The 11th edition of Parrtjima returns this Friday, 10 April, bringing ten nights of free, family-friendly fun to the Red Centre. The festival will once again light up Alice Springs with brand-new installations, hands-on activities for all ages and a packed program of entertainment, making it the perfect reason to bring the kids out for a night under the stars.
This year's theme, Language, adds a fresh new twist to the 2026 program, with colourful new light works and interactive experiences that make learning, exploring and playing part of the adventure. From 10-19 April, families can wander through glowing artworks, enjoy live music, try creative workshops and soak up the atmosphere across the festival site.
Crowd favourites return, including the spectacular MacDonnell Ranges Light Show, a must‑see for locals and visitors, and Grounded, the interactive projection that turns the red dirt into a giant digital playground. Kids can chase animations, spot animals and watch the ground come alive in a way you won't see anywhere else.
This year also introduces three optional add‑on experiences for those wanting something extra. The Merne Mwerre Bushfood Experience offers an evening of tasting platters, drinks and live music at Desert Park before strolling over to Parrtjima. The Many Hands Watercolour Masterclass adds a new morning session for those keen to try their hand at painting. Desert at Dusk rounds out the offerings with a premium night out featuring the Nature Theatre Bird Show, a guided tour through desert habitats, a gourmet bush dinner under the stars, a nocturnal wildlife encounter, ending in a visit to Parrtjima. Bookings are essential for these add‑ons.
The 2026 music program brings big energy to the festival, with Electric Fields headlining opening night. They'll be joined by hip hop powerhouse BARKAA, First Nations supergroup 3%, and a duo from Territory band Drifting Clouds. Local favourites Alice Kings, Sneaky Train, Damien Armstrong and Kirra Voller will also take the stage, along with celebrated singer‑songwriter Emma Donovan. It's a strong mix of national names and homegrown talent, perfect for a night out with friends or family.
This year's festival will also unveil four new installations from emerging and established artists:
• Corban Clause Williams - The Language of Soaks
• Darrell Sibosado - The Language of Goolarrgon Bard
• Reggie Uluru - The Language of Wati Ngintaka
• Nina Fitzgerald - The Language of Textiles
Across the ten nights, families can join in free workshops and activities including screen printing, bushfood demos, Creature Makers, clay work, Arrernte storytelling and sand painting through glowing lightboxes. The Parrtjima Dome will add a fun new program of short films and animations in a relaxed, campfire‑style experience, perfect for kids.
Opening night will also include a special tribute to the festival's late curator Rhoda Roberts AO, whose vision helped shape Parrtjima for more than a decade. The popular Night Markets return across the opening weekend, giving visitors the chance to browse stalls, grab dinner and support local artists and makers.
Parrtjima is free and all‑ages, with opening hours of 6pm-10pm on Friday and Saturday, and 6pm-9pm from Sunday to Thursday at Alice Springs Desert Park, with food stalls available on site. For registrations, the full 2026 program and tickets to the exclusive experiences, visit Parrtjima.com.au here
Quotes from Tourism and Events Executive Director of Events, Aimee Luxton:
"Parrtjima continues to grow as one of Australia's most important cultural festivals, and the 2026 arts and music program is a powerful celebration of First Nations talent and storytelling.
"Events like Parrtjima play a vital role in strengthening the Territory's visitor economy, attracting thousands of people to Mparntwe and supporting local jobs, businesses and communities, while celebrating all that Alice Springs has to offer.
"We were so lucky to have the late Rhoda Roberts AO as our Festival Curator, and this year we will celebrate, recognise and experience her vision. Opening night will be a special moment for all."
Quotes from singer, Emma Donovan:
"Parrtjima is such a special one for me. There's nothing quite like performing in Mparntwe - on Arrernte Country, to be there to witness- Tjoritja the MacDonnell Ranges looking down on you and being in its presence, it's hard to put into words. I always leave feeling full, watched and listened to.
"This year we're honouring Aunty Rhoda Roberts, which means so much and hits home. Aunty Rhoda has given so much to culture and to our community - her vision and generosity for what this festival could be is still right there in everything Parrtjima does. Proud to be there singing it up and carrying it on."
Quotes from artist, Nina Fitzgerald:
"I have known Rhoda my whole life, and she has always been a deep source of inspiration to me. In recent years, she became one of my greatest supporters and champions, as she was to so many. I owe the beginning of my career to her and will be forever grateful.
"Her legacy lives on through Parrtjima Festival - a festival and stories she was so proud to amplify. Being back here this year feels especially powerful, and an incredible honour to continue the legacy she left behind."
