Early release Darwin Festival 2022 tickets on sale now

The Top End is the place to be this August, with the iconic Darwin Festival returning to the Territory’s capital from 4-21 August 2022. A taste of this year’s must-see shows is out now and audiences can expect another incredible festival this year, with 18 days of programming featuring local, national and international artists across comedy, dance, cabaret, theatre, visual arts, music and more.

It all kicks off on Thursday, 4 August, with the free, family-friendly Santos Opening Night Concert, which this year sees The Amphitheatre transformed into a meeting place of dance, song and ritual for Buŋgul. Celebrate the music and culture of Gurrumul and the people of North East Arnhem Land at a live performance of Gurrumul’s final album Djarrimirri by Yolŋu dancers and songmen, and the Darwin Symphony Orchestra.

Other highlights include the popular National Indigenous Music Awards on Saturday, 6 August. Celebrating some of the biggest names in Australian music, this year’s awards include performances by Thelma Plum and King Stingray.

The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair returns to an in-person event at Darwin Convention Centre from 5-7 August, showcasing the rich diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, design and culture. The Fair’s colourful runway event, Country to Couture, takes place on Wednesday, 3 August, showcasing innovative collections from indigenous designers and artists, as well as unique collaborations between indigenous communities and well-known Australian labels.

Darwin Festival organisers expect tickets to sell quickly again this year, with the likes of Australian Ballet’s Regional Tour Gala, Grammy-nominated Arlo Parks and Aussie music superstars Confidence Man sure to attract bumper crowds.

The 2022 Darwin Festival is supported by the Northern Territory Government through the Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC). NTMEC CEO TIm Watsford said the Festival is a staple on the Territory events calendar for good reason.

“Darwin Festival continues to evolve each year, and draws visitors from around the country to the Territory. There is always a real buzz in the air when this event is on, and this year will be no different,” he said.

Darwin Festival CEO James Gough said the early release shows are a taste of what’s to come.

“This sneak peek of our 2022 program means local and interstate audiences can start planning their Festival adventures now,” he said. “Darwin Festival remains committed to connecting communities through the celebration of culture and the arts, and we look forward to sharing the full Program in June.”

To buy early release tickets, head to www.darwinfestival.org.au. The full program will be released on Thursday, 16 June, with something to appeal to all ages.