Desert Fringe Festival 3-20th July 2025
Desert Festival - Central Australia's premier multi-arts festival
Desert Festival is Central Australia’s flagship multi-arts event, proudly produced by Red Hot Arts Central Australia. Held annually in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, it features bold, original work across music, theatre, dance, visual arts, immersive experiences, workshops, storytelling and more.
Known for its inclusive programming, local focus, and vibrant energy, Desert Festival brings together regional and interstate artists in one of the most remote — and creatively rich — places in the country. Over two decades, it has grown from a grassroots gathering into an award-winning cultural force that continues to evolve with its community and connect people through the power of art.
Desert Festival has become a launchpad for major events like Bush Bands Bash and Desert Song Festival, and a vital space for First Nations storytellers, emerging artists and independent creatives.
Now entering its 23rd year, Desert Festival continues to be led by community and guided by a strong purpose: to centre diverse voices, support emerging and established Central Australian artists, and bring people together through the multi-arts.
In 2025, Desert Festival will trial a new fringe-style format, encouraging broader participation from artists, venues and community groups while building a more sustainable model.
This change is a response to both local feedback and the shifting realities of the arts landscape — ensuring the festival remains sustainable, accessible, and community-driven for years to come.
This year’s theme is Home — a celebration of identity, belonging, and place, expressed through performance, music, dance, storytelling, visual arts and more.