Dark Mofo is set to make its full-scale return in June this year, promising a “boundary-pushing” program with death-defying stunts, music headliners and provocative art installations.
After being scaled back last year to allow organisers to regroup, the winter festival will transform Hobart with its signature red glow from June 5-15.
Artistic director Chris Twite said he is excited about bringing the event out of hibernation.
“Once again we will bathe the city in red, filling it with art and taking over disused and hidden spaces all across nipaluna/Hobart,” Twite said.
“It feels incredible to bring so many boundary-pushing artists to Tasmania in 2025 for the full-scale return of Dark Mofo.”
The musical lineup features Portishead vocalist Beth Gibbons, Philadelphia rapper Tierra Whack, British alt-rock band The Horrors and Australian punk outfit Crime and the City Solution.
Among the most dramatic installations will be Brazilian artist Paula Garcia’s “Crash Body,” where she’ll attempt to avoid collision with a stunt driver before culminating in a head-on crash at the Regatta Grounds.
Festival staples returning include the Winter Feast at PW1 and the Ogoh-Ogoh procession, this time featuring an enormous Maugean skate created by Balinese artists.
For the first time, Dark Mofo will extend beyond Hobart with events in Tasmania’s North and North-West regions.
Dream pop band Methyl Ethel and singer-songwriter Thelma Plum will perform at Launceston’s Princess Theatre, while Ulverstone will host an immersive cinematic experience.
The festival’s Nude Solstice Swim at Sandy Bay Beach will officially close proceedings on June 21, the shortest day of the year.
Night Mass: God Complex will transform multiple blocks of Hobart’s CBD into a massive party venue on Friday and Saturday nights, featuring more than 100 artists and musicians.
Tasmanian Events Minister Nick Duigan said today’s program launch has “something for everyone in every corner of the state”.
“From 2013 to 2023, Dark Mofo attracted more than 300,000 unique visitors to Tasmania,” Duigan said.
“It also delivers a strong return on investment to the State, of approximately 5:1, significantly boosting the tourism and the hospitality sectors in the quieter winter months.”
Tickets go on sale to the general public from midday Wednesday.
