There’s no better time to be in the tropical Top End than during Darwin Festival each August, where a fabulous festival wonderland awaits you. Balmy nights under twinkling lights provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dry season, the Top End’s tropical winter.
Australia’s hottest winter arts festival combines the quintessential spirit and energy of Darwin with warm outdoor festivities and a vibrant program of events for an unforgettable good time.
Darwin Festival 4-21 August 2022!
Family fun at Darwin Festival
The Boy who talked to dogs
Young Martin is a misfit. Bullied at school and misunderstood at home, his only comfort comes from sneaking off to the family coal shed to bond with his German Shepherds, Major and Rex.
When things reach breaking point, the 13-year-old runs away from his home in Limerick, Ireland and finds himself taken in by a new family – a pack of stray dogs. As they dodge trains, steal meals and fight for survival, Martin finds himself on the road he was always meant to take.
The Boy Who Talked to Dogs is a magical and mischievous tale of transformation, redemption, and what happens when the underdog finds his pack.
Thu 11 – Sat 13 Aug at Studio Theatre, Darwin Entertainment Centre
Troll
It’s 1998. Otto is 12 but online he’s 13 and he’s pretty sure he gets away with it.
He lives in an old wooden two-story house with his mum, dad and sister, a mysterious, chain-smoking Icelandic granny and an ancient malevolent troll that’s lurking in the walls.
From Trick of the Light Theatre comes a lo-fi wi-fi fable. Tröll combines storytelling, music and puppetry into an uncanny tale that explores issues of the digital age, mental health and the value of real-life connection and family.
Thu 18 – Sun 21 Aug at Brown’s Mart Theatre
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Prehistoric Picnic
It’s been a while – 65 million years, actually – since Darwin echoed with the footsteps of dinosaurs.
Now, thanks to Erth, Sydney’s world-famous dinorecreationists, these majestic creatures will once again walk the land. The picturesque lawns of the Museum and Art Gallery of NT are the perfect picnic ground for a prehistoric pack – and the whole family is invited to get very close to some life-like ancient creatures. Made to spark feelings of wonder, Prehistoric Picnic is an interactive adventure that sends MAGNT back to the wilderness of a distant era.
Thu 11 – Sun 14 Aug at Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
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Teddy Bears Picnic
Darwin’s favourite family fun day is back. And we’ve got a packed morning of free activities especially designed for youngsters (and the young at heart!).
Bring the family, your teddies and dancing shoes to City of Darwin Teddy Bears’ Picnic to learn some Bollywood and K-Pop moves, join two of the stars of The Legend of Queen Kong for a special kids-only queer cabaret experience, see Corrugated Iron get up to their circus tricks, go wild for a DJ mash up featuring Disney hit ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ and lots, lots more.
Kick back on the lawn, picnic on treats from our food vendors, check out local stalls or get involved in amazing artistic adventures.
Sun 7 Aug at The Esplanade
Find the full program of events at Darwin Festival
