About the Festival

The Yarrapay Festival is an annual community event held in Yirrkala, Northeast Arnhem Land. The Rirratjingu-led festival is an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and artistic talents of the Yolŋu people. The festival showcases a vibrant mix of music, dance, art, and traditional practices, offering attendees an immersive experience into Yolŋu culture.

With the ethos of "by the community, for the community," the festival offers an immersive experience, honouring the heritage and traditions of the local people.

The festival is held on the Roy Marika Stage at the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre in Yirrkala. This stage was built in collaboration with the Cotton On Foundation and State and Federal Governments, providing a permanent multi-functional stage and studio for musicians.

  • The festival is deeply connected to RAC's Music Program and the legacy of Yothu Yindi. Established through Yothu Yindi's famous legacy, the RAC Music Program aims to put Yolŋu music in the spotlight.

    The Roy Marika Stage itself is a meaningful tribute — named after RAC's founder Dadayŋa Roy Marika, the acknowledged father of Indigenous Land Rights with 2026 the 50th anniversary of the Land Rights Act.

  • The festival traditionally opens with a traditional buŋgul and Welcome to Country, then flows into a full program:

    • Music - Showcasing Yolŋu talent from music industry professionals to school groups, alongside national First Nations artists. Past line-ups have included renowned groups such as Yothu Yindi, East Journey, King Stingray, Yirrmal and emerging talents like The Lucky Band.

    • Dance - Traditional buŋgul ceremonies performed by Rirratjingu clan members

    • Art - Exhibitions drawing on the extraordinary artistic legacy of Yirrkala. On previous occasions there has been collaboration with The Bait Fridge Collective.

    • Community activities - The Festival engages the broader community and youth through activities including basketball, football, market stalls. Friday night of the festival being dedicated for the youth with a dance competition. This year the Youth night will be headlined by international superstar Justin Wellington.

    • Food - Local tucker served from the Yirrkala store and from food vendors from the Gove Peninsula.

  • No you don’t have to buy tickets. The Yarrapay Festival is a free community event, open to everyone.

  • Stay tuned! The official program drops one week before the festival. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram so you don't miss it, or keep checking back here on the website.

EVENT INFO

GETTING THERE

  • Parking is available on the grass field on Tuffin Road opposite the stage, as well as along surrounding streets. Security will be stationed at all parking locations throughout the event.

  • A free bus will be running between Yirrkala and Ski Beach so everyone can get to the festival safely and easily.

ON THE DAY

  • We kick off as soon as the sun sets — usually around 5:30pm — so come ready to enjoy that beautiful Arnhem Land twilight! The festival wraps up at 9:30pm.

  • Chairs, rugs, a picnic dinner, dancing shoes, and your loudest singing voice…that's the starter pack!
    Also consider packing insect repellent, a light jacket, a water bottle, and some cash for the market stalls.

  • The Yarrapay Festival is a dry event, so no alcohol please. We also ask that all attendees take their rubbish with them when they leave, including glow sticks and any other items that could be left behind.

FOOD & DRINK

  • Yes! Yirrkala Store will be open on the night serving hot meals and snacks, plus a range of local food vendors will have stalls set up. Feel free to bring a picnic, but if you can, show some love to our local vendors and grab a bite from them on the night.

  • Yes, you're welcome to bring your own picnic! Check out our food FAQ above for more details on what's available on the night.

  • No — the Yarrapay Festival is a dry event. No alcohol is permitted on site.

KIDS & FAMILY

  • Yes, the Yarrapay Festival is a family friendly event and welcoming to all ages.

  • Yes! If your little one gets lost, they'll be taken to our information stand. We'll also make an announcement over the PA to help reunite families as quickly as possible. Security will be on site throughout the night to help with anything you need.

  • Yes! Security will be on site throughout the entire event to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable night.

ACCESSIBILITY

  • We want everyone to feel welcome at the Yarrapay Festival! The event site is generally flat and accessible, however please be aware that the area directly in front of the stage is sand. If you have any specific accessibility needs or questions, please reach out to us beforehand and we'll do our best to help.

  • There's no designated accessible parking, however all parking areas are on flat ground which should make access easier. If you have specific needs, feel free to reach out to us beforehand and we'll do our best to help!

  • Yes! Demountable toilets will be set up on site, including accessible facilities.