NORTH AUSTRALIAN FESTIVAL OF ARTS

25 SEPT - 11 OCT 2026 | TOWNSVILLE, QLD

A vibrant celebration of arts, culture and community that lights up Townsville from late September to early October.

The festival hub is located at the stunning Strand Park, framed by ocean views of Magnetic Island and the backdrop of Castle Hill.
NAFA offers the perfect blend of tropical beauty and creative energy.

2026 PROGRAM OUT NOW

The NAFA 2026 program is out now! Browse the shows and book your tickets today.

Printed programs are also available at the NAFA Box Office on Strand Park, Ardo, The Ville, Queensland Country Bank Willows, White’s Corner Store, Mary Who? Bookshop, Townsville Civic Theatre, the libraries and more.

Burlesque

Swamplesque

Wed 30 Sept - Sun 11 Oct

Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

Dazzling drag, cheeky burlesque, musical theatre, comedy and larger-than-life characters collide in a raucous, unapologetically silly adults-only night out.

Book Tickets

Kids & Family/ Science

BLAST LAB

Wed 30 Sept - Sun 4 Oct

Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

A high-energy live science spectacular where experiments erupt, curiosity runs wild and audiences become part of the action.

Book Tickets

Cabaret

La Ronde

Thu 24 Sept - Sun 11 Oct

Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

Step into the round and surrender to La Ronde – an award-winning, lavish cocktail of the highest quality circus, cabaret, and comedy from creators of Blanc de Blanc and LIMBO.

Book Now

Circus

Deja Voodoo Sideshow

Fri 25 Sept - Sun 11 Oct

Deja Voodoo Tent, Strand Park

A modern-day freak show packed with outrageous comedy, dangerous stunts, fire, sword swallowing and jaw-dropping acts. Prepare to be charmed and alarmed!

Book Now

Activities & Experiences

INK: Tattoos by Juniper

Fri 25 Sept - Sun 11 Oct

Ritual Ink Tattoo Caravan, Strand Park

Get inked by internationally acclaimed artist Juniper Wang, known for delicate, nature-inspired tattoo designs. Limited spots available over the festival!

Book Now

Dance

Sleepless Ones

Thu1 Oct - Sat 3 Oct

Dancenorth Australia

Presented by Dancenorth Australia, this contemporary dance performance is inspired by Renaissance imagery.

Book Tickets

Activities & Experiences/ Music

DRIFT

Sat 3 Oct | 1pm - 6pm

Tobruk Memorial Baths

Tobruk Memorial Pool transforms into a floating playground of music, art and pure tropical energy headlined by electronic duo Hermitude.

Book Tickets

Activities & Experiences/ Music

SPLASH

Sun 4 Oct | 8:30am - 12:30pm

Tobruk Memorial Baths

Dive into a family pool party unlike anything else in North Queensland.

Book Tickets

Comedy

Grapes of Mirth Goes Troppo

Sun 4 Oct | 1:30pm - 7:30pm

The Ville Resort-Casino

A deliciously chaotic day of comedy, wine and good times with comedians Sammy J, Nath Valvo, Chopper, Nikki Britton, Lizzy Hoo and Merrick Watts.

Book Tickets

Exhibition

I See You Like This

Sat 3 Oct | 9am - 4pm FREE EXHIBITION

Townsville Shopping Centre

A joyful exhbition inviting us to see parents through the eyes of their children.

MORE INFO

Panel Talk

Writers on the Reef at the Spiegeltent

Sat 3 Oct | 12pm - 1:30pm

Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

Join leading Australian writersy for a lively panel conversation between artists and scientists about creativity, climate, place, and the stories we need now.

Book Tickets

Music

DRIFT

Sat 3 Oct | 1pm - 6pm 18+ ONLY

Tobruk Memorial Baths

Part pool party, part live music event and part dreamscape headlined by Hermitude.

Book Tickets

Kids & Family

BLAST LAB

Sat 3 Oct | 2pm - 3pm

Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

A high-energy live science spectacular where experiments erupt, curiosity runs wild and audiences become part of the action.

Book Tickets

Activities & Experiences

Silent Disco - Kids

Sat 3 Oct | 4:30pm - 5:30pm

NAFA Festival Hub, Strand Park

Turn The Strand into your dance floor in this joyful silent disco experience for kids and family.

Book Tickets

Music

Jamie MacDowell

Sat 3 Oct | 4:30pm - 7:30pm FREE LIVE MUSIC

NAFA Festival Hub, Strand Park

Enjoy free live music in the festival hub with Jamie MacDowell.

MORE INFO

Activities & Experiences

INK: Tattoos by Juniper

Sat 3 Oct | 5pm - 9pm 18+

Ritual Ink Tattoo Caravan, Strand Park

A rare 4hr tattoo session is available this Sat with Juniper. Be quick, this spot won't last long!

Book Now

Cabaret

La Ronde

Sat 3 Oct | 5pm & 7pm 18+

Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

An award-winning circus and cabaret show.

Book Tickets

Circus

Deja Voodoo Sideshow

Sat 3 Oct | 5:30pm, 7pm, 8:30pm 13+

Deja Voodoo Tent, Strand Park

A modern-day freak show: prepare to be charmed and alarmed!

Book Tickets

Dance

Sleepless Ones

Sat 3 Oct | 7pm - 8pm SELLING FAST

Dancenorth Australia

Bodies drift through detailed worlds where beauty emerges from unrest.

Book Tickets

Burlesque

Swamplesque

Sat 3 Oct | 8:45pm - 9:55pm Strictly 18+

Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

Far Far Away just got a whole lot naughtier.

Book Tickets

SCIENCE

BLAST LAB

Wed 30 Sep - Sun 4 Oct

Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

A high-energy live science spectacular where experiments erupt, curiosity runs wild and audiences become part of the action.

BOOK NOW

SCIENCE WORKSHOP

BLAST LAB: SECRET SCIENCE

Wed 30 Sep - Sun 4 Oct | Ages 5+

Deja Voodoo Tent, Strand Park

You've seen the explosions. You've witnessed the chaos and you want more.

BOOK NOW

Activities & Experiences

SPLASH

Sun 4 Oct | 8:30am

Tobruk Memorial Pool

Dive into a family pool party unlike anything else in North Queensland.

BOOK NOW

Circus

Deja Voodoo Sideshow

Fri 25 Sep - Sun 11 Oct | Recommended 13+

Deja Voodoo Tent, Strand Park

Make the school holidays unforgettable with a wild, hilarious sideshow packed with daring stunts, fire, sword swallowing and thrills!

BOOK NOW

MAGIC SHOW

Mario the Maker Magician

Fri 9 Oct - Sun 11 Oct

Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

Robots and magic and slapstick… oh my!

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Activities & Experiences

Sea of Light

Sat 26 Sep - Sat 3 Oct

Queensland Museum Tropics Townsville

Paint with light and set sail on a glowing underwater adventure.

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Circus

School Rocks

Thu 1 Oct | 6pm

Emmaus Hall, Ryan Catholic College

Where classrooms become playgrounds and ordinary moments soar.

Book Now

Music & Dance

Silent Disco - Kids

Fri 25 Sep - Sun 11 Oct

NAFA Festival Hub, Strand Park

Turn The Strand into your dance floor in this joyful silent disco experience for kids and family.

BOOK NOW

MUSIC & DANCE

Silent Disco - General

Fri 25 Sep - Sat 10 Oct

NAFA Festival Hub, Strand Park

Turn The Strand into your dance floor in this joyful silent disco experience for everyone.

Book Now

MUSIC & DANCE

Silent Disco - KPop Demon Hunters

Sat 26 Sep - Sun 11 Oct

NAFA Festival Hub, Strand Park

The beat is calling... are you ready to join the hunt?

BOOK Now

MUSIC & DANCE

Silent Disco - Michael Jackson Hits

Sat 26 Sep - Fri 9 Oct

NAFA Festival Hub, Strand Park

Moonwalk your way through the ultimate King of Pop dance party.

BOOK NOW

SUPPORT NAFA

If you believe that extraordinary art belongs in remarkable places, you already understand why NAFA matters.

NAFA is proud to bring world-class performances, vibrant community programs, and unforgettable arts experiences to Townsville each year. Your support ensures we can continue to grow our festival, engage local communities, and celebrate creativity in all its forms.

DARE TO DISCOVER:
ARTS DONE TROPICAL

2026 PROGRAM OUT NOW

The wait is over. The NAFA 2026 Program has arrived! Explore this year's incredible lineup, download the digital program, or grab a printed copy and start planning your festival adventure.

MORE INFO

AUSLAN-INTERPRETED SHOWS

Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the arts. Selected NAFA shows feature Auslan interpretation, helping make our program more accessible and inclusive for D/deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences.

EXPLORE SHOWS

FIRST NATIONS PROGRAMMING

NAFA is committed to creating an inclusive festival that champions artistic excellence and celebrates First Nations creativity. Through First Nations-led art, performances and storytelling, we support meaningful representation, connection and cultural expression.

EXPLORE SHOWS

REEF FOCUS PROGRAMMING

Developed in partnership with GBRMPA, Reef Focus explores the Great Barrier Reef through ocean, science, art and First Nations knowledge in experiences that could only happen here.

LEARN MORE

BROWSE SHOWS BY GENRE

Activities & Experiences | Burlesque | Cabaret | Circus | Comedy | Dance | Kids & Family | Interactive | Music | Theatre | Visual Arts & Design | Workshops

BROWSE SHOWS BY GENRE

WHAT YOU LOVED ABOUT NAFA 2025

"It's one of the best things in Townsville and I encourage everyone to support the festival. The whole vibe and variety of shows are great."

WHAT YOU LOVED ABOUT NAFA 2025

"The atmosphere! I loved seeing Townsville come to life and everyone out enjoying themselves. I loved all the events I went to, loved the set up in the middle of The Strand as it felt like a little escape out of Townsville and lastly loved the Corroboree and Big Name, No Blankets shows."

WHAT YOU LOVED ABOUT NAFA 2025

"The atmosphere and spirit it ignites in Townsville."

WHAT YOU LOVED ABOUT NAFA 2025

"Amazing shows, great variety, incredible talents. Caters to varied interests and age groups and bringing amazing activities and events to Townsville."

WHAT YOU LOVED ABOUT NAFA 2025

"I loved so much about it. The ticketed events were fabulous, the vibe down The Strand and in the park was just so fun, I loved being able to just drop in for a drink from the bar and watch the crowd's excitement and enjoy the live music! It was a great place to meet up with friends and just chill and enjoy the atmosphere."