Parrtjima – A Festival in Light returns to the heart of Australia from 4-13 April 2025, offering a spectacular celebration of culture, art, and technology under the starry skies of the Red Centre. Register now for free entry, or secure tickets for a special one-night-only performance by Darwin Symphony Orchestra (DSO).
Held at Alice Springs Desert Park, Parrtjima highlights the world’s oldest continuous culture through stunning light installations, performances, and talks set against the breathtaking MacDonnell Ranges, a 300-million-year-old natural canvas.
The 2025 festival, marking its 10th iteration, will explore the theme of Timelessness, celebrating the enduring connection between generations through music, song, and oral storytelling. Parrtjima showcases how contemporary technology explores ancient cultural expressions, while honouring sacred traditions that connect us to ancestors and the wisdom of the past.
For the first time, Parrtjima will feature a special performance by DSO during the closing weekend on 12 April. This open-air performance will awe festivalgoers with a dazzling 75-minute music and light spectacle, as the orchestra takes the stage alongside celebrated Desert Divas Catherine Satour, Casii Williams and Bronwyn Stuart, and more.
Tickets for the DSO show will be available via the Parrtjima website and select travel partners. Limited free tickets to the show will also be released for certain areas closer to the event, along with a small number of tickets at the door.
Opening weekend will see Troy Cassar-Daley perform on Saturday with Blak Markets and workshops returning on Friday and Saturday evening. Live music performances will take place each night across the festival adding to the stunning installations. The closing weekend will also include bush food workshops.
Parrtjima favourites, the MacDonnell Ranges Light Show and Grounded, return in 2025. The Grounded installation will showcase animated artworks by both established and emerging Central Australian artists. These will be coupled with several new installations designed to represent the theme of Timelessness.
This year Parrtjima earned its place in the spotlight with a series of prestigious awards that recognise its unparalleled excellence both nationally and internationally. The event received two Australian Event Awards and four Global Eventex Awards, solidifying Parrtjima as a leading tourism and cultural event. Parrtjima is delivered NTMEC alongside event partners We Are Gather and Grumpy Sailor. The magical free 10-night festival continues to make a significant social and economic impact on the Northern Territory. In 2024, the event attracted over 21,000 attendances, generating $9.42 million for the local economy, benefitting Alice Springs directly.
Free registration for Parrtjima 2025, and tickets for the DSO performance, which includes guaranteed seating, are now available at: parrtjima.com.au [https://www.parrtjimaaustralia.com.au]
Quotes from Northern Territory Major Events Company Acting CEO Trevor Cox:
“2025 will be a milestone year for Parrtjima – A Festival in Light. As it celebrates its 10th iteration, the festival will feature a not-to-be-missed performance by the full Darwin Symphony Orchestra as part of their Territory Tour, marking a major highlight of the event.
“As one of the Red Centre’s biggest events, Parrtjima continues to grow in both scale and significance As Parrtjima evolves, more visitors from across Australia and beyond are travelling to Central Australia to experience the magic of this award-winning festival.”
Quotes from Parrtjima Curator Rhoda Roberts AO:
“Culture transcends time, bridging ancient stories that have shaped us, even when it has faced interruption and policy-driven division. Parrtjima ensures a space where we all feel special, as the lights illuminate the timeless essence of our culture and our country Australia.”
“At Parrtjima, we are reminded by the Arrernte people that timeless culture invites us to experience, learn, and connect.”
Quotes from Darwin Symphony Orchestra General Manager Kate Stephens:
“We are thrilled to have the entire Darwin Symphony Orchestra playing at Parrtjima – A Festival in Light as part of our Territory Tour.”
“This will be an unforgettable experience, not just for us, but for everyone who joins us at Desert Park. It’s a performance you won’t want to miss.”
Quotes from Desert Divas Casii Williams:
“I’m excited to perform with Darwin Symphony Orchestra at Parrtjima surrounded by the stunning lights. This is going to be a unique experience for attendees who will hear my original music with a full orchestra.”
