Enjoy world-class performances for free at the North Australian Festival of Arts in Townsville. From live music and dance to exhibitions and cultural events, NAFA offers over 50 free events ensuring the arts are accessible to all.
ART EXHIBITIONS & FLOORTALKS
INK: The Art of Mark-Making
An art exhibition presenting works by Carlos Bautista - Oaxaca, Mexico's most celebrated tattoo artist.
Opening Night: 19 September | 6pm
Exhibition Dates: 20 September - 2 November
at Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts
Mere Porvaj [I am Remembering]
A deeply personal solo exhibition by Fijian-Australian artist Shivanjani Lal, exploring themes of migration, memory, and resilience.
Opening Night: 19 September | 6pm
Exhibition Dates: 20 September - 2 November
at Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts
Woven Together: Undivided We Rise
Showcasing artists from the 2024 Woven Together Conference, celebrating contemporary weaving as a powerful expression of resilience, self-care, and shared responsibility among First Nations women.
Opening Night: 19 September | 6pm
Exhibition Dates: 20 September - 2 November
at Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts
Umbrella Floortalk with Shivanjani Lal
Lal will discuss her practice, the themes of migration, memory, and ancestral loss in her work. She will share insights into her process, including her use of printmaking, storytelling, and historical research to reclaim forgotten histories.
20 September | 10:30am - 11:30am
at Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts
Artist & Curator Panel Discussion
Participating artists will discuss their experience working together, their creative processes, and the themes of resilience, mental well-being, and cultural exchange that emerged from the collaboration.
20 September | 11:30am - 12:30pm
at Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts
Artist to the Stars Exhibition
Showcasing Dan Schoch’s vibrant, joyful portraits of movie and music icons painted with heart, humour and a unique lens shaped by his love of pop culture.
Opening Night: 26 September | 6pm - 9pm
Exhibition Dates: 27 September - 12 October
at The Drill Hall Studio
Umbrella Floortalk with Carlos Bautista
Bautista will speak about his exhibition, INK: The Art of Mark-Making, on display at Umbrella Studio, the inspirations behind his exploration of contemporary and ancestral mark-making. Carlos will touch upon the profound and ancient history of tattooing in Mexico, exploring its significance and evolution through time.
27 September | 9:30am - 10:30am
at Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts
WEDNESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER
The Bubble Canteen
A captivating interactive performance installation that releases 20,000 bubbles per minute, enchanting audiences of all ages. No bookings required.
12pm - 12:45pm
3pm - 3:45pm
at Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub, Strand Park
THURSDAY 25 SEPTEMBER
The Bubble Canteen
A captivating interactive performance installation that releases 20,000 bubbles per minute, enchanting audiences of all ages. No bookings required.
9:30am - 10:15am
6:30pm - 7:15pm
at Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub, Strand Park
FRIDAY 26 SEPTEMBER
The Bubble Canteen
A captivating interactive performance installation that releases 20,000 bubbles per minute, enchanting audiences of all ages. No bookings required.
9:30am - 10:15am
8pm - 8:45pm
at Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub, Strand Park
Afrohouse Dance Workshop
This Afrohouse workshop brings high-energy Angolan dance rooted in Kuduro to life through infectious rhythms, dynamic footwork, and uplifting vibes—perfect for all levels.
10:30am - 11:30am
BOOKINGS REQUIRED
Sip&Sing Community Karaoke
Sip&Sing is a fun, feel-good community choir where everyone’s welcome—no experience needed! No bookings required - just rock up ready to belt out some tunes.
5pm - 6pm
at Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub, Strand Park
SATURDAY 27 SEPTEMBER
Yabu Gugay Sun Gathering
This performance opens NAFA 2025 with a powerful sunrise ceremony of dance, didgeridoo, and song, honouring over 60,000 years of culture and welcoming a new day in spirit and connection. No bookings required.
5:30am - 7am
at Kissing Point, Jezzine Barracks/ Garabarra
Renegade Handmade Market
Townsville's best market for locally made fashion, jewellery, arts, crafts, gifts and homewares will make an appearance at the NAFA festival hub!
9am - 2pm
at Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub, Strand Park
Upsound Instruments - Make & Play Workshop Area
Join sound artist Jacob Plooij as kids transform found objects into unique instruments in a fun, hands-on workshop blending creativity, sustainability, and self-expression. Bookings required.
10am - 1pm
at Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub, Strand Park
The Bubble Canteen
A captivating interactive performance installation that releases 20,000 bubbles per minute, enchanting audiences of all ages. No bookings required.
10:50am - 11:35am
12:30pm - 1:15pm
7pm - 7:45pm
at Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub, Strand Park
SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER
Skywhales Across Australia
Watch Patricia Piccinini’s monumental hot air balloons Skywhale and Skywhalepapa float at dawn, symbolising nature, family, care, and wonder. Engage creatively and witness their magic. No bookings required.
4:30am - 7am
at Bicentennial Park, Hermit Park
Upsound Instruments - Make & Play Workshop Area
Join sound artist Jacob Plooij as kids transform found objects into unique instruments in a fun, hands-on workshop blending creativity, sustainability, and self-expression. Bookings required.
12pm - 1pm
at Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub, Strand Park
The Bubble Canteen
A captivating interactive performance installation that releases 20,000 bubbles per minute, enchanting audiences of all ages. No bookings required.
4pm - 4:45pm
6pm - 6:45pm
at Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub, Strand Park
Indian Classical and Semiclassical Dances
Witness a vibrant celebration of Indian culture through rhythm, grace, and generations of dance. Bookings required.
5pm - 6pm
in The Virago at Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub, Strand Park
WEDNESDAY 1 OCTOBER
The Bubble Canteen
A captivating interactive performance installation that releases 20,000 bubbles per minute, enchanting audiences of all ages. No bookings required.
6:15pm - 7pm
at Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub, Strand Park
THURSDAY 2 OCTOBER
The Bubble Canteen
A captivating interactive performance installation that releases 20,000 bubbles per minute, enchanting audiences of all ages. No bookings required.
6pm - 6:45pm
8:15pm - 9pm
at Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub, Strand Park
FRIDAY 3 OCTOBER
Dr Trevor Jones
Sip a cool drink and groove to Dr Trevor Jones, king of the keys and maestro of musical theatre storytelling before and after your NAFA shows. No bookings required.
5pm - 9pm
at Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub, Strand Park
The Bubble Canteen
A captivating interactive performance installation that releases 20,000 bubbles per minute, enchanting audiences of all ages. No bookings required.
6pm - 6:45pm
8:30pm - 9:15pm
at Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub, Strand Park
SATURDAY 4 OCTOBER
Upsound Instruments - Make & Play Workshop Area
Join sound artist Jacob Plooij as kids transform found objects into unique instruments in a fun, hands-on workshop blending creativity, sustainability, and self-expression. Bookings required.
8am - 11am
at BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Townsville
A Kid's Day Out ticket is required to attend this free workshop, which is included as part of the event program.
The Bubble Canteen
A captivating interactive performance installation that releases 20,000 bubbles per minute, enchanting audiences of all ages. No bookings required.
12pm - 12:45pm
5:30pm - 6:15pm
at Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub, Strand Park
Dr Trevor Jones
Sip a cool drink and groove to Dr Trevor Jones, king of the keys and maestro of musical theatre storytelling before and after your NAFA shows. No bookings required.
5pm - 9pm
at Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub, Strand Park
SUNDAY 5 OCTOBER
Upsound Instruments - Make & Play Workshop Area
Join sound artist Jacob Plooij as kids transform found objects into unique instruments in a fun, hands-on workshop blending creativity, sustainability, and self-expression. Bookings required.
8am - 11am
at BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Townsville
A Kid's Day Out ticket is required to attend this free workshop, which is included as part of the event program.
The Bubble Canteen
A captivating interactive performance installation that releases 20,000 bubbles per minute, enchanting audiences of all ages. No bookings required.
1pm - 1:45pm
4pm - 4:45pm
8pm - 8:45pm
at Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub, Strand Park
Dr Trevor Jones
Sip a cool drink and groove to Dr Trevor Jones, king of the keys and maestro of musical theatre storytelling before and after your NAFA shows. No bookings required.
5pm - 9pm
at Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub, Strand Park
WEDNESDAY 8 OCTOBER
The Bubble Canteen
A captivating interactive performance installation that releases 20,000 bubbles per minute, enchanting audiences of all ages. No bookings required.
5pm - 5:45pm
7pm - 7:45pm
at Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub, Strand Park
THURSDAY 9 OCTOBER
The Bubble Canteen
A captivating interactive performance installation that releases 20,000 bubbles per minute, enchanting audiences of all ages. No bookings required.
5pm - 5:45pm
8pm - 8:45pm
at Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub, Strand Park
FRIDAY 10 OCTOBER
The Bubble Canteen
A captivating interactive performance installation that releases 20,000 bubbles per minute, enchanting audiences of all ages. No bookings required.
6pm - 6:45pm
7:30pm - 8:15pm
at Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub, Strand Park
Dr Trevor Jones
Sip a cool drink and groove to Dr Trevor Jones, king of the keys and maestro of musical theatre storytelling before and after your NAFA shows. No bookings required.
6pm - 10pm
at Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub, Strand Park
SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER
Corroboree 2025
A vibrant celebration of First Nations culture uniting Indigenous dance groups and musicians from across Queensland. No bookings required.
4:30pm - 7:30pm
at Jezzine Barracks/ Garabarra
The Bubble Canteen
A captivating interactive performance installation that releases 20,000 bubbles per minute, enchanting audiences of all ages. No bookings required.
5pm - 5:45pm
at Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub, Strand Park
Dr Trevor Jones
Sip a cool drink and groove to Dr Trevor Jones, king of the keys and maestro of musical theatre storytelling before and after your NAFA shows. No bookings required.
6pm - 10pm
at Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub, Strand Park
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. No bookings required.
7:30pm - 9:15pm
at Jezzine Barracks/ Garabarra
SUNDAY 12 OCTOBER
Dr Trevor Jones
Sip a cool drink and groove to Dr Trevor Jones, king of the keys and maestro of musical theatre storytelling before and after your NAFA shows. No bookings required.
4pm - 8pm
at Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub, Strand Park
Corroboree 2025
A vibrant celebration of First Nations culture uniting Indigenous dance groups and musicians from across Queensland. No bookings required.
4:30pm - 7:30pm
at Jezzine Barracks/ Garabarra
Indian Classical and Semiclassical Dances
Witness a vibrant celebration of Indian culture through rhythm, grace, and generations of dance. Bookings required.
4:30pm - 5:30pm
in The Virago at Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub, Strand Park
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. No bookings required.
7:30pm - 9:15pm
at Jezzine Barracks/ Garabarra
Please note that show times are subject to change without notice. Please visit the individual event listings or our socials for the most up-to-date information.