Overview
Little gets in the way of Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art hosting a huge midyear food festival and taking a swim sans clothes to celebrate the winter solstice, not even giving Dark Mofo a year off. In 2023, the Mona team announced that it was pressing pause on its weird and wild June festival this year, using the time to plan for the future instead ahead of coming back better than ever in 2025 — but it also revealed that some of Dark Mofo's signature festivities would still return.
Now, exactly when you'll be able to hit the Apple Isle to partake in both the Winter Feast and Nude Solstice Swim has been revealed. Mark your diary: tucking into a creative meal will run from Thursday, June 13–Sunday, June 16, then again from Thursday, June 20–Sunday, June 23, while enjoying a chilly dip is occurring on Friday, June 21.
Winter Feast is headed to Princes Wharf 1, again focusing on food, wine and spirits from Tassie, and with an international guest chef that's still to be announced. In 2023, Chef's Table alum Ana Roš from two-Michelin-starred Hiša Franko did the honours.
Nude Solstice Swim will return to Long Beach at sunrise after 2023's event attracted a record number of folks — and it has upped its capacity for 2024.
They're not the only Mona events still on the calendar for this year even without Dark Mofo tying them all together. The Mona Gala will get everyone partying on Friday, June 14 to celebrate the opening of exhibition Namedropping. It will also move from strictly invitation-only attendance to dropping tickets to buy — but only a limited amount, which will be available from March — for an event that'll showcase artistic works about status, perception and trying to look good for others.
If you went to Dark Mofo in 2021, you might remember Night Shift, which is making a comeback from Friday, June 21–Saturday, June 22. On the itinerary again: hitting the dance floor, getting debauched and making the absolute most of the early hours.
Dark Mofo is set to return in 2025 as the full usual shebang — not that there's anything usual about the event.
"Dark Mofo has established itself as a beacon of artistic exploration and challenging ideas for a decade, immersing audiences in the depths of darkness and the heart of winter," Dark Mofo Artistic Director Chris Twite said.
"This year, by taking a fallow year, we are taking a crucial step in ensuring that Dark Mofo continues to be a catalyst for artistic innovation, cultural dialogue, and shared experiences for many years to come.
"While the festival rests in 2024, the solstice does not, and we are excited to gather once more to present two popular pillars of the Tasmanian midwinter, along with some exceptional extra events," Twite continued.
Mona's 2024 Winter Events:
Thursday, June 13–Sunday, June 16 — Winter Feast week one
Friday, June 14 — The Mona Gala
Saturday, June 15, 2024–Monday, April 21, 2025 — Namedropping exhibition
Thursday, June 20–Sunday, June 23 — Winter Feast week two
Friday, June 21 — Nude Solstice Swim
Friday, June 21–Saturday, June 22 — Night Shift
Dark Mofo isn't taking place in 2024, but Winter Feast, Nude Solstice Swim, Night Shift and the Mona Gala all return in June — head to the festival's website for further details.
Winter feast images: Jesse Hunniford, 2023, courtesy of Dark Mofo 2023. Nude Solstice Swim images: Rémi Chauvin, 2023, courtesy of Dark Mofo 2023.