drag

I’ve been to Pitch Music & Arts five times, here’s why I keep going back

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PITCH MUSIC & ARTS
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT

“After five years, Pitch really does feel like a homecoming.”

I used to think that people who described festivals as ‘transformative’ were exaggerating. My previous experiences with multi-day camping affairs had only left me feeling tired, foggy and viscerally unshowered, often wondering if the whole endeavour was really worth all the trouble.

I’m not saying that I didn’t leave my first Pitch Music & Arts in 2018 slightly exhausted – my legs were sore from dancing and my voice was hoarse from overexcited yelling (I’m a self-professed ‘woo girl’). But I felt invigorated in an entirely new way. 


Discover more about Australia’s musical talent in FJ’s Music section.


I’d spent the extended weekend marvelling at the mountainous natural landscape, connecting with new people and discovering genres of music I’d never heard before. In retrospect, it was the beginning of a beautiful love story.

With its 2025 iteration taking place from March 7 to 11 (over the glorious long Labour Day weekend), Pitch Music & Arts is in its eighth year. Now a more seasoned festival-goer, I can say that the four days emulate the experience of an international festival but on a smaller, far less intimidating scale. 

For the uninitiated, it’s the chance to witness an illustrious lineup of artists in a truly mesmerising space without having to leave the country. Coming up on my sixth year of attendance, I’m preparing for another four days of sonic indulgence, doof sticks and dizzying excitement. There is no shortage of reasons why, after five years, I keep going back.

Space and location

Held in the grassy foothills of the Grampians on the lush land of the Djabwurrung Peoples, the location feels worlds away from the smoggy, sardine-packed city scene. Pitch is typically spread across three open-air stages, so there’s always ample room to dance (plus the opportunity to squeeze yourself between some sweaty bodies, if that’s your vibe).

Even the stage design is something to behold (and highly anticipated) with Pitch organisers referencing Brutalist architecture in their designs. Last year’s heaving Resident Advisor stage was designed by renowned creative production house, Studio John Fish, topped with the festival’s signature red orb.

When you need a break from the stage, a walk to view the art installations is a must. Admittedly, a golden hour stroll spent discovering the different sculptures, textural artworks and immersive rooms is one of my favourite Pitch rituals.

The 2025 Arts program lineup includes talent like Builders Club, Petra Péterffy, Adnate, Georgia Treloar and EJ Son. Unlike other festivals, the stages are works of art in themselves, too. The grandiose, cathedral-like design of the Pitch One stage in 2022 is something I’ll never forget.

The lineup(s)

It goes without saying that the lineup is what really sets Pitch apart from other festivals. A mix of hard electro, UK garage, ambient beats, drum and bass, high-energy techno, house and transcendent, vocal-heavy sets (to name a few), at any time of the day, you can experience something entirely different.

 It’s so rare to feel inspired by a lineup year after year, but Pitch is nothing if not consistent. This year will be no exception – expect international acts like Honey Dijon, Funk Tribu, 2manydjs, Daria Kolosova, 999999999, Lady Shaka and D. Tiffany, and a range of local talent including Moopie and Ed Kent (one of my personal favourites).

Alternative experiences

It’s rare to feel surprised by a festival – particularly after attending five times – but this year has something in store. There are hideaway hubs and self-contained sanctuaries dotted all over the festival, offering surprise DJ sets, contemporary performances, workshops and quiet(er) spaces to connect with friends. Two of the favourites – Pitch Pavillion and Pitch Precinct – are returning for another year, this time joined by a new addition: Club Serra. 

Curated and produced by artist ØFFËRÎNGŠ (aka Melissa Gilbert), Club Serra will host a lineup of new labels and parties like Bex, Hannah D, Toni Yotzi [b3b], House of Silky, Mind Detergent, Vessel Records, Chuleo Club and Skylab Radio.

Community and connection

After five years, Pitch really does feel like a homecoming. The collective excitement of the crowd gives me a visceral buzz – with colourful, blinking doof sticks in tow, attendees are always ready to welcome you with open arms. It’s the perfect first-time festival experience and the ultimate party to attend again and again (and again). 

Attracting a sea of thousands, Pitch always manages to feel intimate. Prepare for hand-holding, collective chanting and multiple dance sessions with strangers under the sun.

Pitch Music & Arts Festival is here in less than two months, taking place from March 7 to 11. Two day passes are sold out, and limited three and four day passes are left. To secure your ticket, head here.

Lazy Loading