The 2026 Bassinthegrass festival will feature three homegrown music acts this year, with Territory artist competition winners TANG, RileyP, and DJ D’Moss set to perform at the NT’s largest music festival on May 16 at Mindil Beach.

This year, the trio from the NT will be breaking the usual two-performer format, following a highly competitive selection process in which judges from the events and live music industry evaluated 22 entries from across the Territory, marking the highest number of submissions since 2021.

“We’re thrilled to see three Territory acts stepping onto the BASSINTHEGRASS stage this year. Creating pathways for local musicians and giving them the platform to grow their careers is a core part of what this festival is about,” Tourism and Events NT Director of Events Aimee Luxton said.

TANG is a ‘fem-rock’ trio from Darwin, known for their energetic live shows that engage audiences, organisers said. Formed in 2023, they quickly became a staple of the local music scene, opening for bands like Party Dozen, Surf Trash, and Beddy Rays. In 2025, the group won Rock Song of the Year and the People’s Choice awards at the NT Music Awards for their hit “Darwin Time.”

“We are stoked to have been chosen,” Tang guitarist and singer Elizabeth Lentaigne said. “We’ve been playing around Darwin since the end of 2023 and have spent the past couple of years playing across all the local venues. The community has been super supportive of us, and we owe it to them.”

Darwin hip-hop artist Riley P, known for his energetic performances and impactful lyrics, won the AUS Take Flight fly16 2024 competition and has opened for prominent Australian artists like Drapht, Kerser, and Bliss n Eso. He also established MNM Mentoring, which provides hip-hop-focused youth engagement programs throughout the Territory.

DJ D’Moss began his music journey at 12, performing at the Youth Shack Backpackers. By 16, he had gained experience at venues such as The Cavenagh Hotel and the Cocktail Festival and is now ready to showcase his original tracks on the BASS stage, promising to energise the crowd.

Bassinthegrass is also promoting accessibility this year, organisers said, by appointing Clarence “CJ” McCarthy-Grogan as its Accessibility Ambassador. CJ, a Yanyuwa, Garrawa, Kuku-Yalanji man from Darwin, has proudly represented Australia in wheelchair basketball.

“Accessibility to me is everything, it’s a basic human right that everyone should have the opportunity to experience wonderful events (especially when it comes to live music), it also allows people of all abilities to come together and have a fun time listening to all the amazing artists and Bassinthegrass also shows what the city of Darwin has to offer to the rest of Australia,” he said.

Mr McCarthy-Grogan, whose mother is NT Labor Senator Marlarndirri McCarthy, will be focusing on enhancing accessibility initiatives and raising awareness of available services and facilities. Key offerings include the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative, Changing Places facilities, an accessible viewing platform, accessible matting, sensory bags, an Access and Inclusion Guide, and on-site support services.

“Having an Accessibility Ambassador like Clarence McCarthy‑Grogan also strengthens our commitment to delivering events that are welcoming and inclusive for everyone,” Ms Luxton said.

Organised by Tourism and Events NT, Bassinthegrass highlights Darwin as a premier destination for live music and welcomes audiences of all ages, with three stages and over 20 performances.

Tickets for the festival are available for $155, with premium packages including ReFresh, Oasis, and BASS Camp. These packages include perks such as free transportation, capped drink prices, and affordable food options, with meals priced at $5 and $10. Children under 13 can enter for free with an adult.

For more information and tickets, visit bassinthegrass.com.au.