GUY SEBASTIAN AND L.A.B. TO OPEN DARWIN FESTIVAL AT STUNNING WATERFRONT VENUE

Darwin Festival is turning up the heat for 2025, unveiling a blockbuster opening weekend music program headlined by two powerhouse acts – Australia’s beloved Guy Sebastian and New Zealand’s electrifying L.A.B. – at a brand-new festival venue: the breathtaking Fort Hill Parklands at the Darwin Waterfront Precinct, on Friday, 8 August and Saturday, 9 August 2025.

Set against one of the city’s most iconic sunset backdrops, this stunning outdoor location will make its festival debut with a mix of national stars and homegrown Territory talent. With Guy Sebastian, Friday night will also feature Gabriella Cilmi and the Alice Springs duo The Wanted Gems, while local favourite Juran and the acclaimed Andrew Gurruwiwi Band will bring its infectious Yolŋu funk from Northeast Arnhem Land to support L.A.B. on Saturday.

“Bringing artists like Guy and L.A.B to a venue as special as Fort Hill Parklands, alongside top Territory talent, is what makes Darwin Festival so unique,” said Darwin Festival Artistic Director Kate Fell.

“These are one-of-a-kind experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else in Australia.” Darwin Festival CEO James Gough said: “We are partnering with SRO Events to deliver large-scale events in the Northern Territory and delivering this opening weekend at a new location at Darwin Waterfront allows us to highlight the city’s breathtaking harbour and showcases the Territory as a cultural destination on the national stage.”

Danielle Jones, Managing Director of opening weekend event partner SRO Events, added: “Partnering with Darwin Festival is an exciting opportunity to deliver events that make a genuine impact – culturally, socially, and economically. We’re excited to collaborate in bringing events of this calibre to Darwin Waterfront and creating memorable experiences for our community.”

Darwin Waterfront Corporation Chair Patrick Bellott echoed the excitement: “Our restaurants and bars are thrilled to play a bigger role in this year’s festival. We’re ready to serve up the best food and vibes to match an unforgettable opening weekend.”

Tickets are now available for both Fort Hill Parklands performances

Darwin Festival (7-24 August) will announce its full program of cabaret, theatre, comedy, dance, visual arts, outdoor concerts under the stars and fun family events on Tuesday 3 June.