Program released for 10th Parrtjima festival, kicking of in April in Alice Springs

The free event is now entering its 10th year, with this year’s shaping up to be the biggest yet. Preview the program and find out more here.

The Parrtjima 2024 crowd enjoys Grounded featuring the work of Margaret Bloomfield.

Parrtjima is coming back to the Red Centre capital, with the organiser promising a “truly special” program for the 10th iteration of the beloved festival.

Kicking off April 4 and running to April 13, the 10-day festival will bring star musical acts, comedy, markets and award-winning light installations to Alice Springs.

Returning as creative directors for 2025 are Grumpy Sailors, with the company proud to take part again, chief executive James Boyce said.

“After taking out the 2024 Australian Event Awards Tourism Event of the Year, this year’s 10th edition needed to be truly special, and we can’t wait for visitors to see how we’ve managed to build on last year’s epic program,” he said.

The Arrernte exhibition at the 2024 Parrtjima festival.

“Working with the artists, we’ve tried our best to come up with truly unique ways to honour and celebrate Indigenous art, artists, and stories on country.”

This year’s festival will feature comedy performances for the first time, with Andy Saunders and Sean Choolburra performing sets on Thursday, April 10.

Markets will be held on the opening weekend, with Desart and NT Indigenous Business Network Buy Blak Markets returning.

Troy Cassar-Daley is also performing a free gig, while the Darwin Symphony Orchestra are set to play at the festival for the first time.

Parrtjima is a free festival and is delivered by the Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) in partnership with creative directors Grumpy Sailor and events destination company We Are Gather.

The MacDonnell Ranges light show at Parrtjima.

NTMEC interim chief executive Trevor Cox said the festival is one of the largest events in the Red Centre – and is only continuing to grow.

“Parrtjima – A Festival in Light provides a powerful opportunity to engage with Aboriginal culture, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation that can be shared with the world,” he said.

“The program not only entertains but challenges visitors to reflect on the profound impact of Aboriginal culture, right in the heart of Australia.”

Last year’s Parrtjima saw more than 21,000 people attend the festival, which helped generate more than $9 million for the Alice Springs economy.

Originally published as Program released for 10th Parrtjima festival, kicking of in April in Alice Springs