North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) | Townsville Arts & Culture Festival

25 Sept - 11 Oct 2026 | Townsville, QLD

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NORTH AUSTRALIAN FESTIVAL OF ARTS

25 SEPT - 11 OCT 2026
TOWNSVILLE, QLD

A vibrant celebration of arts, culture and community that lights up Townsville from late September to early October.

The festival hub is located at the stunning Strand Park, framed by ocean views of Magnetic Island and the backdrop of Castle Hill.
NAFA offers the perfect blend of tropical beauty and creative energy.

DARE TO DISCOVER:
ARTS DONE TROPICAL

ARTIST EOI NOW OPEN

Apply to be a part of NAFA 2026. EOI for performances, projects, and creative ideas are now open and close on 24 Feb.

WHAT YOU LOVED ABOUT NAFA 2025

"It's one of the best things in Townsville and I encourage everyone to support the festival. The whole vibe and variety of shows are great."

WHAT YOU LOVED ABOUT NAFA 2025

"The atmosphere! I loved seeing Townsville come to life and everyone out enjoying themselves. I loved all the events I went to, loved the set up in the middle of The Strand as it felt like a little escape out of Townsville and lastly loved the Corroboree and Big Name, No Blankets shows."

WHAT YOU LOVED ABOUT NAFA 2025

"The atmosphere and spirit it ignites in Townsville."

WHAT YOU LOVED ABOUT NAFA 2025

"Amazing shows, great variety, incredible talents. Caters to varied interests and age groups and bringing amazing activities and events to Townsville."

WHAT YOU LOVED ABOUT NAFA 2025

"I loved so much about it. The ticketed events were fabulous, the vibe down The Strand and in the park was just so fun, I loved being able to just drop in for a drink from the bar and watch the crowd's excitement and enjoy the live music! It was a great place to meet up with friends and just chill and enjoy the atmosphere."

TODAY'S PICKS

Dr Trevor Jones

Sip a cool drink and groove to Dr Trevor Jones, king of the keys and maestro of musical theatre storytelling.

Silent Disco – Kids

Kids’ hits, games, and singalongs light up this Silent Disco Walking Tour. Dance The Strand, join surprise flash mobs, and sing along in a fun, imaginative, feel-good moving party.

Indian Classical and Semiclassical Dances

A vibrant celebration of Indian culture through rhythm, grace, and generations of dance. FREE EVENT – bookings required.

Corroboree 2025

A vibrant celebration of First Nations culture uniting Indigenous dance groups and musicians from across Queensland.

Silent Disco – New Gen Pop Divas

Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, SZA, Doechii, Dua Lipa….the Divas of a new generation. Join us to celebrate the hits of 2025!

The Procession

A bold one-woman journey through song, ritual, and resistance in a raw, intimate reimagining of operatic storytelling.

KIMMI. In the Key of Amy

A soulful tribute to Amy Winehouse, blending original songs, jazz-infused grooves, and raw emotion in a powerful, interactive live music experience.

Songs of the Sea

Clear the decks, prepare your best singing voice and come on a musical journey across the seas with 33 1/3. A pirate costume is not compulsory (but it certainly helps).

Big Name, No Blankets

A rock ‘n’ roll gig theatre extravaganza celebrating the phenomenal journey and impact of Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher, founding member of Australian music icons Warumpi Band.

Les Femmes

Women in suits, singing male anthems — a cheeky, soulful tribute to the men we’ve loved, left, or totally ghosted.

BROWSE SHOWS BY GENRE

Activities & Experiences | Burlesque | Cabaret | Circus | Comedy | Dance | Kids & Family | Interactive | Music | Theatre | Visual Arts & Design | Workshops

BROWSE SHOWS BY GENRE

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