From boundary-pushing performances to crowd-pleasing hits, these are the shows and experiences everyone will be talking about at NAFA 2025. Handpicked for their wow factor, energy, and talent – our must-see acts are the heart of the festival. Book early, they won’t stick around for long.
Ninajirachi
Experience the cutting edge of electronic music with Ninajirachi, one of Australia’s most exciting rising stars, as she takes the stage at NAFA 2025.
Age Rating: 15+
Arj Barker- The Mind Field
Arj Barker is Australia’s adopted son of comedy. Performing 2 shows only, The Mind Field will blow your mind and crack you up simultaneously.
Age Rating: 15+
Elements of Freestyle
A spectacular show that includes skating, freerunning and BMX, after which you will see urban arts with new eyes.
Age Rating: PG (10+)
Drift: A Rockpool Party
Immerse yourself in a sunset-soaked, sensory experience blending ambient music, stunning visuals, and floating relaxation at Townsville’s iconic Strand Rockpool.
Age Rating: 18+
Tuck Shop
A haven for the beautifully weird, wonderfully unique, and deliciously CAMP... in a fabulous fusion of circus, drag, burlesque, dance and live vocals!
Age Rating: 18+
TINA - A Tropical Love Story
A heartfelt tribute to Tina Turner’s indomitable spirit blending storytelling, cabaret, and dazzling drag. Simply the best!
Age Rating: 15+
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.
FREE EVENT, no bookings required.
Age Rating: G
Northern Lights & Southern Stars
Queensland Symphony Orchestra returns to Townsville for a magical night of music.
Age Rating: G
Grapes of Mirth 'Gone Troppo'
Grapes of Mirth returns to Townsville! Join us for sunshine, wine, music, and six of Australia’s best comedians.
Age Rating: 18+
John Butler Prism Tour
John Butler returns to Townsville for an intimate show at NAFA introducing his brand-new album, Prism live.
Age Rating: PG
A Live Moment
To mark Dancenorth’s 40th anniversary, A Live Moment is a wildly joyous celebration of dance - unapologetic, inclusive, and deeply communal.
Age Rating: G
Echo Mapping
An immersive duet of sound and movement where musician Jack Prest and dancer Azzam Mohamed explore rhythm, voice, space, and connection - utterly transformative.
Age Rating: G
Watersong by Shannon Jensen
Back by public demand for a return season at NAFA, WATERSONG is an extraordinary debut play by Shannon Jensen that is set to become an Australian classic.
Age Rating: 15+
Bingo Bango
Not your average Bingo game – it’s BINGO BANGO! Join us for a ridiculous, entertainment packed bingo bash filled with fun, singalongs, laughs and prizes for the whole family.
Age Rating: PG
Kids Day Out
Get ready for the ultimate family adventure with non-stop action, live music, roving performers, and endless fun for the whole crew.
Age Rating: G
Play Date
Join Turtle and Sugar Rush for a joyful, high-energy day-doof disco celebrating identity, body positivity, and imagination—where kids and their chosen families dance, play, and boogie together.
Age Rating: G
Mini Ravers
A boombox, bubbles and a whole lot of boogie – Join the ultimate daytime dance party for the whole family.
Age Rating: G
The Farmy Farm
This show’s got more action than a chook in a worm farm! Expect flying farmers, haystack acrobatics, giant juggling veggies, and big belly laughs.
Age Rating: G