The countdown is on for the 2026 Garrmalang Festival, with organisers unveiling an expanded program which celebrates the strength, diversity and creativity of First Nations cultures through music, visual art, storytelling and community connection.
Taking place across 12 and 13 June at Darwin's AANT Centre, Garrmalang has established itself as one of the Northern Territory's most significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts festivals, creating a space where culture is shared, celebrated and experienced by people of all backgrounds.
This year's program combines headline performances with a rich offering of free community events, ensuring culture remains accessible and at the heart of the festival experience.
Among the newly announced free attractions is Daranigi Gulwa (Our Songs), a live music program showcasing local First Nations musicians throughout Saturday.
Rising Darwin singer-songwriter Prayer Corby will perform alongside her father, respected local musician Doug Corby, from 10am to 2pm, bringing soulful sounds and powerful storytelling to festival audiences. Later that evening Elder and storyteller Eddie Janama Kitching will take to the stage, sharing songs reflecting culture, connection and life on Larrakia Country.
Music is only one part of the Garrmalang experience.
Festivalgoers will also witness the official unveiling of a new mural by celebrated self-taught Larrakia artist Jason Lee, whose work has become instantly recognisable across Darwin. The mural will be revealed on Friday evening in Garrmalang Alley, a newly named social and creative space beside the Studio Bar at the AANT Centre.
Lee's connection to culture began at a young age and was strengthened through learning Larrakia language and cultural practices. His dreaming is the dragonfly, known in Larrakia language as Bidjipidji, which also serves as the iconic symbol of Garrmalang Festival.
The unveiling will form part of the festival's official opening celebrations, beginning with a Welcome to Country and community gathering.
Alongside the music and visual arts program visitors can explore the Laundry Gallery x Jilamara exhibition, experience the vibrant Gender Fluids installation by acclaimed artists The Huxleys, browse local stalls at the Numanggwa Yili Rriyung Blak Meeting Place Marketplace, visit the Blak Library, and enjoy food and refreshments through the Mayima Eat & Drink offerings.
The festivals previously announced ticketed events remain major drawcards. Audiences can look forward to a rare, shared stage performance between Torres Strait Islander music icon Christine Anu and emerging artist ZIPPORAH, celebrating family, legacy and song across generations.
Meanwhile, The Huxleys will present Together We Are Beautiful, an immersive late-night experience blending performance art, music, dance and visual spectacle in a celebration of queer creativity and First Nations artistry.
For many Territorians, Garrmalang is more than a festival. It is a gathering place where stories are shared, culture is honoured and community comes together.
At a time when spaces for truth-telling, cultural exchange and connection are more important than ever, Garrmalang continues to provide a platform for First Nations voices while showcasing the incredible artistic talent emerging from communities across the Territory and beyond.
With free and ticketed events running across the weekend, organisers are encouraging locals and visitors alike to come together on Larrakia Country and experience the power of culture, creativity and community.
The full Garrmalang program can be viewed online.
