The Darwin Festival has launched its 2026 program, featuring 764 artists presenting 405 performances, with organisers promising an eclectic mix of music, theatre, comedy, cabaret, dance and family-friendly events along with “mouth-watering food experiences”.

The festival will run from August 5 to 23 this year.

Darwin Festival Artistic Director Kate Fell said this year’s program will keep with its tradition of providing a diverse and entertaining experiences.

“Darwin is a world away in the best possible sense, and Darwin Festival captures its magic, vibrancy and cultural connections unlike any other Festival in the country,” she said.

“Where else could you watch a cult band like TISM, eat a Sri Lankan hopper by a MasterChef alumnus, join in a surreal marathon aerobics session, head off to a Teddy Bear’s Picnic, become part of a roller skating show, and engage with Indigenous art and culture in a single event?

“Everyone will find something they’ll love – or are curious about – with the extraordinary mix of local talent, international and national legends, unforgettable human stories, art and connection to cultures.”

This year’s music line-up features a diverse range of acts, from cult punk to country to classical. Highlights include the iconic TISM, The Drones launching their Australian tour in Darwin, and The 60 Four’s energetic tribute to 70s music.

Other notable performers are ARIA-winning artist Paul Dempsey, Global Rhythms, and country sensation Fanny Lumsden. Additionally, Big Noter, known as Briggs, will be swapping his hip-hop beats for guitar riffs, along with Ursula Yovich, Grammy-nominated Hiatus Kaiyote, Mama Kin Spender, and many more.

This year’s program will also bring the laughs with an unforgettable comedy experience featuring Tom Gleeson, Brett Blake, Josh Thomas, Bron Lewis, Rove McManus, Michelle Brasier, Tokyo’s fastest-rising comedic talent Takashi Wakasugi, Lauren Brady, and Darwin’s Amy Heatherington’s new show.

TISM will be performing at the Darwin Festival this year. PIC: Darwin Festival

Young audiences will be thrilled by the inaugural Darwin Kids Comedy Club, promising a cheeky, entertaining atmosphere full of delightful chaos.

This year, the Spiegeltent is raising the bar with the world premiere of Loca Vida; Vou Fijian Flying Circus; along with Deck the Balls: Xmas in August; Cheer; and Briefs: The Works – a “glitter-drenched explosion of circus, drag and burlesque.

The festival will also showcase the National Indigenous Music Awards alongside the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards, highlighting and celebrating Indigenous arts and culture.

Attendees can also look forward to performances from The Great First Nations Songbook and Gapu Ŋupan (Chasing the Rainbow), both the result of five years of collaborative work across cultures, featuring talented performers and artists from Taiwan, Bangarra Dance Theatre, and Yothu Yindi.

“Darwin Festival is all about connection,” Darwin Festival CEO James Gough said.

“In August, there is no better place to experience that than Darwin during festival time. We are proud to not only deliver a memorable experience, but to generate meaningful social impact – bringing communities together, supporting local artists and businesses, and contributing to the Territory’s visitor economy.”

For further details and the complete event schedule, visit darwinfestival.org.au.

Friends of the Festival can purchase tickets from May 22 to 24, while general tickets will be available starting May 25.