We attended the Darwin Festival in 2012 and had a great time with our whole family, including four children 11 and under. We loved the quality and diversity of the entertainment on offer from street theatre, to on-stage and surrounding events. We are looking forward to getting back there soon. I have posted the video that we made for a previous incarnation of our Festival Australia enterprise down at the bottom of the blog ! ED; Kevin Parker
Festival Name: Darwin Festival
Dates: Takes place in August over an 18 day period Location: Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
The Darwin Festival, celebrated annually during the dry season in the vibrant city of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, is a remarkable cultural phenomenon. It’s a melting pot of artistic expressions, showcasing an eclectic mix of music, theatre, comedy, dance, cabaret, visual arts, and family events.
The festival’s spirit embodies a kaleidoscope of cultures, offering performances that resonate with the diversity of the Territory. The theme each year is to create a space where creativity flourishes and where audiences can immerse themselves in a world of artistic exploration and cultural celebration.
The festival has had different Artistic Directors over the years, including Malcolm Blaylock (2003 – 2008), Jo Duffy (2009 – 2011), Edwina Lunn (2012 – 2014), Andrew Ross (2015 & 2016), Felix Preval and the current boss, Kate Fell (2024). These directors have played a significant role in curating and enlivening the festival and bringing a wide range of artists to the stage.
Features: The Darwin Festival features over 80 events with more than 280 performances across 28 venues. It includes a variety of performances such as music, theatre, dance, comedy, cabaret, and visual arts. The festival is celebrated in various locations around Darwin, providing a dynamic and immersive cultural experience. Our rough count over they years comes up with a staggering 858 artists across 81 events with 323 free and ticketed performances in various venues over the years up to 2024!
Activities: Key activities include live music at the INPEX Sunset Stage, theatre and cabaret shows, comedy acts, interactive circus, and art shows for families. Special events include world premieres of interactive experiences celebrating Indigenous culture and closing weekend concerts at Darwin Ski Club.
Past Events: The 2023 festival set a record with over 160,000 attendees and 55,500 tickets sold. Notable past events include performances at the new Festival Park Precinct and a variety of shows at the Spiegeltent and Maho Magic Bar.
Past Artists: The festival has featured a diverse array of artists, with 58% from the Territory in 2023, including Aboriginal artists, rock bands, and dance artists.
Website Address: Darwin Festival Official Website
Facebook Page Address: Darwin Festival Facebook Page
Local Area Tourism Information: Darwin, known for its tropical climate and rich Indigenous culture, offers a variety of attractions including the famous Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park, and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Visitors can also enjoy the city’s bustling markets, vibrant nightlife, and beachfront dining. Read more about Darwin’s tourism attractions
