Desert Festival

25/06/2026

🪩 DJ/DANCE

Industrial Groove is a visceral, site-specific exploration of movement and machine, reclaiming Mparntwe’s outskirts through sweat, rhythm and neon lights. As the desert sun dips below the horizon, dancers navigate rust and steel, blending emotional vulnerability with high-octane energy, while electronic pulses transform the industrial landscape.

🗓️ Sat 11 & Sun 12, 6pm
📍 Fluidpower Workshop
🤑 $20/$10

Full program and tickets online now at desfest.com.au

24/06/2026

🎤 LIVE MUSIC

Adelaide battle MC Manaz Ill lands in the NT for the first time, joined by a powerhouse local lineup for a high-energy celebration of hip hop culture. More than a gig, this is a full block-party experience featuring DJs, live graffiti, a breakdance showcase, freestyle battle, live cyphers and open sign ups on the day. Featuring breakdance crew A4C from Darwin alongside Manaz Ill, Dan the Underdog, Alice Kings, GoodFullahz, D-Day, Darma87, Budda Boomzie, Dem Arrente Mape, Big J and Tommy Gunn.

🗓️ Sat 11 July, 5 - 10pm
📍 Gap View Hotel
🤑 $20

See desfest for tickets and full program

23/06/2026

A little love for the image behind this year’s Desert Festival branding. ✨

Captured by the brilliant Ivan Trigo Miras, these incredible images feature Amber McCarthy in Tiny Infinite Deaths at Desert Festival 2025. We loved it so much we couldn’t resist bringing it back for 2026.

Playful, imaginative and just a little bit mysterious, it perfectly captures the spirit of Desert Fringe Festival.

Thanks Ivan Trigo ✨

23/06/2026

Good news — we’ve scheduled a second workshop with GYRO.Group this Thursday!

This free workshop is designed for musicians who want to release music with more confidence, visibility and impact.

Learn about streaming platforms, release timelines, promotion, playlist pitching, social media and what actually helps audiences discover your music.

A rare opportunity to hear directly from music distribution experts, delivered specifically for Central Australian artists.

📅 Thursday 18 June
⏰ 6–7pm
📍 Red Hot Arts Foyer or online

Open to all musicians — you don’t need to be a Desert Fringe artist to attend.

To get this link, email [email protected] or join us in person

22/06/2026

👠 CABARET

Spin ‘n’ Flex presents: A Night at the Moulin Rouge.

Dress to impress and get ready for an unforgettable evening of entertainment. Be amazed by stunning pole dancers, captivating circus acts, powerful singers, talented musicians, and more.

🗓️ Fri 10 & Saturday 11 July, 6 - 7:30pm
📍 9/10 Smith St
🤑 $70, inc drinks and photo

20/06/2026

🪩 DJ / DANCE

A night of underground electronic music and dance floor magic opens Desert Fringe Festival 2026.

After last year’s sold out show, the crew return with a line-up of eclectic selectors and a journey through house, balearic, dub, electronica, disco, techno, broken beat and more.

Bring good vibes, love and your best self
Free and open expression encouraged

🗓️ Friday 10 July, 5pm til late
📍 Tropic of Capricorn
🤑 FREE

16/06/2026

🎙️ Coming up this Thursday as part of our workshop series

Learn the basics of preparing and promoting a music release, from distribution and release timelines through to social media strategy, promotion and more.

Designed for independent artists wanting practical guidance on how to release music with more confidence, visibility and impact.

Remember you don’t have to be a DesFest artist to sign up! Head to link in bio

📅 Thursday 18 June 2026
⏰ 6 - 7pm
📍 Red Hot Arts Foyer

16/06/2026

Expand your artistic skills and creative know-how and maybe friend making skills with our workshop fest.

📝 My Story, My Song
By Suzette Herft
Sun 12 July, 10am - 4pm
$200

📝 Words to Live By: Hope
By Kelly Lee Hickey
Sat 18 July, 2:30pm - 4pm
$10

📝 What’s Next? Sector Panel
With DesFest, Artback NT, Araluen Art Centre + special guest
Tues 14 July, from 6pm
FREE

Full program and tickets at desfest.com

16/06/2026

💎 CALLING ALL CABARET ARTISTS! 💎 Have an act you've been working on? A new idea you'd like to test? An old favourite you'd love to revisit? We want you to perform at Jewellery Box this festival!

Hosted by Desert Diamonds, Jewellery Box is an open stage night celebrating cabaret in all its forms, a supportive space to share your creativity, try something new, and connect with fellow artists.

They are seeking performers from any genre — singing, burlesque, comedy, drag, circus, spoken word, magic, music, dance, storytelling, and everything in between.
✨ Works in progress are welcome.
✨ Experimentation is encouraged.
✨ New and experienced artists alike are invited to submit.

Expressions of interest are now open. Use the QR code or follow the link to register https://form.jotform.com/261578438604061

For more information: [email protected]

Jewellery Box Open Stage Cabaret is proudly part of the Desert Fringe Festival 2026!



Image credits: Jewellery Box 2022 (Artist: Sarah Alice, Photo: Pete Merchant)

💎 CALLING ALL CABARET ARTISTS! 💎

Have an act you've been working on? A new idea you'd like to test? An old favourite you'd love to revisit? We want to see it at Jewellery Box!

Jewellery Box is an open stage night celebrating cabaret in all its forms. We're seeking performers from any genre — singing, burlesque, comedy, drag, circus, spoken word, magic, music, dance, storytelling, and everything in between.

✨ Works in progress are welcome.
✨ Experimentation is encouraged.
✨ New and experienced artists alike are invited to submit.

Jewellery Box is a supportive space to share your creativity, try something new, and connect with fellow artists.

Expressions of interest are now open. Use the QR code or follow the link to register https://form.jotform.com/261578438604061
Help us fill the Jewellery Box with something sparkling!

For more information: [email protected]

Jewellery Box Open Stage Cabaret is proudly part of the Desert Festival

Image credits: Jewellery Box 2022
-Artist: Sarah Alice
-Photographer: Pete Merchant

15/06/2026

These fullas know how to move a crowd. Music transcending all langauges in an epic lineup of powerful local musicians. Book now!

🎵 Hip Hop Block Party
Sat 11 July, 5pm - 10pm
$20

🎵 Outback Boogie
By Red Dirt Blues
Thursday 16 July from 7pm
FREE

🎵 Balaclava Peace Collective
Fri 17 July from 9pm
FREE

🎵 PJ Reggae and Laramba Band
Sat 18 July, 8pm - late
$20

Full program and tickets at desfest.com