Darwin Festival to shine with 50 venues and 7 world premieres

The Darwin Festival returns to light up Darwin from this Thursday, 7 August to Sunday, 24 August 2025, with a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity and community over 18 unforgettable tropical nights.

Proudly supported by the Northern Territory Government through our Event Funding Program, the 46th edition of the iconic festival will feature 734 artists in more than 400 performances across a record-breaking 50 venues.

This year’s festival will present seven world premieres, including Shundori, an immersive visual art experience by Walkley-nominated filmmaker Naina Sen; Tracks Dance Company’s new show Antidote, celebrating local stories and community; and Crown and Country, a cinematic and musical journey exploring connection to Country, belonging, and cultural responsibility.

A strong musical lineup of world premieres also awaits. A Night of Rock & Roll with Bogan Villea offers a guest-filled tribute to Aussie anthems with a Blak and bogan twist, while the Darwin Symphony Orchestra will present Heaven and Earth, inspired by a key ancestral figure from Northeast Arnhem Land. Soul powerhouse Emma Donovan will deliver the world premiere of Take Me To The River, a passionate homage to legends like Al Green, Otis Redding, and Aretha Franklin.

Guy Sebastian, one of Australia’s most celebrated performers, will headline the Festival’s official opening night on Friday, 8 August 2025, at the stunning new location, Fort Hill Parklands in the Darwin Waterfront Precinct

The celebrations continue across the opening weekend with performances by L.A.B. (Darwin debut), Gabriella Cilmi, The Wanted Gems, Andrew Gurruwiwi Band, and Juran.

Beyond the music, the program spans national sell-out acts, award-winning visual art, side-splitting comedy, exhilarating cabaret, dance, circus and family-friendly entertainment. Highlights include Circa’s Duckpond, a spectacular circus reimagining of Swan Lake, and Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Illume, which explores the wonder of light. The beloved Spiegeltent returns with a new circus extravaganza, La Ronde, promising to captivate audiences with its intoxicating acts.

A variety of beloved Australian and international artists and comedians will also take the stage including Sarah Blasko, Rhys Nicholson, Dave Hughes, Jude Perl, Rhonda Burchmore, Melanie Bracewell, Anthony Callea, Merrick Watts, Tricksy Collins, Tim Campbell, Suhani Shah, Troy Cassar-Daley, and more.

“The program is just as varied and exciting, offering something for everyone, whether you’re drawn to laughter, food, dance, inspiration, or powerful storytelling,” said Darwin Festival’s Artistic Director Kate Fell.

The much-loved Festival Park will once again transform Civic Park into a buzzing festival hub each night from sunset (excluding Mondays) with live music, food stalls, interactive light installations and good vibes. This year’s Festival also features the largest-ever Taste of Darwin program, offering mouth-watering food and drink experiences across multiple venues.

To find out more, including details on the full program and tickets head to: darwinfestival.org.au.