DARK MOFO 2025

Thursday - Sunday 5th - 8th June & 12th - 15th June
Every winter, our beloved MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) turns Hobart red and brings the streets to life with a provocative, controversial and spectacular midwinter festival – Dark Mofo.

Spanning two weeks, Dark Mofo is the collision of art, music, food and culture over dozens of venues across Hobart. From local musicians to international artists and art installations across the city from boundary-pushing creatives, Dark Mofo is wild, unforgettable and a must visit in Hobart. 

We’ve compiled key information about the festival, must-see events and tips from the locals to ensure your visit is as mind-blowing as we describe. Keep an open mind, not everything can be planned for…

Rug up!
The temperatures are at a low during Dark Mofo, so layers are key. Thermals, fleeces, and puffer jackets are a must, and don’t forget your beanies, gloves and thick socks for when you’re walking between venues.  The weather can be unpredictable, so keep a waterproof layer handy. Local tip: Wear red and black — it’s the unofficial festival uniform!

Venues and getting around
There are 23 venues hosting Dark Mofo events this year, mainly across the city centre, most only a short walk apart. There are regular road closures around the waterfront, so leave the car under the Hotel if you’re staying with us and go on foot. Local tip: Lots of bars and restaurants join the Mofo madness. Check out some of our favourites and their social pages for pop-up events and gigs.
If you’re heading to Mona, take the Mona Roma ferry during the day. It’ll be busy, so check the timetable and book in advance. Making a trip of it? There are Dark Mofo events taking place up north at the Princess Theatre (Launceston) and the Ulverstone Planetarium. 

Planning your festival experience
The website is confusing (and a little confronting) on purpose, so we suggest using your phone – the interface is much easier to navigate. Hot tip: Use the SCHEDULE function for easier viewing. 

There is a mix of ticketed and free events throughout the two weeks, so we recommend diving into the website before it begins to prepare yourself. Beware, the event descriptions are vague but they do list content warnings so make sure you check this before taking the little ones with you. 

Must see events!

Dark Park (Free, family friendly)
Wander around and gawk at the weird and wacky installations in the Dark Park precinct. This event is an annual must-see, showcasing exhibitions from domestic and international artists. Check out Sora, Neon Anthem and Quasi. 

Winter Feast (Entry fee, family friendly, free after 9pm)
The Winter Feast is a family (and local) favourite, returning every year to the Hobart Waterfront at PW1. Offering the best of Tasmanian hospitality in an indoor/outdoor market, feast to the tune of local musicians while surrounded by fire pits and candles. 

Solstice Swim (Free, ticketed)
If you’re taking some time to recover after the festivities formerly end, mark the shortest day of the year (22nd June) with a cold plunge into the River Derwent for the Nude Solstice Swim. If you aren’t bold enough to swim, you can observe (from a distance) the flurry of bodies running into the water to the sound of cannons and flares. This is a ticketed event so don’t forget to secure your ticket if you are feeling brave!

Ogoh-Ogoh (Free, family friendly)
The Purging is a returning ritual. In 2025 a giant Maugean Skate sculpture crafted by Balinese artists will be set alight in the Dark Park precinct on Sunday 15th June. It’s a powerful display of fire, smoke, fear and noise.

Crash Body - Hobart Regatta Grounds (Free, family friendly for the older little ones)
At Hobart Regatta Grounds, Crash Body will be a two-hour performance of near misses, roaring engines, and rising tension, ending in a head-on collision between the artist and a stunt driver. It’ll be raw, loud, and seriously intense. The wreckage will be left on display for the following week as Crash Body: Aftermath.

Need more information?
While you’re visiting Hobart this Winter, check out some of our favourite activities such as TMAG, kunanyi/Mt Wellington and Salamanca Markets. 
Find out what we love about MONA here.
Plan your Dark Mofo here.