Dark Mofo will return to Hobart next winter, transforming the city into a mid-winter celebration from June 11 to 22.
The announcement follows last year’s festival, which drew more than 50,000 interstate and overseas visitors and injected $67 million into the Tasmanian economy after a one-year hiatus.
Festival favourites including the Winter Feast, the Ogoh-Ogoh burning ceremony and the Nude Solstice Swim will all make a comeback.
But it’s the Night Mass late-night takeover of Hobart’s CBD that is likely to sell out first.
Early access tickets go on sale at 10am Wednesday for people pre-registered on the Dark Mofo website.
Artistic Director Chris Twite said there were plenty of surprises in store for next year’s program, which will be unveiled in early 2026.
“It’s exciting to share Dark Mofo’s 2026 dates today as we take our first steps towards next year’s festival where we’ll once again bathe the streets in red, feast by firelight and indulge in a smorgasbord of art, music and performance,” he said.
“We’re so grateful for the continued support from David Walsh and that of the Tasmanian government, not to mention Tasmanian businesses, residents and visitors – all of whom enable us to continue celebrating the dark.”
The festival’s return has been welcomed by Tasmania’s tourism sector, which depends on winter events to boost visitor numbers during the quieter months.
Tourism Minister Jane Howlett said Dark Mofo had cemented its reputation as a must-see winter festival.
“Dark Mofo is an iconic Tasmanian event, which drives visitation to the state during the off season and one that is recognised as a world-class winter festival,” she said.
“Dark Mofo has something for everyone and we know how important it is to our tourism and hospitality sector during the quieter months.”
The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)-run festival continues to receive support from founder David Walsh and the state government.
