The North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) has unveiled the first show in its 2026 program, announcing Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and soul icon Macy Gray will perform in Townsville for one night only as part of her biggest-ever Australia and New Zealand tour.
The announcement marks the first glimpse of NAFA 2026, signalling another ambitious year of arts and cultural experiences for North Queensland audiences.
Following a sensational sold-out Australian tour in 2024, Macy Gray returns to Australia with her unmistakable smoky vocals, magnetic stage presence and a catalogue of global hits that have made her one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music.
With more than 25 million records sold worldwide, a Grammy Award, two BRIT Awards and a career spanning more than two decades, Macy Gray has cemented herself as one of the defining artists of soul and R&B. Australian audiences embraced Macy from the beginning, sending her breakthrough hit I Try to number one and helping establish her debut album On How Life Is as a chart-topping favourite.
North Australian Festival of Arts Artistic Director, Kyle Page said Macy Gray was the perfect artist to launch the festival’s 2026 program.
“NAFA is about bringing extraordinary experiences to North Queensland, and we couldn’t think of a better way to begin unveiling our 2026 program than with an artist of Macy Gray’s calibre,” he said.
“Her voice is instantly recognisable, her live shows are legendary, and this performance reflects our commitment to bringing internationally acclaimed artists to Townsville while creating memorable experiences that foster connection, pride and belonging across our community.
Audiences can expect a celebration of Macy’s greatest hits including I Try, Still, Do Something, Sweet Baby and Sexual Revolution, alongside music from her exciting new era.
As the first announcement for NAFA 2026, the performance sets the tone for a festival program that will continue to bring exceptional artists, bold creative experiences and cultural moments to North Queensland.
Macy Gray presented by David M. Hawkins and Tomos Griffiths and NAFA
Performance date: Friday 2nd October
Location: Townsville Civic Theatre
General release tickets on sale: Wednesday 3rd June at 9am