What is Dark Mofo?
Dark Mofo is a winter arts festival held in Hobart, Tasmania, around the June solstice. Run by MONA since 2013, it features dark-themed art, music, light installations, feasts and a nude solstice swim.
The festival celebrates the darkness of the longest nights of the year with large-scale public art, performances and concerts across Hobart. Red lights glow throughout the city during the festival.
The Winter Feast, held on the waterfront, offers food, fire pits and live music. It has become one of Hobart's biggest events.
The Nude Solstice Swim
On the morning of the winter solstice, hundreds of people run naked into the freezing River Derwent at sunrise. The event has become a famous and popular tradition.
Dark Mofo has drawn criticism for some provocative artworks, and in some years organisers have faced protests. Supporters say it has transformed winter tourism in Tasmania.
The festival paused in 2024 to review its future and returned in 2025. It draws visitors from across Australia to Hobart in the middle of winter, boosting hotels, restaurants and bars at a traditionally quiet time of year.
Did You Know?
Dark Mofo's name plays on MONA FOMA, the museum's summer festival.