Parrtjima – A Festival in Light returns to the heart of Australia from 4-13 April 2025, offering a spectacular celebration of culture, art, and technology under the starry skies of the Red Centre. The 2025 festival, marking its 10th iteration, will explore the theme of Timelessness, celebrating the enduring connection between generations through music, song, and oral storytelling.

Parrtjima showcases how contemporary technology explores ancient cultural expressions, while honouring sacred traditions that connect us to ancestors and the wisdom of the past.

The event is free to attend and runs nightly. By registering for ‘Any Day Festival Admission,’ attendees can access the venue on any evening throughout the festival, with tickets valid for multiple nights. The venue is open from 6:00pm to 10:00pm, with speakers and workshop sessions starting at 6:45pm throughout the week and Live Music every night at 7:30pm.

Live Music

Opening weekend will feature performances by Troy Cassar-Daley, a Welcome Ceremony, and Blak markets.

Darwin Symphony Orchestra

For the first time, Parrtjima will feature a special performance by the Darwin Symphony Orchestra, including 65 musicians, during the closing weekend on Saturday, 12 April. This open-air performance will awe festivalgoers with a dazzling 90-minute music and light spectacle, as the orchestra takes the stage alongside celebrated Desert Divas Catherine Satour, Casii Williams and Bronwyn Stuart. This special night will include the Gurrulwa Guligi (Big Wind) by Bilawarra Lee and Netanela Mizrahi, bringing a powerful cultural and artistic touch to the evening, with a suite of orchestral favourites.

Guaranteed seating in prime viewing for the DSO show is limited, so get in quick.

Tickets range from $15 for ages 17 and under to $45 for 18 and above.

An extended experience is also available with welcome drinks and bush food canapes.

Extended Experience – Darwin Symphony Orchestra at Parrtjima Welcome Event

Begin your evening at Parrtjima at Desert Park’s Courtyard, enjoying a Welcome to Country from a local custodian, while experiencing a taste of the Red Centre with bush food-infused canapés and drinks.

Making your way down to the main Parrtjima festival, enjoy a guaranteed seat in the tiered premium viewing area, offering the perfect vantage point to witness the stunning Darwin Symphony Orchestra at Parrtjima. Secure your spot for an unforgettable night under the stars, immersed in culture and creativity.

$115 tickets include:

• Free transport to and from the festival venue if required using the Parrtjima event bus service
• Welcome to Country
• 1-hour drinks and bush-food canapes package
• Guaranteed seat within the tiered premium viewing area, providing prime viewing to the DSO show at Parrtjima, please note seating is unallocated
• Special introduction to the iconic MacDonnell Ranges Light Show from Parrtjima curator Rhoda Roberts