Townsville will transform into a tide of light, sound and story this September and October as the North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) throws open its doors for 2026, with an extraordinary program deeply connected to the people, cultures and landscapes of North Queensland.
Running from Friday 25 September to Sunday 11 October, almost 200 performances and events will flow through venues across Townsville over seventeen days, spanning live performance, visual art, music, cabaret, circus and family-friendly entertainment.
NAFA 2026 brings together acclaimed national and international acts alongside exceptional homegrown talent. Featuring eight world premieres and four Queensland premieres, this year’s program draws its spirit from the place where reef, river and city meet.
“NAFA is not about recreating a festival that could happen in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne. Our opportunity is the opposite – to create extraordinary experiences that could only happen here in North Queensland,” said NAFA Artistic Director Kyle Page.
“For seventeen days, we want the city to feel different. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or travelled across the country to join us, I hope NAFA reveals something about this place that you haven’t seen or felt before.”
Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto said he was excited to see arts, culture and creativity on show across the city as NAFA returns.
“It’s fantastic to see NAFA back for 2026, bringing our city to life and giving locals and visitors alike a reason to get out, immerse themselves in the arts, explore Townsville and enjoy everything our region has to offer,” Cr Dametto said.
“For the next 16 days, some of our most iconic locations will become the backdrop for world-class performances, incredible experiences and unforgettable moments that showcase the best of our community.
“NAFA isn’t just a great festival, it’s a major boost for local businesses, local jobs and our visitor economy, and I’m proud to see Townsville once again on show to the rest of the country.”
Opening Weekend Highlights
- Yabu Gugay – A powerful dawn gathering at Strand Park Beach, featuring acclaimed Numburindi songmen Ngulmiya and Nayurryurr Nundhirribala from Arnhem Land who join the Wulgurukaba Walkabouts in a celebration of Country, culture and connection.
- La Ronde – An award-winning circus cabaret, taking the stage for the first time in Queensland – where glittering bodies spin overhead and exceptional artistry collide in a dazzling display of glamour and world-class talent.
- Townsville Shopping Centre Kids and Family Program – Action-packed with science, music and a visit from Aussie icons Bluey and his sister Bingo, the program will keep the whole family entertained. Local performers from Props Youth Theatre present The Cloud Factory and nationally renowned music act Teeny Tiny Stevies take the stage.
- INK: Tattoos by Juniper – Based in Tokyo, Canadian artist Juniper Wang will be turning bodies into canvases with her contemporary tattoo work, drawing from meticulous traditions of Chinese gongbi painting and the quiet elegance of Japanese sumi-e. This is a rare opportunity to receive a unique tattoo from an internationally acclaimed artist.
- The Rhythm Gathering – Led by acclaimed local facilitator Alex Salvador, this free community event invites hundreds of locals to come together and create an unforgettable celebration of rhythm and connection. Held at the Festival Hub in Strand Park, everyone is welcome to join in and be part of the show or simply sit back and enjoy the spectacle.
- Deadly Funny – Presented by Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Deadly Funny has unearthed the freshest, fiercest, funniest comedians and yarn-spinners from across the country. Be there for the laughs, stay for the storytelling.
As a flagship cultural event for the region, the North Australian Festival of Arts plays an important role in Townsville’s cultural calendar, bringing artists and audiences together, supporting the local visitor economy and creating opportunities for the community to experience extraordinary arts and culture. In 2025, the Festival attracted more than 47,000 attendees and generated $8.2 million in direct economic impact.
With 30 per cent of the program free, there are plenty of ways for everyone to experience NAFA 2026. Tickets and the full Festival program are available at nafa-tsv.com.au.
Townsville City Council and Arts Queensland are major funding partners of the North Australian Festival of Arts.