Mowanjum Aboriginal Art & Culture Centre

mowanjum Festival 2025

The 26TH Mowanjum Festival - Friday July 11th, 2025

Get ready for another amazing afternoon of workshops, followed by an evening of storytelling under the stars! We are proud to share our culture with so many people, and hope that Festival-goers will continue to learn about and appreciate the culture of the Ngarinyin, Worrorra and Wunambal peoples. The performance and revival of Junba, traditional song and dance, is significant for our community, ensuring the passing on of knowledge and culture to the next generation. This year we will also be storytelling with a unique giant puppetry performance.

Where: Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre, Gibb River Road, Derby.

Festival Date: Friday, 11th July 2025.

Festival Tickets: on sale NOW https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1357250

Sales at the gate from 2pm.

Adult - $45.

Youth (10 - 17) and Concession $25.

Child - free.

The 2025 Mowanjum Festival is generously supported by:

PRINCIPLE PARTNERS

Creative Australia: Festivals Australia | Tourism WA | Lotterywest

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

For more information follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the Festival start?

Mowanjum Festival 2025 will start at 2pm on Friday, July 11th. From 2pm to 5pm there will be a series of workshops, an open art gallery and an opportunity to visit Mowanjum Museum. From 6pm the Corroboree and Junba performances by the Mowanjum community and special guests will begin.

Please note the Mowanjum art gallery and Mowanjum Museum will only be open from 2pm to 9pm on Friday, 11th July.

Where do I buy tickets?

Mowanjum Festival tickets will be available for purchase online and at the gate from 2pm.

Adult - $45

Youth (10 - 17) and Concession - $25

Child (under 10) - free.

How do I get there?

The Mowanjum Festival is held at Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre. We are located just off the Gibb River Road, 10km from Derby.

Is there parking?

Parking is available directly opposite Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre.

Is there public transport?

A bus will be operating from Derby to the Mowanjum Festival for a gold coin donation. Pick-ups from 1.30pm and 4.30pm at Dumbarra Burru, King Sound Resort Hotel, The Boab Inn and the Derby Lodge/Spinifex Hotel. A return bus will depart from Mowanjum Festival back to Derby between 9 and 9.30pm. Drop-off locations will be the same as pick-up locations. Times are approximate only and there may be some variation.

Can I camp?

There is no camping at Mowanjum Festival. There are many accommodation providers in Derby, including campgrounds, motels and hotels and bnbs. Please visit https://www.derbytourism.com.au/ for more information.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothing, such as long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, and be prepared to rug up with a jumper or jacket at night.

Is the festival BYO?

The Mowanjum Festival is an alcohol and drug-free event. You are welcome to BYO snacks and water. Food and drink stalls will be operating at the Mowanjum Festival from 2pm.

What should I bring?

· A chair or rug to sit on.

· Mozzie repellant to keep the mosquitoes away.

· A warm jumper or jacket for when the sun goes down.

· Water and snacks.

· Your camera to help remember the Festival. Please be aware that photography is only allowed in public spaces. Photos may only be taken for personal use and not for commercial purposes.

· Your entry ticket.

What can I buy?

Our gallery will be open to the public from 2 to 9pm on Friday, 11 July. Mowanjum Festival t’shirts will also be available for purchase at the entry gate.

What time does Mowanjum Festival finish?

The Mowanjum Festival will finish around 9pm.