1. Get amongst the citywide celebration
As much as Hobart lord mayor Ron Christie would have you believe otherwise, Hobart comes alive during Dark Mofo. International and local musicians and artists perform at historic theatres and venues, a public art playground called Dark Park pops up in a usually dead corner of the city, culinary big wigs bring their foodie best to the annual Winter Feast, and fire takes over the harbour. So very much fire.
It’s a hugely successful festival, thanks in large part to the organisers making sure there’s enough free and accessible art and performance to create a genuine sense of festivity across the whole city for two weeks. But it’s also a winner simply because of how well the city embraces it. Hobart is emblazoned with neon red crosses. Venues all over town are used for dedicated performances, from the Hobart Town Hall to the nearly 100-year-old Odeon Theatre. Local cafés do Dark Mofo specials (one Nude Swim-themed special served a “very small” sausage in a roll), and even CBD civic buildings pop red light bulbs in their desk lamps and let them shine on overnight. Even Hobart airport gets amongst it, with a neon red sign reading “Come Into my Web” welcoming visitors who’ve travelled across to the state. The city is basically blanketed in red lighting, and it’s both unique and inspiring to see a city so excited by a winter festival.