Parrtjima has unveiled its 2026 music program, bringing an exceptional lineup of First Nations artists and celebrated performers to Mparntwe (Alice Springs) from 10-19 April 2026. This year's program will showcase some of the country's most exciting voices, blending culture, storytelling and contemporary sound under the desert sky.
Opening night will be headlined by Electric Fields, returning to Parrtjima following a remarkable few years on the national and international stage. The multi‑award‑winning duo has built a career that bridges electronic music, soul and language, representing Australia at Eurovision in 2024 and collecting multiple ARIA, AIR and NIMA honours. Their high‑energy performance will set the tone for an unforgettable 10‑day festival.
Joining the lineup is acclaimed hip hop artist Barkaa, whose rise since 2020 has reshaped the Australian music landscape. A proud Malyangapa, Barkindji woman, Barkaa is known for her sharp lyricism, fearless storytelling and powerful presence. Her debut EP Blak Matriarchy earned two ARIA nominations and a National Indigenous Music Award, with 2024 marking a breakout year that included a sold‑out Sydney Opera House performance and national tour.
Adding even more depth to the program is 3%, the Australian First Nations hip‑hop supergroup known for their powerful collective voice and genre‑shaping influence. Their inclusion brings a dynamic new energy to the Parrtjima stage, showcasing the strength of contemporary Indigenous music and the impact of collaboration across communities and cultures.
Also performing is a duo from Territory band Drifting Clouds, a family band from Gapuwiyak led by singer, songwriter and keyboardist Terry Guyula. Their ethereal sound blends synthpop, 80s influences, rock and country with deep connections to Songlines, Dreamtime stories and life in community. Having performed at leading NT cultural festivals including Garma, Barunga and Bush Bands Bash, their Parrtjima appearance brings a uniquely Yolŋu voice to the program.
The 2026 program also proudly features a strong lineup of local Central Australian artists, including Alice Kings, Sneaky Train, Damien Armstrong and Voller. These artists bring the heart of Mparntwe to the Parrtjima stage, showcasing the depth of local talent and the vibrant musical traditions that continue to shape the region's cultural identity.
Rounding out the lineup is celebrated singer‑songwriter Emma Donovan, renowned for her powerful vocals and deeply emotive storytelling. A proud Gumbaynggirr and Noongar woman, Emma has built an extraordinary career across solo work, collaborations and festival stages nationwide. Her long‑running partnership with The Putbacks has earned multiple awards and critical acclaim, and her recent project Take Me To The River continues to showcase her artistry through a rich blend of soul, culture and influence.
Parrtjima 2026 will once again illuminate the MacDonnell Ranges with large‑scale light installations, art, music and storytelling, celebrating the world's oldest continuous culture. This year's theme, Language, invites visitors to engage with First Nations knowledge through immersive experiences and interactive workshops.
