Dark Mofo 2024 cancelled

By Taylah Darnell
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After a successful festival this year, Dark Mofo has been called off for 2024.

Dark Mofo is one of Tasmania’s biggest drawcards, attracting thousands of locals and visitors alike to the island state each year. However, the beloved festival will be taking a year off in 2024, allowing the team to work on a renewed vision for the future.

About Dark Mofo

Dark Mofo is one of Australia’s best winter festivals, having well and truly planted itself on Tasmania’s cultural calendar. The festival revels in the gloom and cold of winter, inviting locals and visitors to Hobart alike to celebrate the dark through art, food, music, fire, light and noise, all underpinned by the longest night of any Australian capital city.

Dark Mofo in Hobart, Tasmania

Dork Mofo will be cancelled for 2024. (Image: Adam Gibson)

The main thread running through the interwoven program of Dark Mofo is the exploration of centuries-old rituals. Many of the events aim to investigate and uncover the links between ancient and contemporary mythology, humans and nature, religious and secular traditions, darkness and light, birth, death and renewal.

Why is Dark Mofo being cancelled?

The news of the cancellation has come as a shock to many Dark Mofo loyalists. However, it isn’t as terrible as it sounds. Although Dark Mofo will be absent from the 2024 calendar, it won’t be forever. The team behind the festival will be taking a well-deserved break to focus on a renewed vision and set the stage for a stronger and more sustainable festival in the future.

It’s part of a broader plan of changes being made by Tourism Tasmania, who are aiming to ensure that Tasmania stays top of mind for Aussies next winter. Increased investment in the state’s off-season program, with higher-reaching paid media channels and an expanded media plan, will help bolster Tasmanian winter events.

Dark Mofo in Hobart, Tasmania

People from across Australia travel for Dark Mofo. (Image: Adam Gibson)

Tourism Tasmania will also be working with Events Tas to increase the awareness of the full winter events program, with an additional $1.8 million provided to Business Events Tasmania over the next three years, with an immediate focus on winter 2024.

“We understand Dark Mofo’s need for a smaller event in 2024 as they reshape the festival for the future, and we will continue to work closely with them on their plans when the full event returns in 2025," says Premier and Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Jeremy Rockliff.

Dark Mofo in Hobart, Tasmania

Centuries-old rituals are often explored at the festival. (Image: Lusy Productions)

According to the Dark Mofo website, 2023’s festivities left a lasting mark. However, it also exacted its toll, prompting the decision to pause, reflect and plan out a more sustainable future so people can enjoy Dark Mofo for many years.

What does the future hold for Dark Mofo?

Don’t fret, Dark Mofo won’t entirely disappear next year. Support from the Tasmanian Liberal Government has ensured two major pillars of the festival will continue next year, despite the cancellation of the overall program. Over two weekends, the ever-popular Winter Feast and the Nude Solstice Swim will return.

Dark Mofo in Hobart, Tasmania

The Winter Feast is a Dark Mofo program highlight.

The two events are known program highlights, having particularly excited attendees since the conception of Dark Mofo 10 years ago. There will also be a new exhibition at MONA (the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart) as part of Dark Mofo’s tiny 2024 processions.

MONA in Hobart, Tasmania

A new exhibition will open at MONA as part of Dark Mofo. (Image: Jesse Hunniford)

The Nude Solstice Swim is a celebration of the return of light after the longest night of the year. Courageous crowds take to the cold waters of the River Derwent at sunrise, and as the name suggests, bathing suits are nowhere to be seen. The Winter Feast is a major foodie event, bringing together the best of local food, beer and wine. Guest chefs, live music and an intoxicating atmosphere have kept people coming back year after year.

Dark Mofo in Hobart, Tasmania

The Nude Solstice Swim is a cold dive into the River Derwent.

Further details for these events will be announced shortly. In the meantime, we can look forward to 2025, when Dark Mofo will shine through the darkness brighter than ever.

Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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    Find modern convenience and comfort in this picture-perfect holiday home.

    Hobart is a city that effortlessly blends historic charm with contemporary edge. From the convict-era sandstone warehouses lining its historic wharf to the cutting-edge MONA and a thriving food and arts scene, there’s much to discover in this small but mighty waterfront capital.

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    Tucked just behind a beautifully restored heritage sandstone building – also available to stay in and designed by the same team – The Conservatory is a light-filled, modern holiday home that offers a striking counterpoint to its historic neighbour, both thoughtfully conceived to meet the needs of today’s travellers. 

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    The modern townhouse is designed with striking Tasmanian architecture.

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    Elevate your stay in Hobart with stylish bedrooms that are dressed with plush bedding.

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