Red Earth Arts Festival is back this May with an exciting, jam-packed program celebrating music, art and culture across Karratha and the wider region.
Running from 14–17 May, this year’s festival will feature activations across Point Samson, Cossack, Dampier, Wickham and Roebourne, bringing a diverse program of performances, workshops and exhibitions to the heart of the Pilbara.
The multi-day festival kicks off on 14 May with the West Australian Opera Gala, bringing the magic of opera to the region through a celebration of the genre’s most iconic moments.
On Friday, The Quarter Precinct will come alive with the popular, family-friendly Harmony & HeART community event, featuring roving performers, live entertainment, the KDCCI Markets and more.
Among the highlights is the raw, sassy and heartfelt true story Blacksheep by Dr Jae West, an award-winning performer who dives into powerful themes of body image, societal conditioning and growing up in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Audiences can also experience the gripping solo work Shadow Boxing, fresh from acclaimed performances in Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Held at the Dampier Community Hall, the performance explores masculinity, sexuality, violence and vulnerability.
The popular REAF in the Regions program also returns, with community events in Roebourne, Point Samson and Dampier featuring a mix of workshops, performances and live music. The Roebourne event and Dampier events will be headlined by the unique Australian band Tjaka, known for fusing electronic, funk and hip-hop with Indigenous ancestral influences, while the Port Walcott event will feature the award-winning Slide Summit.
City of Karratha Mayor Daniel Scott said the festival continues to grow as a major cultural event for the region.
“Red Earth Arts Festival is a celebration of creativity and community, and one of the most anticipated events on our calendar,” Mayor Scott said.
“It brings together an incredible mix of local, national and Indigenous artists, delivering a diverse program that offers something for everyone.
“Importantly, the festival extends beyond Karratha, with activations across our towns and coastal communities, ensuring more people can experience and connect with the arts.
“We’re proud to deliver a festival that not only showcases the talent and culture of the Pilbara, but also strengthens community connection and enhances the vibrancy of our region.”
Rio Tinto Iron Ore General Manager Communities Molly Singline said the Red Earth Arts Festival continues to play an important role in bringing people together across the Pilbara.
“For more than a decade, Red Earth Arts Festival has provided a platform for creativity, storytelling and meaningful community connection across the region.
“It’s a much-anticipated event that brings communities together to celebrate the unique identity of the Pilbara, and we’re pleased to support the City of Karratha to deliver such a special event.”
Tickets are on sale, with a mix of free and ticketed events available. For more information and to view the program, visit reaf.com.au
REAF 2026 is presented by City of Karratha, with Principal Partner Rio Tinto, Event Partner LotteryWest, The Quarter Sponsor Woodside Energy and its joint venture partners, and Event Sponsors Pilbara Traffic Management, Hon. Julie Freeman, and Karratha City Plaza.