24 September - 12 October 2025 | Townsville, QLD

Gathering Ground

Celebrate First Nations dance, art and culture at NAFA. Showcasing 60,000 years of stories, traditions and creativity, NAFA honours and supports events led by and for First Nations people.

Saturday 27 September

5:30am – 7am

Kissing Point, Jezzine Barracks/ Garabarra

 
Yabu Gugay Sun Gathering 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.
 
Suitable for all ages.
 

FREE EVENT, NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED.

Saturday 11 October and Sunday 12 October

4:30pm – 7:30pm

Jezzine Barracks/ Garabarra

A vibrant celebration of First Nations culture uniting Indigenous dance groups and musicians from across Queensland.

 

Suitable for all ages.

 

FREE EVENT, NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED.

Saturday 11 October and Sunday 12 October

7:30pm – 9:15pm

Jezzine Barracks/ Garabarra

 

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. Stomp your feet, clap your hands, sing along, and get swept away by this big-hearted story from the bush.

Performed in English, Luritja and Gumatj (Yolngu Matha).

 

Suitable for all ages.

 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander attendees are advised that this performance contains images, names and representations of people who have passed away.

 

FREE EVENT, NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED.