Dark Mofo generated $71.8 million for the Tasmanian economy this year, its strongest result in recent years despite drawing fewer visitors than previous festivals.
The 12-day midwinter festival attracted 115,988 individual visitors, who made 393,780 visits in total.
That was down from 119,196 visitors in 2025 and 116,643 in 2023, the last two years Dark Mofo ran a full program.
The government valued this year’s economic impact at $71.8 million, up from more than $67 million in 2025 and about $54 million in 2023.
Visitors spent a combined 306,601 nights in Tasmania during the festival.
Interstate travellers accounted for about 261,700 of those nights, while overseas visitors accounted for about 15,500.
The state government committed $21.6 million in 2024 to support Dark Mofo through to 2027 and has said the festival returns about five dollars for every dollar spent.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said Dark Mofo had been a “resounding success” and remained a major drawcard for Tasmania.
“Locals, interstate and international visitors have flocked to Tasmania to revel in what is Australia’s premiere winter event,” he said.
“This is a major win and sits well for the continued success of Dark Mofo and I want to congratulate the entire team behind it for their ongoing success.”
Tourism, Hospitality and Events Minister Roger Jaensch said the benefits extended beyond Hobart.
“Hotels were bursting, restaurants were full and Tasmania benefits as a result,” he said.
“Arts, music and cultural events are huge economic multipliers and not just for Hobart and Launceston but across the state.”
Run by the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Dark Mofo marks the southern winter solstice with art, music, light installations and feasting.
This year’s program stretched across two weekends and featured more than 60 events.
It wrapped up on June 22 with the burning of the Ogoh-Ogoh and the Nude Solstice Swim at sunrise.
Organisers have already begun planning the 2027 festival.
