Dark Mofo 2026 Opens in Hobart with Record Ticket Sales and Expanded Programming
Tasmania's Dark Mofo winter arts festival has launched with over 55,000 tickets sold and several events already sold out, including the popular Night Mass and Nude Solstice Swim. The festival, run by the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), is expected to attract over 100,000 attendees to the Winter Feast and features provocative art installations, performances, and food programming. The event contributes approximately $31 million to Hobart's local economy and has received $200,000 annual council funding for three years.
Dark Mofo, Tasmania's iconic midwinter arts and music festival, has commenced with strong attendance indicators and expanded programming for 2026. Organizers report over 55,000 tickets sold to date, with signature events such as Night Mass and the Nude Solstice Swim already at capacity. The festival, which runs until June 22, is expected to draw over 100,000 attendees to the Winter Feast alone, featuring guest chefs including Michelin-star chef Floriano Pellegrino and offerings from 74 local stallholders, with 40 percent being first-time vendors. Notable installations include a giant Pedra Branca skink (an endangered endemic lizard) as the Ogoh Ogoh sculpture and public art pieces on the new Spirit of Tasmania ferry. The festival maintains accessibility through free programming in Dark Park and subsidized entry to the final night of Winter Feast, with Hobart City Council contributing $200,000 annually for three years alongside in-kind support.
What different sources said
- ABC AustraliaCenter
Dark Mofo returns with art, food and sell-out events
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