The Darwin Festival will hold events in Palmerston for the first time this year, with organisers announcing a two-day program for the city.

Darwin Festival artistic director Kate Fell said in partnership with Palmerston Council the festival would hold a free family fiesta on a Friday evening, with two stand-up comedy shows for adults on the Saturday.

“Creating a special festival event in the heart of Palmerston was an exciting opportunity to add to the festival’s exciting line-up across Darwin,” Ms Fell said.

“Darwin Festival connects people through the love of music, arts, entertainment and culture. To be able to surprise, delight, and entertain the Palmerston community in their community is fantastic.”

The Friday night event will have multiple acts on the main stage including ARIA Award winners The Teeny Tiny Stevies, the 18-piece Marine Corps Forces Pacific band, roving entertainment, and a silent disco.

The Laugh Out Loud comedy shows will have Merrick Watts as the MC with Dilruk Jayasinha and Nikki Britton headlining and local comedian Kelly Gulliver as the first act.

Palmerston Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell said the city was thrilled to host the special weekend at this year’s Darwin Festival.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for Palmerston residents and visitors from neighbouring communities to experience an event in our backyard. This gives us a chance to highlight everything our vibrant community offers,” Ms Pascoe-Bell said.

“With free and ample parking, convenient local accommodation, easy public transport access, and the boost it’ll give our local businesses, this is a tremendous win for our community. It’s a great initiative by the festival organisers, and we’re honoured to collaborate with them.”

Darwin Festival runs from August 10 to 27. The Palmerston events will be held in Goyder Square on August 16 and 17, and the full festival program will be announced on May 29.