Darwin Festival reveals full program ahead of 2025 edition, local and international starts to take centre stage

The full program for Darwin Festival has been revealed, with more than 700 local and international talent set to perform across 50 venues. Read the highlights.

Front (L-R) Roxanne Voulanas, Esther Mutalemba. Middle (L-R) Artistic Director Kate Fell, Alanah White, Elizabeth Albiston and Samson Mashimango during the launch of Darwin Festival at the Fort Hill Parklands on June 3, 2025. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The full program for Darwin Festival has been revealed, with about 734 local and international talent set to perform across 50 venues.

The program features eight world premieres, the largest-ever Taste of Darwin program, iconic Australian musicians, award-winning art, side-splitting comedy, dance, circus, exclusive Northern Territory productions and more.

Guy Sebastian kicks off the festival’s music program on August 8, performing at the Fort Hill Parklands at the Darwin Waterfront Precinct.

Supporting Sebastian throughout the opening weekend is New Zealand sensation L. A. B, alongside ARIA chart-topper Gabriella Cilmi, Alice Springs duo The Wanted Gems, Andrew Gurruwiwi Band, and Juran.

Front (L-R) Roxanne Voulanas, Esther Mutalemba. Middle (L-R) Artistic Director Kate Fell, Alanah White, Elizabeth Albiston and Samson Mashimango during the launch of Darwin Festival at the Fort Hill Parklands on June 3, 2025. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

A slew of artists and comedians will also come to Darwin, including Sarah Blasko, Rhys Nicholson, Dave Hughes, Jude Perl, Rhonda Burchmore, Melanie Bracewell, Anthony Callea, Merrick Watts, Tricksy Collins, Suhani Shah, Tim Campbell, Troy Cassar-Daley, and more.

Soul powerhouse Emma Donovan will deliver the world premiere of Take Me To The River, a homage to legends like Al Green, Otis Redding, and Aretha Franklin.

Adding to the line-up of world premiere musical performances is A Night of Rock and Roll with Bogan Villea.

Darwin Symphony Orchestra will present Heaven and Earth, inspired by a key ancestral figure from Northeast Arnhem Land.

And the Warumungu Elders with Dr Shellie Morris will perform Singing For Our Little Ones, the live debut of their new children’s album.

Samson Mashimango, Artistic Director Kate Fell and Esther Mutalemba from Afrohouse United. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Another world premiere is Shundori, a visual art experience by Walkley-nominated filmmaker Naina Sen that explores contemporary South Asian identity from Darwin’s creative heart.

Debuting at the festival is Tracks Dance Company’s new show Antidote, celebrating local stories and community; and Crown and Country, a cinematic and musical journey exploring connection to Country, belonging, and cultural responsibility.

The festival will also feature a mix of circus, dance, opera, and experimental performance, including Circa’s Duckpond, Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Illume, Opera Australia’s La Bohème, and Night Night.

The festival’s expanded Taste of Darwin program includes a City Cocktail Experience, the Gloom and Gourmet Dinner, a Comedy Bus Tour and more.

Samson Mashimango, Artistic Director Kate Fell and Esther Mutalemba from Afrohouse United. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Darwin Festival artistic director Kate Fell said this year’s program was designed to inspire and entertain.

“This year, the extraordinary city of Darwin really takes centre stage,” she said.

“We’re thrilled to deliver one of our most diverse and exciting programs yet – spanning art, film, music, comedy, cabaret, dance, food, and family fun, across our biggest ever footprint.”

For full program details, visit: darwinfestival.org.au.

Friends of the Festival tickets go on sale 9am Wednesday 4 June, with public tickets available from 9am on June 6.