Dark Mofo On Hiatus For 2024 Event

After achieving record-breaking box office success in June 2023, Dark Mofo has hit the “pause” button in 2024 as organisers “reset” and “take stock of changing conditions and rising costs” that the festival faces.

Next year’s Dark Mofo won’t be going ahead, as organisers focus on a “period of renewal”. The festival “intends to reshape a more sustainable model for a full return in 2025 and set the foundation for the next 10 years.”

While the music festival, which hosted the likes of punk rockers Black Flag, alternative gothic singer Ethel Cain, blackgaze icons Deafheaven, HEALTH and many more at this year’s event, is off in 2024, Dark Mofo organisers and the Tasmanian State Government have come to an agreement about hosting two festival-related aspects next year: the Winter Feast and the Nude Solstice Swim. The dates for both events will be announced soon.

The Winter Feast and Nude Solstice Swim will coincide with the presentation of a new exhibition at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).

“We are thankful for the support and assistance that the State Government has shown in response to our need to reshape for the future,” Dark Mofo Artistic Director Chris Twite said in a statement.

“Dark Mofo has always been dedicated to enriching and transforming lives through ambitious art and ideas. We want to make sure that we have a festival that continues to deliver incredible art and artists, that continues to expand its artistic boundaries and remains a beacon of creativity, innovation, and cultural significance.”

Twite added, “While this was a tough decision, it ensures we move forward in a viable manner. The fallow year will enable us to secure the future of Dark Mofo and its return at full force in 2025.

“We are excited that in June 2024 — amidst the rebirth and renewal of Dark Mofo — that Tasmanians and visitors alike will still be able to meet and commune around the fires of Winter Feast and cast off the weight of another year at the Nude Solstice Swim once more.”

This year marked the tenth anniversary of Dark Mofo and the final event for founder and Creative Director Leigh Carmichael.

The 2023 edition of Dark Mofo took place for a delightfully spooky two weeks from 8 to 22 June.