Getting ready to shine brighter than ever, the award-winning North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) is thrilled to announce its incredible 2025 program.
Returning for its seventh edition, NAFA will transform the streets of Townsville into a vibrant playground of arts, culture, and connection from 24 September to 12 October 2025.
This year’s festival promises a star-studded line-up celebrating arts, comedy, dance, music, community, and connection, with a curated selection of world-class artists from across Australia and around the globe. Complementing this will be a stellar Fringe Program showcasing exceptional homegrown talent.
Across 19 action-packed days, over 700 artists will deliver more than 400 performances in theatres, on street corners, in skate parks, and beside the sea. NAFA isn’t just a festival—it’s a reclamation of joy, a celebration of place, and a proud expression of what it means to be Townsvillian.
Festival Highlights include:
Drift: A Rockpool Party: Float away at an epic Strand Rockpool party for the senses. With live music and good vibes, watch the sun set at this debut signature event.
Skywhales Across Australia: As part of the National Gallery of Australia breathtaking touring project, gather at dawn to watch these incredible hot air balloon sculptures come to life and soar overhead. A moment of awe, creativity, and shared wonder—pack a picnic, sing along, and connect with nature.
Townsville Shopping Centre’s Kids and Family Program: Featuring shows like Mini Ravers, The Farmy Farm, and Play Date, with the epic Kids Day Out at BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Townsville—think DJ sets, roving performers, giant slides, magic, and mischief around every corner.
Comedy: Get ready to laugh out loud with stand-up from Arj Barker, Merrick Watts, Celia Pacquola, and Peter Helliar, delivering unforgettable nights of comedy brilliance.
Free Community Gathering: The 2025 line-up features an incredible program of free events at Gathering Ground – Jezzine Barracks, including a sunrise concert, the Yabu Gugay Sun Gathering with William Mabo, William Barton and the Wulgurukaba Walkabouts, Corroboree, and ILBIJERRI Theatre Company’s Big Name, No Blankets—an epic rock ‘n’ roll theatre show.
Queensland Country Bank Festival Hub – Strand Park: The heartbeat of the festival returns to Strand Park, featuring new pop-up venues, free performances, and a packed lineup of favourites—from classics like the Silent Disco to new headline cabaret shows Tuck Shop and TINA – A Tropical Love Story.
From the bizarre to the brilliant, the 2025 NAFA program is packed with big ideas, bright lights, and big acts that celebrate culture, creativity, and connection.
For the full program and ticket information visit nafa-tsv.com.au
TICKETS GO ON SALE 10AM FRIDAY 4 JULY 2025