Your free live music fix in Festival Park

Meet friends and family for a bite to eat and enjoy a nightly musical showcase of the many cultures of this city.

Settle in for smooth tunes from musical mover and shaker Erin Conart and her band The Conartists, get down to The Gleny Rae Virus Band’s lively interpretations of country, rockabilly and western swing classics, enjoy a showcase of culture and arts from our sister cities at Sister Cities Soiree or dance, groove and feel the pulse of Latin energy with Fiesta.

LAUNCH x Darwin Festival showcases incredible local young talent, Ngarukuruwala Group share music, dance and culture from the Tiwi Islands and Camp Dog bring the rock n roll party to the Park!

THU 7 AUG 6.30pm & 8pm
Genie and the Bottles

Genie and the Bottles are a dynamic neo-soul group based in Darwin/Garramilla, bringing a blend of soulful melodies, jazzy undertones and smooth rhythms to Festival Park. Climb into the groove pocket with the bottles and let them whisk you away.

FRI 8 AUG 7pm & 9pm
Afro House United

Afro House United is a Congolese youth dance group in Darwin who are making big waves developing a local Afro Dance scene through their weekly dance classes and high energy performances. Their Darwin Festival performance will celebrate Congolese culture, music and dance showcasing traditional clothing called Kitenge and Liputa, which symbolize respect and dignity for Congolese women and culture, as well as giving you a chance to participate and learn some new moves.

SAT 9 AUG 6.30pm & 8pm
The Camp Dog Band

The Camp Dog Band is a powerhouse six-piece country rock band whose sound is a seamless blend of twang, grit and heart. Consisting of all Darwin locals, the band has quickly become known for its raw energy, storytelling lyrics and irresistible blend of traditional country and classic rock influences. 

SUN 10 AUG 6.30pm & 8.30pm
The Governors

This Darwin-based funk and soul collective blends deep grooves, raw energy and sharp musicianship into an electrifying live experience. Rooted in tight rhythms and fearless improvisation, they craft a sound that’s both classic and fresh with deep-pocket grooves, searing solos and dynamic interplay that keeps every set unpredictable. With some of the Territory’s best musicians in the mix, The Governors don’t just play – they lock in, lift off and take the crowd with them. 

TUE 12 AUG TBC

WED 13 AUG 6.30pm & 8pm
Hannah Guilford

Hannah Guilford is a singer/song-writer from Darwin who pairs a soulful voice and gentle melodies with lyrics written from the heart. Her songs bookmark different chapters in her life and take inspiration from the likes of Julia Jacklin, Angie McMahon and Joni Mitchell.

THU 14 AUG TBC

FRI 15 AUG 6.30pm & 8pm
Ngarukuruwala Group
Ngarukuruwala Group return to Darwin Festival to share songs, stories and culture from the Tiwi Islands.

SAT 16 AUG 6.30pm & 8pm
Sister Cities Soiree
Celebrating Darwin’s sister city connections near and far, City of Darwin and Darwin Festival present the 2025 Sister Cities Soiree showcasing music and dance performances from Sister Cities, activities, trivia and prizes to be won.

SUN 17 AUG 6.30pm & 8pm
Gleny Rae Virus Band

Gleny Rae Virus is a musical chameleon. Winner of the 2023 Golden Fiddle Award and AFMA instrumentalist of the year, she lives, works, teaches and makes music in Mparntwe/Alice Springs. Her deep love of folk and bluegrass music interweaves with a fascination for Calypso and soul. Gleny Rae Virus will present a double sided show at Darwin festival, a live representation of her forthcoming eclectic album. One side will be her unique style of Aussie bluegrass with Dan Davies on bass and Aden Mackay on guitar. The flipside is calypso/soul songs with Allen Murphy on drums, plus a dynamic horn section featuring Sarah Lynar on trumpet and Natalie Jacobs on saxophones.

TUE 19 AUG 6.30pm & 8pm
Etson Caminha and The Noise Project

Etson Caminha & The Noise Project is a dynamic musical collective founded in 2017 in Dili by Timorese artist, songwriter, and musician Etson Caminha. Rooted in a deep reverence for Timor-Leste’s cultural and historical identity, the project blends traditional Timorese music with contemporary performance styles, creating powerful soundscapes that celebrate the connection between the Timorese people and their natural environment. The Noise Project incorporates indigenous and modern instruments, and elements of nature, forging a unique artistic expression. Don’t miss this special performance honouring the close relationship with our neighbours in Timor Leste.

WED 20 AUG TBC

THU 21 AUG 6.30pm & 8pm
Erin and the Conartists

Erin & the Conartists formed organically from within the Darwin Open Mic Scene. From practicing covers on stage to bringing new original music to life, Erin Conart fell in with some of Darwin’s best session musicians and now regularly gigs and hosts open mics across Darwin with Garry “Jacko” Jackson and Wayne Wright. Erin writes original music and then lets her band mates bring them to life – often live and on the fly at a jam and “faking it till they make it” – hence the name “Conartists”. Expect bad jokes, classic covers and a variety of life-inspired originals, and be sure to never let the truth get in the way of a good story

FRI 22 AUG 6.30pm & 8pm
Latin Fiesta

Founded by a group of passionate local Darwin musicians, Latin Fiesta seamlessly blends traditional Latin sounds with modern flair, creating a musical experience that transcends borders. Their infectious rhythms and captivating performances are designed to entertain, excite, and keep everyone on their feet. From the sizzling brass section to the smooth percussion, each member of Fiesta is dedicated to delivering a high-energy show that celebrates the joy, passion, and spirit of Latin culture.

SAT 23 AUG 6.30pm & 8pm
LAUNCH x DF Young Musicians showcase – Tumi Radebe and The Snippets
Fresh of the back of music mentoring through Darwin Festival’s collaboration with LAUNCH Darwin, some of the best young local talent hits the stage for your Saturday night in Festival park

Tumi Radebe

Hailing from South Africa, soulful singer-songwriter Tumi now resides in Darwin where she continues to create her music. By blending personal experiences with global influences, Tumi expresses her heartfelt lyrics centred around community and self discovery through genre bending production.

The Snippets

The Snippets are an indie-pop trio with a taste for fresh and soulful music. Being a high school band, they embrace their youth so their music radiates an infectious teenage spirit. With Amy on vocals, Keira on guitar and Samara on keys [or anything she can get her gremlin hands on], they promise you an expressive, authentic performance in which their passion for music can be heard in every note.

SUN 24 AUG 6.30pm & 8pm
LAUNCH x DF Young Musicians showcase – Simmie fitz and Rushcutters

Rounding out an incredible array of local talent performing in festival park, young musicians take the stage to showcase their music after mentoring with local industry professionals in collaboration with LAUNCH Darwin

Simmie

Simmie, singer songwriter and performer originally from Bendigo in Victoria now calls the Territory home after 6 wet seasons. Developing her love of music at an early age, the 20 year old is continuing to find her sound as she processes her life experiences and vulnerabilities through stylings inspired by artists such as Laura Marling, Hiatus Kaiyote, and the Sundays.

The Rushcutters

The Rushcutters are an emerging indie rock duo from Darwin, NT, made up of brothers Vincent and Leo Caldwell. Rooted in alternative and modern Australian rock, they craft energetic, heartfelt music. Starting out by jamming and recording demos in their bedrooms, the duo has since taken their sound to local stages, steadily building a following in the Top End. Influenced by the likes of Gang of Youths and Spacey Jane, The Rushcutters bring a fresh yet familiar edge to the indie scene.