BASSINTHEGRASS FESTIVAL DELIVERS EPIC TROPICAL PARTY

Darwin turned up the heat yesterday as BASSINTHEGRASS, the Northern Territory’s biggest and longest-running music festival, made its return to the iconic Mindil Beach.

With more than 11,000 people passing through the gates, the festival delivered a massive day of live music, sunshine, and kinetic energy, with more than 30 acts lighting up multiple stages and spaces across 10 non-stop hours.

Set against a stunning backdrop of palm-lined shores and endless blue skies, this year’s BASSINTHEGRASS showcased a genre-spanning lineup that celebrated the best in hip-hop, dance, electronic, pop, indie, folk, alternative and R&B.

Festivalgoers — including 25 per cent who travelled from interstate — were treated to standout performances from some of the biggest names in Australian and international music, as well as a host of emerging talent.

In one of the festival’s most talked-about moments, Australian hip-hop icons Hilltop Hoods performed their new single The Gift, with Darwin’s very own Marlon. Hilltop Hoods’ set was a hit-packed journey through their storied catalogue, featuring crowd favourites including Cosby Sweater, The Nosebleed Section, Chase That Feeling, and more.

Another surprise came courtesy of the Territory’s own Cyril, who unexpectedly welcomed Aussie rock legend Shannon Noll and Darwin local singer-songwriter Caiti Baker to the stage for a high-energy performance of the viral hit Stumblin’ In.

Heavy hitters The Amity Affliction marked a milestone with their first major Australian festival appearance featuring new bassist and vocalist Jonathan Reeves, delivering an electrifying set that stirred the all-ages crowd.

BASSINTHEGRASS continued to impress with a dynamic lineup of Aussie talent performing across three stages throughout the day. Performances from Meg Mac, The Jungle Giants, The Dreggs, 3%, Old Mervs, Hope D, and more, kept the atmosphere electric throughout the festival.

The Jungle Giants’ Lead Guitarist, Cesira Aitken, was buzzing following the band’s set on Palm Stage. “We always love coming to Darwin. It’s one of our favourite cities in Australia. BASSINTHEGRASS is one of the best festivals in Australia and we love being a part of it,” he said.

Adding to the excitement, a high-energy mix of international and local dance acts — including Jax Jones, Jaded, Kah-Lo, Luude, Baby J, and Latifa Tee — kept the party pumping late into the night on the new and improved BASSment stage.

Offstage, BASSINTHEGRASS was a visual feast, with festivalgoers embracing the vibrant spirit of the event through glitter, braids, and tropical shirts. The festival’s official merchandise also proved popular, with fans sporting branded tees, tote bags, and stubby coolers.

In addition to the music, popular activations like the Mindil Beach Sunset Market, Silent Disco, and Chillout Cove provided plenty of opportunities for festivalgoers to immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere. The newly launched BASS Camp was also a big hit with families, offering a dedicated space for kids’ activities, including a silent disco, face painting, and a glitter station.

BASSINTHEGRASS will return to Mindil Beach in 2026, with the date to be announced later this year. Sign up to be one of the first to know at bassinthegrass.com.au.