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.

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE FESTIVAL UPDATES

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 Ardo, The Ville, Queensland Country Bank Willows, White’s Corner Store, Mary Who? Bookshop, HeyDays Cafe, Townsville Civic Theatre and more.

VIEW DIGITAL PROGRAM
BOOK TICKETS

TOP PICKS

Burlesque

Swamplesque

Wed 30 Sept - Sun 11 Oct
Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

The ogre-inspired burlesque spectacular that smashed box office records at Edinburgh Fringe is coming to NAFA, and nothing will ever be the same.

Book Now
Cabaret

La Ronde

Thu 24 Sep - Sun 11 Oct
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

Kids Spiegel World

Fri 25 Sept - Sat 26 Sept
Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

Bluey and Bingo. Circus. Dance Party. Kids Spiegel World is where imagination comes to life!

Book Now
Comedy

Dave Hughes - Cooked

Thu 8 Oct - Fri 9 Oct | 6:30pm
Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

There is no one else that comes close to the phenomenon that is Dave Hughes. Behind that cooked looking facade is a mind that works like no other.

Book Now
Kids & Family

BLAST LAB

Wed 30 Sept - Sun 4 Oct
Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

Science explodes off the stage in BLAST LAB – a high-energy live science spectacular where experiments erupt, curiosity runs wild and audiences become part of the action.

BOOK NOW
Music

Ngulmiya feat. Pau Figueres

Sun 27 Sept | 2pm
Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

Ancient Numburindi songlines meet contemporary flamenco and Mediterranean guitar in this beautiful collaboration between Ngulmiya Nundhirribala and Pau Figueres.

BOOK NOW

COMING UP NEXT

Workshop

The Rhythm Gathering Workshop

Sat 22 Aug · 4pm
The Strand Amphitheatre

Learn the rhythms and prepare for this community music experience.

Register now
Theatre

The Cloud Factory

Wed 23 Sept · 10am
William Ross SHS Performing Arts Centre

Potions, songs and sky-high fun for the whole family.

Book Tickets
Cabaret

La Ronde

Thurs 24 Sept · 7pm
Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

An award-winning mix of circus, cabaret and comedy.

Book Tickets
Kids & Family

Kids Spiegel World

Fri 25 Sept· 9am
Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

Bluey and Bingo. Circus. Dance Party.

Book Tickets

DISCOVER OUR WORKSHOPS

MUSIC WORKSHOP

The Rhythm Gathering Workshop

Sat 22 Aug & Sat 19 Sep | 4pm
Various locations

Learn rhythms. Perform together. Registrations essential.

REGISTER NOW
COMEDY WORKSHOP

Deadly Funny Workshop

Sat 26 Sep | 2:30pm
Deja Voodoo Tent, Strand Park

Sharpen your comedy skills with a seasoned pro. Register now.

REGISTER NOW
SCIENCE WORKSHOP

BLAST LAB: SECRET SCIENCE

Wed 30 Sep - Sun 4 Oct
Deja Voodoo Tent, Strand Park

Get hands-on with science, experiments and explosive fun.

Register Now
SONGWRITING WORKSHOP

A Songwriting Showcase - Workshop

Sat 3 Oct | 3pm
Riverside Gardens Community Centre

Explore songwriting, storytelling and creativity.

Register Now
CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP

Tidal Writing Retreat

Sun 4 Oct - Wed 7 Oct
Magnetic Island

Develop your writing in an inspiring island setting.

Register Now

SUPPORT NAFA

If you believe that extraordinary art belongs in remarkable places, you already understand why NAFA matters.

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.

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."

FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS

Facebook Instagram Linkedin

Be the first to receive festival updates

SUBSCRIBE

Supported By