DARK MOFO ON THE CHEAP
WHILE mainlanders might be happy to spend up big while in town for Dark Mofo, many locals might be unsure how to soak it all up without breaking the bank.
It’s the last Wednesday of the festival, meaning events are kicking off in the lead-up to the finale, so the Mercury has compiled the best of Dark Mofo for locals on a budget.
Firstly, go to the Dark Mofo + City of Hobart Winter Feast food, the crowds are thinner and your appetite will be fit to devour a feast worthy of the wait.
It also gives you time to do Dark Path, the festival’s free event that replaced Dark Park, winding from the Regatta Grounds to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and passing obscure and thoughtprovoking installations and bars along the way.
And if you fancy a bite to eat before embarking on the 4km journey, stop by the Fringe Fest at the Hobart Brewing Co, which although not affiliated with Dark Mofo has plenty of warmth, vibes and good times. And it’s free entry.
Night Mass won’t be on your list if you’re on a budget, but there are other ways to feel the excitement of its “nocturnal neighbourhood”.
Get your fix of obtuse art that makes an appearance on stage at Night Mass by visiting the Avalon Theatre between 5-10pm free of charge where Japanese artist Saeborg presents inflatable animals in a technicolour farmyard.
On any day of the week from 12pm you can see the spaces that weave their way through Night Mass by visiting the bar and the food vans of In the Hanging Garden on the corner of Murray and Liverpool streets.
And, of course, visit Mona, where if you’re under 18 or Tasmanian you can access new and old exhibitions free of charge, including Simon Denny’s Mine which is thought-provoking, and ironic.
In case you don’t feel as if you’ve immersed yourself enough in the rituals of the festival, follow the procession known as The Burning: Ogoh Ogoh from Parliament Lawns to Macquarie Point on Sunday from 5-6pm.
The giant swift parrot that is being filled with punters’ fears throughout the festival — stationed on Red Square — will be sacrificed in a blazing forest of smoke, fire and noise. For free. engaging