Red Hot Arts Central Australia is excited to welcome you to Desert Festival 2023.

Desert Festival is an award-winning festival that has been showcasing arts, culture and community in Mparntwe/Alice Springs since 2001. We hope to provide something for everyone while we come together to celebrate our distinctive desert home.

In 2021, Desert Festival was Lovin' Local, where we focused inwards and selected a range of events and experiences that celebrate and embrace the depth and breadth of arts and culture right here in our own backyard. The 2022 theme was BLOOM, highlighting the flourishing desert wildflowers – and desert talent!

The Gap View Hotel will host the 2023 Desert Festival Hub. Come along and check out The Gap View Hotel like you have never seen it before as we transform the outside space into an arts and culture wonderland. With resident DJs, a bespoke container bar, community courtyard (including a pool) and food and drink for purchase, our Festival Hub is the perfect place for audiences of all ages to enjoy a show or some live music. We encourage you to arrive early and enjoy the Festival atmosphere before a show!

Desert Festival is made possible with the generous support of the Northern Territory Government and Alice Springs Town Council.