25 Sept – 11 Oct 2026 | Townsville, QLD

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.

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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 White’s Corner Store, Mary Who? Bookshop, HeyDays Cafe, Townsville Civic Theatre and more.

VIEW DIGITAL PROGRAM

TOP PICKS

Kids & Family

Kids Spiegel World

Fri 25 Sept - Sat 26 Sept
Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

Bluey and Bingo. Circus. Dance Party. Kids Spiegel World is where imagination comes to life!

Book Now
Burlesque

Swamplesque

Wed 30 Sept - Sun 11 Oct
Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

The ogre-inspired burlesque spectacular that smashed box office records at Edinburgh Fringe is coming to NAFA, and nothing will ever be the same.

Book Now
Circus

Deja Voodoo Sideshow

Fri 25 Sept - Sun 11 Ocr
Deja Voodoo Tent, Strand Park

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

Book Now
Cabaret

La Ronde

Thu 24 Sep - 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
Comedy

Grapes of Mirth Goes Troppo

Sun 4 Oct - 1:30pm
The Ville Resort-Casino

Australia's favourite touring comedy festival returns to Townsville with six award-winning comedians, paired with wine, gourmet food and tunes on the lush lawns of The Ville.

BOOK NOW
Music

Macy Gray Live

Fri 2 Oct 8:00 PM
Civic Theatre · Townsville

Following her sensational sold-out 2024 Australian tour, Macy Gray returns for her largest ever tour of Australia and New Zealand — and this time, she's going further than ever before.

Book Tickets

COMING UP NEXT

Workshop

The Rhythm Gathering Workshop

Sat 22 Aug · 4pm
The Strand Amphitheatre

Learn the rhythms and prepare for this community music experience.

Register now
Theatre

The Cloud Factory

Wed 23 Sept · 10am
William Ross SHS Performing Arts Centre

Potions, songs and sky-high fun for the whole family.

Book Tickets
Cabaret

La Ronde

Thurs 24 Sept · 7pm
Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

An award-winning mix of circus, cabaret and comedy.

Book Tickets
Kids & Family

Kids Spiegel World

Fri 25 Sept· 9am
Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

Bluey and Bingo. Circus. Dance Party.

Book Tickets

MUST-SEE SHOWS

Activities & Experiences

INK: Tattoos by Juniper

Fri 25 Sep - Sun 11 Oct
Ritual Ink Tattoo Caravan, Strand Park

A rare opportunity to receive a unique tattoo. Spaces strictly limited.

BOOK NOW
COMEDY

Dave Hughes - Cooked

Thu 8 Oct - Fri 9 Oct | 6:30pm
Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

Behind his cooked looking facade is a mind that works like no other.

BOOK NOW
KIDS & FAMILY

BLAST LAB

Wed 30 Sep - Sun 4 Oct
Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

A high-energy live science spectacular for the whole family!

Book NOW
MUSIC

Ngulmiya feat. Pau Figueres

Sun 27 Sep | 2pm
Aurora Spiegeltent, Strand Park

A beautiful fusion of First Nations song and Catalan guitar.

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.

MAKE A DONATION TODAY

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

WE'RE HIRING!

Various casual roles are available including Box Office Manager, Box Office Staff, Front of House Staff, Site Crew and Volunteers. Applications close 7 Aug 2026.
MORE INFO
APPLY NOW

PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER EOI OPEN

Are you a photographer or videographer with a passion for capturing live events? Submit an EOI to work with NAFA. Submissions close 7 Aug 2026.
MORE INFO

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

ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES
BURLESQUE
CABARET
CIRCUS
COMEDY
Dance
Kids & Family
Interactive
Music
Theatre
Visual Arts & Design
WORKSHOPS
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."

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