2025 BASSINTHEGRASS festival delivers significant boost to Northern Territory economy

Northern Territory music festival BASSINTHEGRASS returned to Mindil Beach over the weekend, with the Northern Territory Government highlighting the importance of major events to the Territory economy.

More than 11,000 people passed through the gates at Mindil Beach on Saturday to see more than 30 acts across multiple stages and spaces over 10 non-stop hours.

This year’s BASSINTHEGRASS line-up celebrated the best in hip-hop, dance, electronic, pop, indie, folk, alternative and R&B and featured huge names in Australian and international music, along with emerging talent.

NT Minister for Major Events Marie-Clare Boothby said this year’s festival attracted thousands of visitors from across the country, with 25% of this year's crowd travelling from interstate.

Minister Boothby noted “events such as BASSINTHEGRASS are not only a celebration of music and community, they’re also a major boost for our economy, local businesses, and tourism.

“Thousands of music lovers, many from interstate, chose to visit Darwin for BASSINTHEGRASS, which is great news for our tourism and hospitality sectors as visitors get out and about to experience everything the Territory has to offer.

“We promised Territorians a year of action, certainty and security; we recently handed down our first Budget which includes $36.5 million dedicated to major events, which will play a key role as we continue our commitment to rebuilding the economy.

"In addition to BASSINTHEGRASS, we saw great crowds at the two Gold Coast Suns AFL matches at TIO Stadium, including 12,000 on Thursday night which was the biggest crowd at TIO in 20 years."

This year’s BASSINTHEGRASS line-up included Australian artists Meg Mac, The Jungle Giants, The Dreggs, 3%, Old Mervs, and Hope D, plus international and local dance acts Jax Jones, Jaded, Kah-Lo, Luude, Baby J, and Latifa Tee.

Festival highlights included Australian hip-hop icons Hilltop Hoods performing their new single 'The Gift' with Darwin's very own Marlon, and the Territory's Cyril surprised festivalgoers by welcoming Aussie rock legend Shannon Noll and local singer-songwriter Caiti Baker to the stage to perform 'Stumblin' In.'

Heavy hitters The Amity Affliction also marked a milestone with their first major Australian festival appearance featuring new bassist and vocalist Jonathan Reeves.

In addition to the music, the Mindil Beach Sunset Market, Silent Disco, BASS Camp and Chillout Cove provided plenty of opportunities for festivalgoers to enjoy the lively atmosphere.

The Jungle Giants Lead Guitarist, Cesira Aitken added “we always love coming to Darwin, it’s one of our favourite cities in Australia.”

“BASSINTHEGRASS is one of the best festivals in Australia and we love being a part of it.”

BASSINTHEGRASS will return to Mindil Beach in 2026, with the date to be announced later this year. To be one of the first to know, sign up at bassinthegrass.com.au