NAFA delivered its most inclusive and accessible festival to date with 49% of all events free to the public. Read about some of the 2025 show highlights below.
DRIFT: A ROCKPOOL PARTY
A standout NAFA premiere, Drift transformed Townsville’s iconic Strand Rockpool into a sun-drenched oasis of music and art. Sublime soloists and immersive sound-weavers guided the crowd through a magical sunset, culminating in a headline performance by RONA. Guests also floated along on custom-designed tubes by First Nations artist Mahalia Mabo, making the experience truly unforgettable.
GATHERING GROUND
Gathering Ground celebrated First Nations dance, art, and culture through a series of free, community-focused events. The festival opened with a breathtaking sunrise ceremony, where Yabu Gugay Sun Gathering led a stirring blend of dance, didgeridoo, and song. It closed with a vibrant showcase of First Nations culture, featuring Corroboree and the electrifying rock ’n’ roll theatre show of the Warumpi Band in Big Name, No Blankets.
INK: TATTOOS BY CARLOS BAUTISTA
Locals had the rare chance to receive a one-of-a-kind tattoo from internationally acclaimed Mexican artist and sacred mark-maker, Carlos Bautista. With only 20 exclusive sessions initially available (and additional bookings quickly added due to popular demand), this was an unforgettable experience for fans of extraordinary body art.
NINAJIRACHI
Award-winning Australian EDM artist Ninajirachi made her debut in the Aurora Spiegeltent, bringing a high-profile performance usually reserved for capital cities to Townsville. This rare opportunity allowed regional audiences to experience her electrifying show firsthand, underscoring NAFA’s commitment to connecting world-class talent with regional communities.
SKYWHALES ACROSS AUSTRALIA
In a Townsville first, two monumental hot-air balloon sculptures in the shape of whales from the National Gallery of Australia soared over Bicentennial Park. This extraordinary and unique performance brought world-class art to the city, activating suburban spaces and giving the local community a rare opportunity to witness a spectacular, one-of-a-kind event.