Rhythm Meets the Red Dirt as Barunga Festival 2025 Comes Alive

One of Australia’s most vibrant Indigenous celebrations, the Barunga Festival returns from 6 -9 June 2025, bringing four days of music, art, sport and culture to the heart of the Northern Territory.

Held on the traditional lands of the Bagala people, just 80km from Katherine, the festival honours the legacy of the 1988 Barunga Statement and celebrates the strength of Aboriginal community life.

The family-friendly event runs across the June long weekend and will feature over 500 First Nations artists and performers across a diverse program showcasing the rich traditions and contemporary expressions of the region and inviting visitors to experience meaningful connection on the traditional land of the Bagala people.

This year’s music lineup includes an exciting mix of established and emerging artists performing across three nights. ARIA Award-winning musician Thelma Plum will return to the Barunga stage, as well as dynamic Palmerston-based rappers, brothers J-Milla x Yung Milla. Legendary Arnhem Land rock band, East Journey, will reunite at Barunga after nearly a decade to celebrate their cultural heritage through their iconic sound.

A reimagined version of rock theatre show, Big Name, No Blankets, will be a festival highlight. The performance follows the journey of music icons the Warumpi Band who made history as the first Indigenous rock band to sing in Language.

“Hosting the Warumpi Band tribute, Big Name No Blanket, in community is a once in a lifetime inclusion to the program for 2025 and Barunga is the only festival in the Top End that you will be able to experience it,” said Event Organiser, Anya Lorimer.

Visitors are invited to further immerse themselves in Aboriginal culture through powerful ceremonies and dance performances from the Red Flag Dancers from Numbulwar, Beswick Dance Group, Elcho Island Yellow Flag Dancers and Tiwi Island Traditional Dancers.

Additionally, hands-on workshops including weaving, damper making, yidaki (didgeridoo) crafting, bush medicine and storytelling. The younger generation will also provide rare insights into the land and community through the Barunga Junior Guides walking tours.

The beating heart of the festival, the sports program, will showcase the incredible natural talent of the Territory through competitive sporting matches across AFL, basketball and softball. The popular Barunga Festival Art Market will return, hosting renowned Indigenous art centres and offering a rare chance to connect directly with artists working in traditional crafts.

Making its debut is The Barunga’s Next Top Model: Unearthed, led by acclaimed Tiwi model Cassie Black, this special event will give 10 young Aboriginal models the chance to walk the runway in creations made from local art centre textiles.

Barunga Festival 2025 is run by Bagala Aboriginal Corporation and supported by the Northern Territory Government through NT Major Events Company Funding Program. Three-Day Festival passes, including unpowered camping, are available from $58 for youths and $135 for adults. For tickets and further information visit www.barungafestival.com.au