One long weekend, two vibrant celebrations of Indigenous cultures

Indigenous cultures, dialogue, art, music, and ceremony will take centre stage across the Top End from Friday, 1 to Monday, 4 August as both Garma Festival and Desert Harmony Festival celebrate in North-East Arnhem Land and Barkly respectively.

Garma marks 25 years of Yolŋu leaders, communities, and guests from across the country gathering at the Gulkula ceremonial site. It serves as a powerful platform for clan leaders from across Arnhem Land to share traditional Yolŋu culture and perspectives with visitors.

Yothu Yindi Foundation CEO Denise Bowden said this year’s event will be particularly poignant. “It’s Garma’s 25th anniversary this year, so an extra special occasion for the Yolŋu clans and families of Arnhem Land, and a milestone moment in the life of this major Northern Territory event.”

The 2025 theme, Rom ga Wäŋa Wataŋu, meaning The Law of the Land, Standing Firm, honours the enduring strength and leadership of Yolŋu elders across generations and speaks to a deep-rooted affinity to land, and the importance of connectivity through cultural obligations.

Garma Festival highlights include the daily Bunggul (traditional ceremonial dance) at sunset, the open-air Gapan art gallery and the Key Forum – a cornerstone of the Garma program that fosters deep discussion on issues impacting Yolŋu and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The forum brings together Indigenous, political, academic, business, and philanthropic leaders from across the country to explore policy and ideas in a culturally grounded environment.

The Youth Forum also returns, providing a space for young people to engage in cultural learning and bold conversations about leadership.

The music program features Xavier Rudd in his long-awaited debut, ARIA-winner Emily Wurramara, and two performances of acclaimed theatre production Big Name, No Blankets. The line-up also includes Mulga Bore Hard Rock, Diamond Dogs featuring Djawa Yunupiŋu, and a special performance by Yothu Yindi to close the festival.

More than 3,500 people are expected to attend the four-day, sold out festival, which is supported by the Northern Territory Government through our Funding Program.

To find out more visit yyf.com.au/garma-festival/

In Tennant Creek, the Desert Harmony Festival will bring four days of music, culture, dance, food, and celebration to the heart of the Barkly region from 1-4 August.

This year’s theme, Mappu Apikarni Wilyarra-kka Payinti Wanjjal Warnaparrta meaning We come together to celebrate today, yesterday, and tomorrow, reflects the festival’s deep connection to culture, community, and Country.

An exciting program is set to unfold across the weekend including contemporary and traditional dance, live music, workshops, and plenty of family-friendly activities. The inaugural Barkly AFL Fun Day will add some sporting flair to festival with AFL games, sprint races and boomerang throwing.

Musical highlights include legendary Australian singer-songwriter Troy Cassar-Daley, who will also host a song-writing workshop, as well as emerging artist DEVAURA, and powerful performances from the Sandridge Band, Katanga Junior, and the Desert Melody Makers.

Organised by Barkly Regional Arts, and supported by our Event Funding Program, Desert Harmony is free to attend and aims to bring together the region’s diverse communities and visitors for a shared cultural experience.

“The festival is a unique meeting place where artists, audiences and communities from across the Barkly – and beyond – come together to share and connect,” said James Winwood, Operations Director of Barkly Regional Arts.

To see the full program and register for workshops visit barklyarts.com.au