25 Sept – 11 Oct 2026 | Townsville, QLD

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.

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2026 PROGRAM OUT NOW

The NAFA 2026 program is out now! Browse the shows and book your tickets today. 

Printed programs are also available at the NAFA Box Office on Strand Park, Ardo, The Ville, Queensland Country Bank Willows, White’s Corner Store, Mary Who? Bookshop, Townsville Civic Theatre, the libraries and more.

VIEW DIGITAL PROGRAM
BOOK TICKETS
SIGN UP TO MAILING LIST

LAST CHANCE - FINAL DAY OF FESTIVAL

Burlesque

Swamplesque

Sun 11 Oct | 8:45pm LAST SHOW TODAY!
Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

Dazzling drag, cheeky burlesque, musical theatre, comedy and larger-than-life characters collide in a raucous, unapologetically silly adults-only night out.

Book Tickets
Cabaret

La Ronde

Sun 11 Oct | 5pm & 7pm FINAL SHOWS TODAY!
Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

Step into the round and surrender to La Ronde – an award-winning, lavish cocktail of the highest quality circus, cabaret, and comedy from creators of Blanc de Blanc and LIMBO.

Book Now
Kids & Family

Mario the Maker Magician

Sun 11 Oct | 10am & 12:30pm FINAL SHOWS TODAY!
Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

An all-ages theatre experience exploding with energy and belly laughs! He's the best kids' magician in the world!

Book Tickets
Circus

Deja Voodoo Sideshow

Sun 11 Oct | 4:30pm & 6pm LAST 2 SHOWS TODAY!
Deja Voodoo Tent, Strand Park

A modern-day freak show packed with outrageous comedy, dangerous stunts, fire, sword swallowing and jaw-dropping acts. Prepare to be charmed and alarmed!

Book Now

FINAL SHOWS TODAY

Magic/ Theatre

Mario the Maker Magician

Sun 11 Oct | 10am & 12:30pm
Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

Robots and magic and slapstick… oh my!

Book Tickets
Music

St Paddy's Day in the Park - 33 1/3

Sun 11 Oct | 3:30pm
Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

Rousing Irish singalongs, lively tunes and fabulous dancers.

Book Tickets
Circus

Deja Voodoo Sideshow

Sun 11 Oct | 4:30pm & 6pm Recommended 13+
Deja Voodoo Tent, Strand Park

A modern-day freak show: prepare to be charmed and alarmed!

Book Tickets
Cabaret

La Ronde

Sun 11 Oct | 5pm & 7pm 18+
Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

An award-winning circus and cabaret show.

Book Tickets
Music

FJ Smith

Sun 11 Oct | 5pm - 8pm FREE LIVE MUSIC
NAFA Festival Hub, Strand Park

Enjoy free live music against the backdrop of a Strand Park sunset.

More Info
Music

Stories - GBRO

Sun 11 Oct | 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Townsville Civic Theatre

The stories, sounds and spirit of the tropics in concert.

Book Tickets
Activities & Experiences

Silent Disco - KPop Demon Hunters

Sun 11 Oct | 6:30pm - 7:30pm
NAFA Festival Hub, Strand Park

The beat is calling... are you ready to join the hunt?

Book Tickets
Cabaret

Swamplesque

Sun 11 Oct | 8:45pm 18+
Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

Dazzling drag, cheeky burlesque, musical theatre, comedy and larger-than-life characters collide in a raucous, unapologetically silly adults-only night out.

Book Tickets

AUSART DAY 2026

We're registered for AusArt Day on 22 October 2026 - a national day that supports Australian artists and organisations to raise funds for the work we're passionate about.

NAFA is proud to bring world-class performances, vibrant community programs, and unforgettable arts experiences to Townsville each year. Your support ensures we can continue to grow our festival, engage local communities, and celebrate creativity in all its forms. Consider making a donation this AusArt Day on 22 October.

MAKE A DONATION TODAY

DARE TO DISCOVER:
ARTS DONE TROPICAL

2026 PROGRAM OUT NOW

The wait is over. The NAFA 2026 Program has arrived! Explore this year's incredible lineup, download the digital program, or grab a printed copy and start planning your festival adventure.
MORE INFO

AUSLAN-INTERPRETED SHOWS

Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the arts. Selected NAFA shows feature Auslan interpretation, helping make our program more accessible and inclusive for D/deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences.
EXPLORE SHOWS

FIRST NATIONS PROGRAMMING

NAFA is committed to creating an inclusive festival that champions artistic excellence and celebrates First Nations creativity. Through First Nations-led art, performances and storytelling, we support meaningful representation, connection and cultural expression.
EXPLORE SHOWS

REEF FOCUS PROGRAMMING

Developed in partnership with GBRMPA, Reef Focus explores the Great Barrier Reef through ocean, science, art and First Nations knowledge in experiences that could only happen here.
LEARN MORE

BROWSE SHOWS BY GENRE

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

BROWSE SHOWS BY GENRE

ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES
BURLESQUE
CABARET
CIRCUS
COMEDY
Dance
Kids & Family
Interactive
Music
Theatre
Visual Arts & Design
WORKSHOPS
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."

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Supported By

City of Townsville
Queensland Government
Queensland