From street performers to circus acts, headline cabaret to hands-on workshops — NAFA is back, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more unexpected than ever.

Running from Wednesday 24 September to Sunday 12 October 2025, the North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) will transform Townsville into a 19-day celebration of creativity, colour and community.

Whether you're into dance, comedy, theatre, visual art or just like watching fire twirlers under palm trees, NAFA is your ticket to the tropics with a twist.

Your Festival Forecast

With over 400 performances across nearly three weeks, NAFA is packed with world-class shows, outdoor spectacles, family-friendly fun and fringe-style surprises around every corner.

Here’s just a taste of what’s coming:

• ISH Dance Collective (2–3 October) – Hailing from the Netherlands, this high-energy troupe fuses BMX stunts, skateboarding, basketball freestyle, hip hop, breakdancing and even classical music in one epic performance that defies labels. Expect workshops, too.

• Pop-up street shows – Roving circus acts, music, dance and theatre lighting up laneways, parklands and The Strand.

• Comedy & cabaret nights – From national favourites to rising stars, it’s laughter and glitter guaranteed.

• Hands-on workshops – Art, dance and creative activities for the whole family to jump into.

• Gallery exhibitions & public art – See the city through a new lens, with thought-provoking work from local and visiting artists.

With a mix of free, low-cost and ticketed events, there’s something for every taste, age, and schedule.

For full event details and daily schedules, check the official NAFA website.

Getting Around

Getting to and between NAFA events is a breeze. Most venues are centrally located near The Strand, City Centre, and the Civic Theatre precinct.

• Public transport runs regularly from most parts of town.

• E-scooters are a fun way to cruise between shows.

• Parking is available at key sites like Strand Park, with updated maps and accessibility info coming closer to festival time.

Bonus: everything looks better with palm trees and fairy lights.

Fuel Up

NAFA nights call for a good feed — and lucky for you, Townsville knows how to deliver.

• Palmer Street – For long dinners, riverside views and reliable crowd-pleasers.

• City Lane – Tucked-away bites, cocktails and an urban-cool vibe that kicks in after dark.

• The Strand – Grab fish and chips or gelato by the sea, then catch a fire show or roving performance on your walk.

Tip: Follow your ears and your nose — half the fun is stumbling onto something unexpected.

When You’re Not Watching the Stage...

From salt-air strolls to scenic lookouts, here’s how to fill your festival downtime the Townsville way:

• Climb Castle Hill
  Get your steps in (or drive up) for unbeatable views of the city, reef and ranges — best served at sunset or sunrise.

• Wander The Strand
  Seaside strolls, gelato, art trails, and maybe even a fire show — this is Townsville’s waterfront at its most iconic.

• Ferry to Magnetic Island
  Got a spare day? Hop over to Maggie for palm-fringed beaches, cocktails, coastal walks and a dose of slow island life — just 20 minutes away.

• Gallery Hop & Street Art
  Explore Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, or discover Townsville’s colourful murals and sculptures scattered through the city centre.

And if you're feeling inspired to stretch your weekend into something more? We don't blame you. With island escapes, scenic hikes and seaside brunch spots just minutes from the stage, staying a little longer means experiencing the full Townsville effect — at your own pace.

When it’s time to recharge, check into The Ville for poolside luxury, Ardo for rooftop calm and spa indulgence, or Oaks Townsville for stylish, central comfort that keeps you close to the action.

Art, Culture, and a Little Bit of Magic

Whether you’re front row at a cabaret, chasing circus acts along the foreshore, or letting the kids go wild at an art workshop, NAFA is a celebration of creativity in all its forms.

This is the arts, done tropical. Colourful, surprising, and a little bit wild.

So... are you up for it?