Desert Festival 2025: Fringe Edition

The award-winning Desert Festival is returning to Alice Springs (Mparntwe) from 3 – 20 July with a bold new format and a fresh curatorial direction.

For the first time in its 24-year history, the inspired multi-arts event is shaking up the festival format and “going fringe”. Departing from its traditionally curated program, the festival is embracing an open-access, artist-led model that celebrates independent voices and grassroots creativity.

This evolution not only mirrors a global arts movement but aligns closely with the ethos of Darwin Fringe Festival, allowing more artists, venues, and community groups to participate in shaping the program.

Artistic Director of Desert Festival Angie Stahl said, “We’re stoked to take the festival in a new direction — one that’s more responsive, community-driven, and sustainable. Going fringe means letting artists shape the festival from the ground up. It’s not just a new model — it’s a new energy.”

This year’s Desert Festival theme, HOME, explores where we come from, what we carry, and where we belong, which is reflected in the diverse program that spans bush dances, aerial theatre, spoken word, drag shows, comedy and live music.

A highlight on the festival schedule is the rock ‘n’ roll theatre performance, Big Name, No Blankets by ILBIJERRI Theatre Company, which explores the life and legacy of the iconic Warumpi Band’s founding member, Sammy Butcher.

For the youth, Dream Big, is an all-ages First Nations-led hip-hop event that will feature a freestyling competition and concert headlined by Miss Kaninna, supported by artists Yung Warriors, Dylan Voller, Dem Arrernte Mob and more.

The program features more than 40 events and performances across multiple venues, with 80% of artists based in Central Australia. Each event is connected to the region through story, place, community or perspective, ensuring the festival remains deeply embedded in the distinct cultural identity of the Red Centre.

The event is delivered by Red Hot Arts and supported by our Funding Program.

Explore the full 2025 program, get your tickets, and find out more at www.desfest.com