The sub-theme for last year's festival was death.
When the festival was killed by COVID-19 in March 2020, we were left disoriented, confused, and with a sense of loss for a program about to be born. The subsequent isolation of lockdown caused further anguish.
We, like the rest of the world, found ourselves in the midst of a long, dark night.
In moments of despair, when all else fails, we journey inward. A journey that is sometimes referred to as ‘the dark night of the soul’. The darkness representing the fact that the destination is unknowable. The only light along the path is that which burns in the soul.
As COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc on the world, we are reminded daily of our vulnerability and helplessness in the face of it all.
St Augustine wrote that Christ went to the cross as a bridegroom to the bride, consummated the marriage, lovingly gave himself up to the torment, and joined himself to her forever. That is to say, he participated in the suffering and sorrows of the world, joyfully.
It is within this context that we present our 2021 festival, and pray it brings a glimmer of light in these uncertain times.
We invite you to come to the cross.
—Leigh Carmichael
Heed our words (or do whatever you like).
1.EXPLORE DARK DOWNTOWN
This year, most festival events are free—our gift to you. You’ll find most free stuff in and around Dark Downtown: art, bars and live performance in the heart of the city, stretching over several city blocks. Be sure to check out X-Cathedra while you’re there.
2.GO SEE SOME FREE MUSIC
Free gigs at the Odeon and Altar, plus pop-up performances at Dark Downtown, late-night DJs at X-Cathedra and live music at the Winter Feast.
For Odeon and Altar shows: you’ll need to enter the ballot—you can do this on individual event pages here on the website. Winning the ballot gets you guaranteed entry until the show start time. After that, we’ll open up entry to the door queue. If you’re a ballot winner and you arrive after the show starts, you’ll get priority entry subject to capacity (so please arrive on time or you risk forfeiting your spot). If you want to sit with your friends, arrive with them.
Staying up late? Have a dance at Night Shift; it’s $20 on the door (entry subject to capacity). If you miss out, head around the corner to X-Cathedra for DJs and nocturnal blessings.3.BOOK YOUR TICKETS
Some shows are ticketed. These include:
Thurston Moore with The Dead C
Thurston Moore with Wobbly
Thurston Moore in Conversation
Om
Circuit des Yeux
Nightwalks with Teenagers
Screams from the Abyss
Solstice Eve
Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet
A Hut in Toyama: Viola Concerto
Tickets are on sale now. For sold out events, your best bet to get tickets is to join the waitlist, and we’ll notify you if any become available.4.HEAD OUT INTO THE NIGHT AND GET AMONGST IT
Grab a free map on the ground, or a print program ($5), and start exploring: most Dark Mofo venues are within walking distance of Dark Downtown, the Winter Feast, and the Hobart waterfront. The rest is up to you.
Update: Thursday 17 June
A number of premises in New South Wales and Queensland have been declared high-risk as they were visited by people with covid-19.
Travellers who have spent time at a high-risk location at the specified dates and times listed here are not permitted to travel to Tasmania, unless approved as an Essential Traveller.
Travellers currently in Tasmania who have been in New South Wales on or since 1 June or Queensland on or since 5 June are asked to check the list of high-risk premises regularly. Anyone who has spent time at any of the sites at the specified dates and times must self-isolate immediately and call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 for further advice.
As the situation is evolving, travellers should check the government website regularly, monitor their health and call the Public Health Hotline to book a test if they have even mild symptoms.
If you have not visited the premises listed but develop any symptoms of covid-19 please contact the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 to book a test.
Update: Tuesday 15 June
Travel restrictions to Tasmania will remain in place for people in metropolitan Melbourne until at least Monday 21 June. Read the full statement from the Department of Public Health here.
If you are unable to attend Dark Mofo due to border restrictions, fill out this form and we will organise a refund (see our terms and conditions for more info).
Update: Wednesday 2 June
We’re closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and restrictions, particularly in Victoria, and will provide further updates as soon as we can.
At this stage Dark Mofo will go ahead, proceeding with caution and subject to change. We’re working closely with government on creating a festival that everyone can attend and enjoy safely. Stay tuned, and stay safe.
COVID-19 AT DARK MOFO
When you get to a Dark Mofo event, you will need to check-in and register your details with the Tasmanian Government’s ‘Check in TAS’ app on your phone, to assist with contact tracing. Please ensure your device is charged and allow extra time to complete this. We suggest downloading the app before you get here to save time. Download it here.
We are following advice from state and federal health authorities about how to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Please do not attend Dark Mofo if you are feeling unwell. If you have COVID-19, or you are unable to attend due to border restrictions, fill out this form and we will organise a refund (see our terms and conditions for more info).
Ticket Support:
tickets@mona.net.au
+61 (3) 6277 9978
For all you old-timers. Peruse the festival as a PDF schedule, or even print it out. You can download it here.
Print is dead. Long live print.
Information, daily schedules, and maps to guide you through the darkness.
To get your print program: buy one here and redeem your ticket at our box offices. Or buy one on the ground when you get here.
There’s heaps more free stuff this year—our gift to you. Be sure to check out art and performance at Dark Downtown and X‑Cathedra, and festival essentials like the Ogoh-Ogoh and Nude Solstice Swim. Explore the full list of free events here.
Entry to select music shows at the Odeon and Altar is free, via ballot. Read more here.
Lots at the Winter Feast (more on that below) and Mona. Also at In The Hanging Garden and Dark Downtown. No BYO, obviously. Bring ID.
Winter Feast
This is an outdoor event and Tasmanian weather is infamously unpredictable. Dress appropriately for rain, hail, shine and effing freezing temperatures. Shelter is not guaranteed and entry is always subject to capacity.
Single night tickets will be sold at the PW1 Box Office on the day from 4PM. Under 16s are eligible for free entry, but will need to get a single night ticket on the respective day.
Wednesday 16 June, 4–10pm, $10
Thursday 17 June, 4–11pm, $20
Friday 18 + Saturday 19 June, 4pm–midnight, $20
Sunday 20 June, 4–11pm, free
Free after 9pm nightly, and for under 16s accompanied by a parent or guardian (subject to capacity)
Capacity restrictions will be in place at the Winter Feast, for obvious, pandemic-themed reasons. When you get here, please allow extra time to buy tickets and enter the site; there may be a queue. Everyone will need to check-in with the Tasmanian Government’s ‘Check in TAS’ app, individually or as a group. We suggest downloading the app before you get here to save time. Download it here.
Most visitors will need to be seated, except when browsing stalls and buying food and drink; additional seating will be available indoors and outdoors. Limited standing drinking and dancing will be permitted, but you may be asked to take a seat if things get too crowded.
Pass outs are unavailable at the Winter Feast this year. If you exit the venue, you will need to queue and purchase another ticket to re-enter (subject to capacity).
Most of our venues are accessible, but some do have limitations. If you have specific requirements, need further information, or have any advice or feedback on accessibility at Dark Mofo, please contact Ticket Support on tickets@mona.net.au or +61 (3) 6277 9978. Check each event page for specific information.
ACCESSIBLE PARKING
Accessible parking is available all across Hobart, and at most of our venues. You can view a full list here, or some alternative options below.
WINTER FEAST
There will be supervised accessible parking in Abel Tasman Car Park off Salamanca Place during event hours. Please show your accessible parking permit.
DARK DOWNTOWN + ODEON THEATRE
Accessible parking spaces are available at the following locations:
121 Liverpool Street between Criterion and Murray Street
144 Collins Street
7 Criterion Street
8 Criterion Street
71–73 Liverpool Street (Gould’s Natural Medicine)
97 Murray Street (LINC car park)
Corner of Harrington and Liverpool Street (please show your accessible parking permit, and please note there is a limited number of spaces available at this location)
NUDE SOLSTICE SWIM
Accessible parking spaces are available at the Beach Road car park in Sandy Bay.
Map
This is the festival of the flâneur: the urban perambulator. Which is a wanky way of saying: get amongst it, walk around the waterfront and city from venue to venue, and get the blood flowing to the extremities. Check the map; festival venues are pinpointed, and most are within walking distance of the Hobart waterfront and CBD.
Fly
Yes yes it’s an overseas flight, very good. Book a flight here.
Sail
Set sail for our wintry island aboard Spirit of Tasmania. Book a voyage here.
Ferry to MONA
Mona’s super flash ferries travel between Brooke Street Pier (on the Hobart waterfront) and Mona every half hour or so. There’s also a bus. Book the ferry here.
If you are arriving by ferry: there are 99 steps up on arrival at Mona. The jetty isn’t accessible for mobility aids (wheelchairs, walking frames, scooters) or prams—we apologise for this and assure you we’re working on it. If this affects you, please contact Ticket Support on +61 (3) 6277 9978 to discuss your options.
Parking
Surprise! There are car parks all over Hobart. Some are even open twenty-four hours (such as Dunn Place and Market Place).
We’re also offering free parking at the Regatta Grounds, off McVilly Drive, during Dark Mofo event hours:
Wednesday 16 June, 4–10.30pm
Thursday 17 June, 4–11.30pm
Friday 18 + Saturday 19 June, 4pm–12.30am
Sunday 20 June, 4–11.30pm
Monday 21 June, 5–7pm
Gates will be strictly closed outside of these hours
Hobart Central Car Park and Centrepoint Car Park will be open until 11.30pm, from Wednesday 16–Sunday 20 June.
For information about accessible parking across Hobart, please see the Hobart City Council website.
Bus
Metro Tasmania is offering Dark Mofo punters $2 rides in the urban bus zone. Show the driver your Dark Mofo bus pass to ride. You can download your pass here.
Most buses arrive at the Hobart Central Bus Interchange on the corner of Macquarie and Elizabeth Street, which is in walking distance from almost all Dark Mofo venues. Routes and timetable available here.
Bike
You can park your bike at most of our major events. Keep an eye out for these facilities on the ground. You can also hire bikes from the following:
Hobart Bike Hire:
Monday–Sunday, 9am–5.30pm
1A Brooke Street, Hobart Waterfront
+61 447 556 189
Cyclingo:
Monday–Friday, 9am–5.30pm
Saturday, 9am–1pm
466 Macquarie Street, South Hobart
+61 (3) 6224 6533
My Ride:
Monday–Friday, 7am–6pm
Saturday, 7am–3pm
129 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay
+61 (3) 6212 0327
Road Closures
There will be some road closures and traffic disruptions across the Hobart CBD.
Castray Esplanade will be closed to all traffic for the Winter Feast, at the following times (Salamanca Market days excepted):
Friday 11 June, 5am–Tuesday 22 June, 5pm
Liverpool Street will be closed to all traffic between Murray and Harrington Street for Dark Downtown, at the following times:
Wednesday 16–Friday 18 June, 6pm–6am the next morning
Saturday 19 + Sunday 20 June, 4pm–6am the next morning
Bathurst Street will be closed to all traffic between Murray and Harrington Street for Dark Downtown, at the following times:
Wednesday 16–Friday 18 June, 5pm–6am the next morning
Saturday 19 + Sunday 20 June, 4pm–6am the next morning
Melville Street will be closed to all traffic between Murray and Harrington Street for Dark Downtown, at the following times:
Wednesday 16–Friday 18 June 5pm–6am the next morning
Saturday 19 + Sunday 20 June, 4pm–6am the next morning
Watchorn Street will be closed to all traffic between Liverpool and Bathurst Street for Dark Downtown, at the following times:
Wednesday 16–Sunday 20 June, 4pm–6am the next morning
If you’re drinking vino at the Winter Feast, you’ll need to pay a $6 deposit for a reusable cup. You’ll get $5 back when you return your cup to the station near the exit. Or, you can donate your deposit to offset Dark Mofo’s carbon emissions. Dark Mofo is supporting Southern Ocean Carbon Company to plant thirteen hectares of endangered giant kelp in southern Tasmania, which will capture atmospheric carbon.
Presenting Partner
Accomodation Partners
Cash-free
This year’s festival is cashless, so make sure to bring your card. Applies to all transactions made at our box offices (including tickets, print program and band merch) and festival bars.
LOST PROPERTY
If you lose something (other than your dignity), contact Ticket Support on +61 (3) 6277 9978 or tickets@mona.net.au. Please include your full name, a contact phone number and as many details as possible about the item.
SMOKING
Dark Mofo is a smoke-free event. The Winter Feast and Dark Downtown have designated smoking areas. Please look for the signs.
Paint The Town Red
Each year, we ask local businesses to ‘paint the town red’ and give interlopers a warm welcome. If you take any pics, hashtag ‘em with #darkmofo, #hobartandbeyond and #pttr2021.
2019
Website
2018
Print Program (pdf, 6mb)
2017
Website
2016
Print Program (pdf, 7mb)
2015
Print Program (pdf, 9mb)
2014
Print Program (pdf, 10mb)
2013
Print Program (pdf, 5mb)
General:
darkmofo@mona.net.au
+61 (3) 6277 9900
655 Main Road
Berriedale Tasmania 7011
Australia
Ticket Support:
tickets@mona.net.au
+61 (3) 6277 9978
Dark Mofo Media:
media@darklab.net.au
Tickets are on sale now. You can buy them here or from our box offices (more info below). When you get to the event, display your ticket on your phone or present your printed ticket for scanning.
Winter Feast Box Office
Wednesday 16 June, 2–9.30pm
Thursday 17 June, 2–10.30pm
Friday 18 June, 2–11.30pm
Saturday 19 June, 12–11.30pm
Sunday 20 June, 2–10.30pm
Odeon Theatre Box Office
Wednesday 16 June, 7–10pm
Thursday 17 June, 7pm–midnight
Friday 18 June, 6pm–1am
Saturday 19 June, 12–4pm + 7pm–1am
Sunday 20 June, 7–11pm
Altar Box Office
Wednesday 16–Sunday 20 June, 6pm–2am
Mona Tennis Court Box Office
Friday 18–Monday 21 June, 10am–5pm
Ticket Support:
tickets@mona.net.au
+61 (3) 6277 9978
Ballots for select music shows at the Odeon and Altar have closed, ballot winners have been notified, and all free tickets to balloted shows have been claimed. If you missed out, your best bet is to join the waitlist.
If you registered for a free ticket, it will get you guaranteed entry until the show start time. After that, we’ll open up entry to the door queue. If you arrive after the show starts, you’ll get priority entry subject to capacity (so please arrive on time or you risk forfeiting your spot).
We did ballots to give everyone a chance to come along, manage social distancing on the ground, and keep everyone safe at the festival.
We’ll email your tickets from Monday 14 June. This is for your convenience (so you can easily find your tickets closer to the festival) and designed to thwart scalpers. Thanks for understanding.
If you buy tickets in multiple transactions, they will be sent separately. For example, if you buy tickets to Thurston Moore with Wobbly, and then you later buy tickets to Nightwalks with Teenagers, you will be emailed these tickets separately.
Events are all ages unless otherwise specified. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Proof of age may be requested upon entry.
Under 16s are eligible for free entry to the Winter Feast.
We offer companion card tickets to all Dark Mofo events. These are available over the phone or in person at any of our box offices. Please contact Ticket Support for more information.
Ticket Support:
tickets@mona.net.au
+61 (3) 6277 9978
A $6 booking fee applies to each Dark Mofo transaction, unless you’re just buying a print program (this item has no booking fee) or purchasing tickets on the door (at the advertised door price).
If you have COVID-19, or are unable to attend Dark Mofo due to border closures or other extenuating circumstances, fill out this form and we’ll organise a refund (see our terms and conditions for more information).
If you can no longer attend an event, please fill out the Resell Tickets form here.
Your tickets will then be suspended. If or when the event sells out, your tickets will be made available for resale. If your tickets sell, we’ll refund you the ticket price (except the booking fee) and email you. If they do not sell, you can collect them at the box office on the day of the event, or Dark Mofo will keep the ticket price and you will not be refunded. Returning tickets to free events will allow someone else to take your spot.
If you have COVID-19, or are unable to attend due to border closures or other extenuating circumstances, you can request a refund here.
Joining the waitlist is your best bet for getting tickets to sold out events. Fill out the form here.
If you are selling Dark Mofo tickets at a premium, we will cancel your order. And if you purchase a ticket from a third party, we cannot guarantee that the ticket will be valid. All tickets have a unique barcode that can only be used once (and can be cancelled by the powers that be, should you not play ball).
If you are trying to get tickets to a sold out event, your best bet is to join the waitlist.
Pass outs are available for some events. If you require a pass out, get a wristband or stamp from event staff before leaving the venue. Re-entry to all events is subject to capacity.
Some of our shows have lockouts. For some shows, this means you’ll be permitted entry at a suitable break in the performance. For others, you won’t be permitted entry after the performance has started. Lockouts are clearly noted on tickets.
If you lose your ticket, print another or show the original ticket on your mobile device. Each ticket has a unique barcode that can only be used once. If your ticket has already been used, a second entry will not be granted.