbour backdrops.

A unique vision of festive revelry from Jody Coker of Essential Events Management – the Australian promoter responsible for some of the world’s best parties and music events, including the annual Gorgeous Presents NYE party at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Australia – THE NOWHERE FESTIVAL launches in Sydney with bold plans for expansion and future editions slated for the UK, Dubai and Barcelona.

An electrifying line-up of 50 international and Australian live acts and DJs are locked in for the festival’s inaugural edition, spanning some of the most exciting names in house, techno and the diverse breadth of electronic music.

Leading the musical charge are globally renowned DJs and two of Detroit’s musical luminaries, Carl Craig and Moodymann, who are set to wow punters with a rare back-to-back DJ set. They will be joined by Italian sensation Adiel, known for hypnotic sets in Ibiza and Goa Ultrabeat residency in Rome. Berlin icon Marcel Dettmann, heralded for destroying the hallowed walls of the infamous Berghain nightclub, also joins the esteemed list of international names.

Music lovers can also expect more celebrated names from across the pond such as Paul Woolford, DJ Masda, Mr. Ho, Particles (Jane Fitz & Marco Shuttle), Mr. G, Reptant (Live), Quest, Sampol and Christian AB.

35 acclaimed local DJs are also locked in, spanning established favourites in the form of Adi Toohey, Mad Racket DJs, Barney Kato, Reenie, Magda Bytnerowicz, Kate Doherty, Ezra and Lorna Clarkson.

Kazuma Onishi, miss behave, Génima Aït Allala and a slew of renowned and still-to-be-announced abstract performers will also grace the stages, while celebrated Sydney artist Danny Willians will be bringing a new piece of art to life over the course of the weekend.

One-day tickets start at $119 and a limited number of camping packages for weekend campers are also available.

Campers will stay in Cockatoo Island’s award-winning urban campground with unbeatable views of Sydney Harbour. Accommodation packages range from pre-erected basic tents to premium tents furnished with creature comforts.

A special THE NOWHERE FESTIVAL launch party is taking place on December 31 at the MCA Sydney rooftops, featuring a 4-hour set from Fabric legend Craig Richards (tickets available here).