Parrtjima – A Festival in Light, the only Aboriginal-led event of its kind, will return to Mparntwe/Alice Springs in April 2026.
Proudly showcasing the oldest continuous cultures on Earth through modern technology against the backdrop of the incredible MacDonnell Ranges – a 300-million-year-old natural canvas, Parrtjima (pronounced Par-Chee-ma) means 'lighting up' and conveys two meanings: physically illuminating an object with light and 'lighting up' as in to shed light and understanding on a subject.
Celebrating its eleventh iteration, the free festival running April 10-19 will immerse audience members in light installations, live music, performances, workshops, talks, markets and more.
All shaped and guided by First Nations voices, the festival is a prominent event on the Northern Territories cultural calendar. Set against the MacDonnell Ranges, the 2026 festival will transform the desert into a living canvas of art, culture and storytelling.
Beyond the spectacular light displays, Parrtjima's power lies in the songs, dances, art, and conversations that connect visitors to more than 65,000 years of continuous culture, drawing a diverse audience from across Australia and the world.
While the 2025 festival was one of the most successful to date, attracting more than 21,000 attendees - the second-highest turnout in Parrtjima's history, next year's event is set to welcome an even bigger crowd.
This year the festival's opening weekend alone drew over 8,000 visitors with almost half (49.2 per cent) experiencing the festival for the first time. Research showed the experience resonated strongly, with 90.3 per cent of attendees reporting high satisfaction.
Delivered by the Northern Territory Major Events Company in partnership with We Are Gather and Grumpy Sailor, Parrtjima 2025 injected almost $11.7 million into the Territory economy, with $10 million directly benefiting Alice Springs.
The festival featured works by more than 20 Aboriginal artists across six major installations and showcased over 100 performers and special guests.
"We are delighted to have the 2026 dates for Parrtjima confirmed. This free, family-friendly festival continues to showcase the rich stories of Aboriginal culture on Arrernte Country in a way that benefits both community and economy," said Northern Territory Major Events Company executive director, Aimee Luxton.
"Last year's event highlights the growing appetite for authentic cultural experiences, and Parrtjima delivers just that. It provides a space for culture to shine, while creating opportunities for local artists and inspiring visitors to engage with the world's oldest living culture."
Parrtjima curator Rhoda Roberts AO also commented on the festival's 2025 success.
"Parrtjima 2025 was nothing short of extraordinary – one of our biggest gatherings yet in the festival's journey. Over 10 unforgettable nights, the atmosphere was alive with energy and deep emotion. From the moment the lights came on and our first welcome echoed across the desert, you could feel something truly special unfolding," she said.
"Our speakers and performers empowered and inspired, the voices of the next generation rang out proud, and the festival delivered countless memorable moments. Having the Darwin Symphony Orchestra perform on the closing weekend was the perfect finale – a moment that will be remembered for years to come.
"Seeing artists moved to tears as their stories lit up the landscape was a powerful reminder of how deeply art and Country are intertwined – and what a privilege it is to share that with the world. Parrtjima continues to be a heartfelt celebration of Arrernte Country, showcasing the strength, beauty and timelessness of Aboriginal culture."
The 2026 festival promises another remarkable celebration as Parrtjima marks its eleventh iteration.
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