2026 Dark Mofo preview: Everything happening at Hobart’s wild winter festival
It has become something of an institution in Tasmania and for 2026, Dark Mofo is back – bigger and better than ever.
The annual night festival will once again grace different corners of the island state from June 11-22, headlined by bigger music acts, bigger activations and an eclectic mix of exhibitions. Event goers can also expect Tassie’s finest food and drink options along the way.
A ritual in Tasmania since its inaugural running in 2013, Dark Mofo celebrates the arts and music scene within the annual winter solstice. After sitting out 2024 for a “period of renewal”, Dark Mofo returned in 2025, welcoming 119,196 attendees and attracting over 50,000 interstate and overseas visitors.
This year it spreads to new locations across Hobart and elsewhere in Tasmania.
International music acts dominate the schedule
Dark Mofo organisers have gone all-in on this year’s music acts.
Among the headliners are hip-hop queen Princess Nokia, thrash metal outfit Power Trip, electro-pop artist Sassy 009, UK’s World United Lucifer Youth Foundation, aka WU LYF, Japan’s Acid Mothers Temple and extreme metal from Kenyan artist, Lord Spikeheart. That’s on top of Danny Brown, Chat Pile and Purity Ring, together with a band of Australian talent including Ninajirachi and Miss Kaninna.
And that’s just Hobart. Launceston will have its own musical offering, with Albert Hall playing host to the likes of Baker Boy and Folk Bitch Trio at Albert Hall.
Hobart take-over
The Tasmanian capital will be teeming with family friendly installations during the Dark Mofo festival.
The biggest attraction will be literally unmissable to anyone in the harbour vicinity, with the 48,000-tonne Spirt of Tasmania V to be moored and its expansive decks integrated into Dark Park installations.
Elsewhere, event-goers can watch ash fall from the sky at Basilica and encounter magical creatures at Contemporary Art Tasmania.
Scintillating live performances will accompany the static displays, including contorting human feats of strength and endurance.
This year also sees a return of the Dark Mofo Films program. Conceptual French artist Loris Gréaud’s film Sculpt: Eye of the Duck is among them; the caveat is that it can only be viewed one person at a time in its entirety and will be from an undisclosed location.
Film lovers can get comfortable in the State Cinema, with a curated selection of cult classics, eerie indies, and left-field cinematic options.
The Winter Feast
This family friendly event runs each night of Dark Mofo, this year offering guests the culinary talents of Floriano Pelligrino, the man behind the Michelin-starred restaurant Bros’ (which he runs with partner Isabella Potì). He’s been paired with Tasmania’s Roberto Mele of MAMA Hobart Artisanal Bakery.
A decadent selection of Tassie food, drink and wine is assured, with music and free entry on select nights.
Night Mass
The city of Hobart turns up the volume on Friday and Saturday evening with the Night Mass centrepiece.
Over 150 artists are dotted across multiple blocks of the Hobart CBD, including in warehouses, laneways and hidden spaces you never knew existed.
The moody warren of performance is backlit by red light, and sure to cater to any music taste.
The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is considered the spiritual birthplace of Dark Mofo, and will once again play a key role in 2026.
Upriver in Berriedale, MONA will host solo exhibitions, permanent installations plus an underground club – aptly named the Sex + Death Day Club.
MONA will also unveil more new art in 2026 as part of the Dark Mofo event.
Nude solstice swim
The Dark Mofo festival closes, quite fittingly, with another ritual for 2026.
A thousand or so brave souls are expected to strip off before plunging into the Derwent at sunrise on the winter solstice. It’s cold, it’s questionable – but participants reckon it’s one of the most liberating things you can do on the Apple Isle.
It’s free to attend, but registration is required via darkmofo.net.au. Book early — capacity fills up.
How to plan for Dark Mofo
Unsurprisingly, Hobart tends to be cold in winter (expect a maximum temp of 12 degrees Celsius). As such, it’s important to rug up, pack some durable shoes, and a beanie and gloves.
A smaller bag generally makes life easier for visitors.
Walking is generally the best and most immersive way to experience Dark Mofo. Hobart is quite generous is in its offering of paid public car parks, meaning you can spare yourself from any needless steps getting to and from the precinct. There are also pubic transport options aplenty.
Otherwise, the MONA ferry runs regularly from Brooke Street Pier if you’re heading to the museum (about 25 minutes).
While not all events to the 12-day festival require tickets, many do. The best bet is to check the Dark Mofo website before arriving to ensure you’ve got yourself sorted.
As always, My NRMA Rewards members save on Tassie escapes with 10 per cent off stays, 15 per cent off selected tours and experiences, 15 per cent off SIXT car hire, fuel discounts, and more.
