Festival Park is your hub venue for free Festival fun. And if it’s music you’re after then Darwin Port Bandstand is the place to be.

Every night the Park is open we’ll feature guest Darwin artists whose music shines a light on some of the many cultures of this city. Drop in after work and see a band over dinner or kick back after you’ve enjoyed a ticketed show and hear eclectic tunes from across the globe.

THU 8 AUG 6.30pm & 8pm
Larry Gurruwiwi & Malawurr

Our Festival evenings of stunning free music get started with force of nature Larry Gurruwiwi. A multi-instrumentalist with an incredible voice Larry is also acknowledged as the greatest traditional yidaki virtuoso player in the world. It’s a role he inherited from his late father, the legendary Galpu Clan leader, Mr D Gurruwiwi. Larry continues his father’s legacy working with his brothers and extended family under the name of Malawurr, which is the Galpu name for family.

FRI 9 AUG 6.30pm & 8.15pm
Sayuni Choir Darwin

Sayuni Choir Darwin are a local 12-piece choir with a live band that perform incredible African gospel music. Be swept away by the sounds of Africa as the stunning harmonies and joyful songs of this group get your weekend off to a divine start.

SAT 10 AUG 6.30pm & 8.15pm
Latin Street Fiesta

Latin Street Fiesta is a band that captivates audiences and gets everyone up and dancing.  But they are not just about the music, it’s all about the experience. Join in for a dance lesson then take your new-found mambo moves to the dance floor with a live band.  

SUN 11 AUG 6.30pm & 8pm
Home on Stilts

Described by someone as “the soundtrack to a cheeky spy movie”, Home on Stilts are a trio of master musicians that creates relaxed, laid-back grooves that will put your heart rate down but will still keep you wobbling along.

TUE 13 AUG 6.30pm & 8pm
Jaxon De Santis

As a child who moved around a lot, Jaxon was always able to enjoy whatever sounds were being made and he has taken that attitude into making his on music. With his voice, guitar and loop pedal this diverse performer brings a range of vibes as he performs his own, different take on songs you already know while also having a few of his own tunes up his sleeve. Jaxon prides himself on being able to analyse the atmosphere and augment it with his ability to interact with the crowd.

WED 14 AUG 6.30pm & 8pm
Gravy Train

Gravy Train is not just a local legend but a musical virtuoso whose journey spans continents. From his early years in the UK, where his passion for rhythm first ignited, Gravy’s percussive fingerstyle guitaring mesmerised audiences in London, Melbourne and Tokyo.

THU 15 AUG 6.30pm & 8pm
Crystal Robins & the Wildfires

Darwin based songwriter Crystal Robins brings to the stage her indie-folk and alt-country original songs, with the help of her band full of NT talent ‘The Wildfires’. Come along to hear songs and stories from Crystal’s debut full-length album, set for release in 2024

FRI 16 AUG 6.30pm & 8pm
Pulse

Get ready for two sets of incredible South East Asian music from Darwin favourites Pulse. For over 20 years this evolving line up has been a highlight at major NT cultural events and their songs have wowed the world with millions of views on YouTube.

SAT 17 AUG 6.30pm & 8pm
Zilwa

Discover the rhythms of the culturally rich and diverse island of Mauritius with Zilwa (meaning ‘Islander’). Hear the sounds of sega, seggae, reggae and maloya,  all integral rhythms from this cultural and musical melting pot that has influenced by countless colonial powers, rebellions and independence.  

SUN 18 AUG
5.30pm
Alice Cotton

Straight outta Darwin, queer indie-folk artist Alice Cotton’s infectious songs ‘hit you with the depth and breadth of her storytelling’ (triple j). Cotton is carving up the country’s regional music scene with her infectious and off-kilter blend of folk, alt-country and indie-rock. Audiences are drawn in by Alice’s playful banter paired with stunning vocals and introspective lyrics about family dogs, queer love, and a constant longing for food 

6.30pm & 8.15pm
Sarah Baxter

Sarah Baxter’s original music is soulful, poignant and powerful, with catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Heavily influenced by the jazz and folk genres, Sarah’s voice, music and engaging stage presence will keep you captivated and entertained. 

TUE 20 AUG 6.15pm & 8pm
No Place Like Home

No Place Like Home explores the themes of home, identity and belonging. In this free live event, Charlie King and Lisa Pellegrino take you on a journey home. A night of storytelling including interviews with special guests and performances by local musicians and artists about home and what IT means to each of us. Musical and spoken word performances by: Les Lipwurrunga Huddleston, Melanie Mungunggurr, Dave Garnham, Francis Diatschenko and Sofia Izquierdo.

WED 21 AUG 6.30pm & 8pm
Duval Guterres

You may be strolling through Smith Street Mall or perhaps the Nightcliff Markets and hear stunning instrumental guitar flowing through the space bringing a bit more joy to your day. There is a good chance it’s local artist Duval Guterres. Originally from neighbouring Timor Leste Duval brings his unique and beautiful guitar music for a midweek evening serenade.

THU 22 AUG 6.30pm & 8pm
Ward Hancock Trio

You might remember Ward Hancock from Darwin’s much-loved Rambutan Jam Band. Since then, Ward has spent eight years studying in Melbourne and honing his musical skills all over Australia and in Jamaica. Now back in Darwin, he has been collaborating with numerous artists across the NT. His stripped-back solo sound has been compared to John Major and for this show Ward performs with his trio, moving effortlessly through reggae, soul and folk.

FRI 23 AUG 6.30pm & 8pm
Lady Finger Swing

Darwin-based Lady Finger Swing play jazz manouche in the tradition of Django Reinhardt. With music that is infectious, impassioned and deeply rooted in the swing music of Paris in the 1930s, you’ll be floating to the perfect Dry season evening soundtrack.

SAT 24 AUG 6.20pm & 8pm
LAUNCH Darwin Young Musicians Showcase Part 1

Darwin Festival and LAUNCH Darwin are proud to collaborate to nurture and showcase some of the incredible young talent in this town. 

6.20-7pm
Heidi Barker

Heidi Barker is a 16 year old singer/songwriter from Darwin, who shares her stories of relationships and sense of place through inspired lyrics and versatile melodies.

8.00-8:45
Abbey Rapkins

Abbey Rapkins, is a 17 year old, self–taught singer songwriter who released her debut song, Butterflies, with many more to come in the future. 

SUN 25 AUG 6.20pm & 8pm
LAUNCH Darwin Young Musicians Showcase Part 2

Darwin Festival and LAUNCH Darwin are proud to collaborate to nurture and showcase some of the incredible young talent in this town.

6:20 – 7pm
Erin Conart

Having been raised listening to many genres, Erin Conart’s original music is a reflection of her history both in style and story; from country to folk pop, ballads and even something akin to alternative rock – her songs are inspired by life experiences.

8:00 – 8:30pm
minez

minez is a Filipino singer, rapper and songwriter raised in Darwin, Australia who delves within experimental fusions of genres like hip-hop, R&B and a sprinkle of pop/punk.