Darwin Festival 2026 Program Announced with TISM, World Premieres, and Diverse Lineup

Scheduled to take place from August 5 to 23, 2026, the Darwin Festival will showcase a variety of events throughout Darwin. Notable features include TISM's first show since 1996, the world premiere of Gunamidirra by Luminous Productions, and Gapu Ŋupan, a dance performance celebrating cross-cultural collaboration. The lineup also includes The Nanna Effect by Tracks Dance Company, the National Indigenous Music Awards, and the National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards. Performers such as The Drones, Paul Dempsey, Briggs, and Ursula Yovich will take the stage, alongside comedians like Tom Gleeson and Rove McManus. Additionally, the festival will highlight Belloo Creative's Back to Bilo, The Great First Nations Songbook, Sydney Dance Company's Engine, and The Australian Ballet's The Nutcracker Act II. Artistic Director Kate Fell and CEO James Gough stressed the importance of cultural connections and social impact, with backing from NT Minister Marie-Clare Boothby.