Your Guide to Opening Week at Darwin Festival

Something unique – the opening week is full of those magical moments that you can only experience in Darwin in August. Highlights include the premiere performance of Song Spirals – a visual feast of music, projections, and dance that transports you to North East Arnhem Land; and Big Name, No Blankets – in the tropical Darwin Amphitheatre, this show will have you singing, dancing, laughing and crying as you get swept up in the fantastic story of the Warumpi Band as told through the eyes of founding member Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher.

Fun-filled nights out with friends – JAZZPARTY is a super fun way to kick off the first Saturday night. This eight-piece band will get everyone up and dancing on the INPEX Sunset Stage. Alternatively, be among the first to experience a night on the Sitzler Festival Lawn with The Party in the Spiegeltent. You can also start or end your night with the DARKFIELD 20- minute thrill-seeking experiences – FLIGHT or SÉANCE.

Awe-inspiring entertainment – the opening week has plenty of shows that will blow you away including The Mirror by Gravity and Other Myths featuring extraordinary group acrobatics combined with pop mash-ups performed live by singer Ekrem Eli Phoenix; and Wayfinder by Dancenorth – a super joyful, colourful, bouncy, visual overload of a dance show – don’t miss it!

Shows to take the kids to – there is lots on offer for all-ages – it’s always fun to take a little person along to a show so if you don’t have one yourself, see if a friend with kids can let you borrow them for an afternoon! In week one, some special shows are POD – a beautiful visual theatre work exploring the unique Top End animals and seasons; Kids Club Spectacular – an all-star Darwin cast of fabulous performers who will entertain the whole family; and of course City of Darwin Teddy Bears’ Picnic with lots of interactive and creative fun for the under 8s.