Festival of Us 2026
On Monday, Jan 26, NT AUSTRALIA DAY 2026 will be again held at the Territory Netball Stadium in Marrara, promising an inclusive celebration of the NT’s incredible diversity, and inviting all Territorians to feel a part of this significant ‘Festival of Us’.
Building on the “Reflect. Respect. Celebrate” theme, the 2026 Festival of Us has an incredible program of local entertainment, workshops, and multicultural market food offerings.
Kicking off at the Darwin Waterfront bright and early with a Welcome To Country and the Oz Run, followed by a smoking ceremony by Larrakia families, the Festival of Us will then move to the Territory Netball Stadium in Marrara, for the afternoon program of events.
The “Festival of Us” program commences at 11 AM and concludes at 8 PM and is a FREE event.
Follow the event on Facebook for program announcements and updates!
Performances
| The Youth Mill | The Youth Mill Performing Arts Company (TYMPAC) is a program development and facilitation service that supports young First Nations people to explore and strengthen their cultural and linguistic heritage. Participants are empowered to tell their own stories through contemporary music and art forms, while also engaging in pro-social, up-skilling activities that build practical skills and support meaningful employment pathways.
The performances delivered by TYMPAC focus on the preservation and celebration of culture and language. These performances are presented to diverse audiences across Queensland, the Northern Territory, and nationally and internationally. Through this work, local young emerging artists are provided with professional opportunities to showcase their talents while educating audiences on the importance of maintaining and valuing the world’s oldest continuing cultures. TYMPAC actively contributes to the continuation and visibility of Indigenous cultural and artistic expression. All music performed by TYMPAC is originally composed, written, and produced by the participants. The music and performances span a broad range of styles, including traditional and contemporised works, often merging with young classical musicians and artists from other cultural backgrounds. This approach reflects collaboration, innovation, and the diverse world in which we live, while ensuring participants maintain creative ownership and cultural authority over their stories.
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| KPOP Demon Hunters Battle for the Fans | Get ready to fight for the Honmoon! This is a dance battle between the demons and the hunters where you can JOIN IN.
The team with the most fans will WIN! Are you with Rumi, Mira and Zoey? Or are you with Gwi-Ma? Come and show love for your favorite team and win prizes!
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| B2M | B2M will return to Darwin’s audiences for a one-off appearance at the Festival of Us on Australia Day 2026.
Recently reformed after a long break, this six-piece from the Tiwi and Goulburn Islands blends West Arnhem didgeridoo/“bamboo,” R’n’B pop and traditional Tiwi chants. Think Westlife meets Daft Punk with a Tiwi pop twist. The band is one of the most successful crossover acts in the Northern Territory. From national and international tours, they have created some of the most popular sounds the Territory has produced. B2M headlined the AFLNT interstate rounds, opened a full Amphitheatre for Darwin Festival with Tina Arena and have appeared at all the important cultural festivals in the top end including Garma, Barunga and Freedom Day at Wave Hill.
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| Darwin Beach Choir | Darwin Beach Choir is an unforgettable, hands-on musical experience. Strangers become a three-part harmony choir in under an hour, guided by our charismatic conductor and live musicians. No experience needed — just energy and a love of music. It’s part workshop, part team-building magic, and all feel-good fun.
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| A4C Breakdancers | A4C is a community collective of multicultural performers that practice street art dance forms locally in Darwin. Our artists today are of various age groups but all here united with the love of HipHop. From studios and schools to streets and stages all over the NT, we spread the powerful message of freedom of expression through music and dance. We love sharing, teaching, battling & performing. We are All 4 Community and we hope you enjoy the show as much as we love doing it.
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| OzFusion | Run by the Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory (MCNT) which promotes multiculturalism, social inclusion, community harmony and celebration of diversity, OzFusion aligns with the Australia Day Council’s Festival of Us theme, and includes everyone as part of the story.
Some images of previous Oz Fusion performances below for a taste of what’s to come.
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| Mick’s Whips | Get ready for a fast, loud, and unforgettable live performance as Mick Denigan, recognised by the America Book of Records as the world’s fastest whip cracker, brings his signature show to the Festival of Us stage!
Denigan’s record-breaking speed hits an astonishing 12.7 whip cracks per second. He has been whip cracking since 1988, performing at Darwin’s Mindil Beach Markets since 1990, and since 2001 has whip-cracked to his original songs. Mick’s son, 19-year-old Michael A. Denigan, an up-and-coming whip cracker, will also perform – boosting the show and doubling the energy for the crowd.
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| Fairy Jill Interactive Disco | Fairy Jill takes to the stage with her magic and mayhem. There will be games, danceoffs,prizes and giveaways….you might even see more Demon Hunters!
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| DJ Harvey | Harvey Stephen, known professionally as DJ HarveySteve is an Indian professional percussionist, music producer, singer and disc jockey.
He first gained prominence as a singer and Percussionist, during his early career he worked with several music bands and celebrated artists.
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| Brown’s Mart | Brown’s Mart has an incredible program lined up for 2026, and they’ll be giving us a taste of their work.
Tahlia and Balla will guide us through a special Connecting and Release exercise. In this Concluding Sit Down Healing Connection Dance, Tahlia and Balla will lead you through grounding movements, breath work, and lyrical fusion sequences that symbolise unity, release, and connection. You’re invited to explore your own personal expression of healing through movement and shared rhythm.
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Entertainment
| Bluey and Bingo
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Wackadoo! Bluey and her little sister Bingo will be joining us at Festival of Us.
Live Interactive Experience: 11:25am-11:45am Catch this adorable duo on stage for a Live Interactive Experience! Get ready to play Magic Asparagus, Magic Xylophone, Keepy Uppy and more. Meet and Greet: 12:15pm-12:45pm & 1:15pm-1:45pm Come and see everyone’s favourite Heelers in person for smiles, photos and plenty of flossing, of course! Please note: A maximum of 40 families will be permitted per 30-minute session (6 members per family). Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.
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| The Amazing Drumming Monkeys | For over 22 years, The Amazing Drumming Monkeys have delighted audiences across Australia and around the world with their unique blend of puppetry, live drumming, comedy, and heart. A huge hit with little ones and adults alike, these lovable puppet monkeys share uplifting messages, play funky rhythms, and bring joy wherever they go. From street festivals to world-class stages, their shows are full of laughter, dancing, and connection.
They’ll be playing 4 sets throughout the day, at 11:15am, 12:30pm, 1:45pm, and 3:00pm.
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Activities
The Clubhouse Project |
The Clubhouse Project is excited to showcase a snapshot moment of the Be-Inclusive Games, embracing and celebrating inclusivity across the wider community at the Festival of Us 2025! The Be-Inclusive Games Community Fun Day vibe offers a gentle introduction to sport and a range of activities that are geared towards friendship and family connection. We will be showcasing multiple inclusive, accessible sports and activities, that are suitable for everyone of any age and ability; that are coordinated by The Clubhouse Project and supported by Integrated Disability Action, Inc. (IDA) along with our community partners, known as the Clubhouse Collective.       |
Kick Back Parlour |
Tangled Ventures, Next Tier Entertainment and the Kick Back Parlour will be back again at the Festival of Us.
Stop by to try out Interplanetary Battle Cards (IBC), the Top End’s own sci-fi tabletop card game, and test your skills against fellow gamers. There will be an epic prize for the top scorer of the day, plus other great giveaways!
Then, craft your own hero card to match your IBC game journey. Each card will feature a special edition “Festival of Us” backing – a great piece of merch to take home after an incredible day.
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| Face Painting and Fun | Fairy Jill and Tip Top Circus will be there to keep the little ones entertained with face painting, games and roving entertainers.
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| Photobooth
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Snap a memory at the Social Snaps NT photobooth!
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Workshops
| DJ Workshops | The DJ workshop with DJ Charly Templar aims to teach skills, provide individual support and career pathway opportunities to young people.
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| AFL & Football NT
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Learn about AFLNT and Football NT. Practice your skills and have fun! |
| Kakadu Aboriginal Art | Jacqui Cahill, a renowned Kakadu artist who does regular art activities at Bowali Visitor Information Centre in Kakadu, will provide an opportunity to learn about Aboriginal Art from Kakadu and paint a beautiful piece of their own.
Jacqui will also share her knowledge on Kakadu, her bush tucker walks based in Kakadu, and the history on the Cahill Families of Kakadu/Gunbalanya.
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| Weaving Workshops |
Sit with Balinese dancer/choreographer, mentor and adept weaver Ibu Putu Desak Warti and local contemporary fibre artist Dr Aly de Groot to learn Balinese offering making and basket weaving with a twist.
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Australia Day on a Station |
Visit the Australia Day on a Station booth to see how Territorians on remote stations celebrate their Australia Day!
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Food and Drink
| Food Trucks | A variety of local suppliers will be cooking up a storm this year with an array of cuisines available for purchase:
Hugs Pa Nim, Hey Dahl, Potato Man, Coffee Allrounder, Christine’s Exotic Eats, Cheeky Cheeky Churros and Juciest!
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FREE Community Dinner |
The Multicultural Council of the NT is once again supporting a FREE community dinner at the Festival of Us from 5:00pm! Enjoy a delicious meal catered by local suppliers Hugs Pa Nim, Hey Dahl, Christine’s Exotic Eats, Indian Curry Paradise and Cheeky Cheeky Churros.
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