The award-winning Desert Festival is returning to Alice Springs (Mparntwe) from 3 - 20 July with a bold new format and a fresh curatorial direction.
For the first time in its 24-year history, the inspired multi-arts event is shaking up the festival format and "going Fringe". Departing from its traditionally curated program, the festival is embracing an open-access, artist-led model that celebrates independent voices and grassroots creativity.
This evolution not only mirrors a global arts movement but aligns closely with the ethos of Darwin Fringe Festival, allowing more artists, venues, and community groups to participate in shaping the program.
This year's Desert Festival theme, HOME, explores where we come from, what we carry, and where we belong, which is reflected in the diverse program that spans bush dances, aerial theatre, spoken word, drag shows, comedy and live music.
A highlight on the festival schedule is the rock 'n' roll theatre performance, Big Name, No Blankets by ILBIJERRI Theatre Company, which explores the life and legacy of the iconic Warumpi Band's founding member, Sammy Butcher.
For the youth, Dream Big, is an all-ages First Nations-led hip-hop event that will feature a freestyling competition and concert headlined by Miss Kaninna, supported by artists Yung Warriors, Dylan Voller, Dem Arrernte Mob and more.
The program features more than 40 events and performances across multiple venues, with 80% of artists based in Central Australia. Each event is connected to the region through story, place, community or perspective, ensuring the festival remains deeply embedded in the distinct cultural identity of the Red Centre.
Explore the full 2025 program, get your tickets, and find out more at [http://www.desfest.com]
The event is delivered by Red Hot Arts here and supported by the NT Major Events Company here Funding Program.
Quotes from Northern Territory Major Events Company Executive Director Aimee Luxton:
"We're proud to support Desert Festival through our funding program as it embraces a fresh format that empowers artists and celebrates creative risk-taking in Central Australia.
"Desert Festival plays a valuable role in the cultural life of Alice Springs and the wider region. It not only supports local artists, but also brings people together through shared stories, experiences and creativity.
"The 2025 theme of HOME resonates strongly with the Territory's unique sense of place and community. Supporting events that explore these ideas through the arts helps to strengthen cultural identity and connection.
"Events like Desert Festival contribute to the vibrancy of our towns and cities, activate local venues and businesses, and offer audiences memorable experiences that celebrate the Territory's talent and diversity."
Quotes from Artistic Director of Desert Festival Angie Stahl:
"We're stoked to take the festival in a new direction - one that's more responsive, community-driven, and sustainable. Going fringe means letting artists shape the festival from the ground up. It's not just a new model - it's a new energy.
"This year's program is a heartfelt ode to Central Australia, with every event anchored in connection to this place. If this were our last festival, I'd go out with my heart full and head high."
