Set to feature 734 artists presenting 402, engaging performances across a record 50 venues from August 7-24, Darwin Festival has released its full program this week.

The 2025 program will see a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity, and community filled with world premieres, national sell-out acts, iconic Australian musicians, award-winning art, comedy, cabaret, dance, circus, and family-friendly activities.

Darwin Festival artistic director Kate Fell said this year's program is designed to inspire and entertain, with the record number of venues taking part reflecting the vibrancy and spirit of Darwin – including new location Fort Hill Parklands at Darwin Waterfront.

"This year, the extraordinary city of Darwin really takes centre stage. From breathtaking sunsets over the harbour to lush parks and iconic venues, Darwin Festival 2025 will shine across 50 locations," 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."

The 2025 festival includes seven world premieres, the largest-ever Taste of Darwin program, exclusive Northern Territory productions, and an impressive lineup of Australia's most acclaimed shows. Several talented First Nations creatives will also be spotlightlighted within the festival's programing.

Emma Donovan will deliver the world premiere of Take Me To The River, a passionate homage to legends like Al Green, Otis Redding, and Aretha Franklin, delivered with her unmistakable vocal fire, whilst Country music legend Troy Cassar-Daley hosts a special screening of A Journey Between the Fires, a moving documentary exploring grief and creativity, preceded by a Q&A and live performance.

Proud Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Kalkadoon, and Yirendali artist Miss Kaninna will also take to the festival's stage to perform.

Adding to the lineup of world premiere musical performances is A Night of Rock & Roll with Bogan Villea, which offers a guest-filled tribute to Aussie anthems with a Blak and bogan twist. Darwin Symphony Orchestra will present Heaven and Earth, inspired by a key ancestral figure from Northeast Arnhem Land.

And in a poignant cultural moment, the Warumungu Elders with Dr Shellie Morris will perform Singing For Our Little Ones, the live debut of their new children's album – part of a crucial language preservation project, with only 50 fluent speakers of Warumungu remaining.

Tracks Dance Company's new show Antidote, will celebrate local stories and community; and Crown and Country, a cinematic and musical journey exploring connection to Country, belonging, and cultural responsibility will also debut at the festival.

NT Minister for Major Events Marie-Clare Booth said events such as the Darwin Festival were not only a highlight on the Territory's dry season events calendar, but also significant drivers for the local economy.

"Our government is proud to support events like the Darwin Festival, which play a key role as we continue our commitment to rebuilding the economy and restoring our great Territory lifestyle," she said.

"The Darwin Festival brings people together in the heart of the city and celebrates what makes the Territory unique, with thousands of attendees each year. With its diverse program featuring hundreds of performances across a range of genres, including big names such as Guy Sebastian and Gabriella Cilmi, there's something for everyone at the Darwin Festival."

The festival will feature a diverse mix of circus, dance, opera, and experimental performance. Standouts include Circa's Duckpond, a spectacular circus reimagining of Swan Lake; and Bangarra Dance Theatre's Illume, exploring the wonder of light.

Various other beloved Australian and international artists and comedians will also be coming to Darwin, including Dave Hughes, Jude Perl, Rhonda Burchmore, Melanie Bracewell, Anthony Callea, Merrick Watts, Tricksy Collins,Tim Campbell and more.

Guy Sebastian will kick off the festival in style on Friday the 8th of August 2025, headlining the opening night at the new Fort Hill Parklands in the Darwin Waterfront Precinct. The opening weekend continues with the Darwin debut of New Zealand sensation L.A.B, alongside Gabriella Cilmi, The Wanted Gems, Andrew Gurruwiwi Band, and Juran.

The festival's expanded Taste of Darwin program includes a City Cocktail Experience – offering a choice between a glamorous 1920s bar hop or a wild tropical bar adventure; the Gloom and Gourmet Dinner, a darkly delicious feast set in a moody, red-lit banquet hall; a Comedy Bus Tour mixing food, drinks, and laughs across multiple venues; and Makan Club, a four-course sensory journey exploring food, culture, and connection.

The Family Fiesta in Palmerston returns this year on the festival's middle weekend. Goyder Square will come alive with free entertainment for all ages, including performances from M3 Dance Association, and antics by the Top End Clown Troupe.

The National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) will also take place during the week long festival, spotlighting the richness of First Nations music, from emerging artists to icons.

With many events, performances and attractions set to educate and engage the public, the 2025 festival is bound to be bigger and better than the last.

Friends of the Festival tickets go on today with public tickets available from 9am on Friday the 6th of June.

Darwin Festival is proudly supported by the Northern Territory Government through NT Major Events Company and City of Darwin.

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