The Maldives’ first-ever Fari Islands Festival to be headlined by FKJ, Rupi Kaur & WAGYUMAFIA

From 19-22 September 2025, the Fari Islands Festival will take over Patina Maldives and The Ritz-Carlton Maldives with three days of music, art, food and cultural exchange set against one of the most striking backdrops in the Indian Ocean.

Spread across two interconnected islands, the festival marks a first-of-its-kind event in the region, bringing together global names with regional voices and creative interventions that go beyond your usual luxury resort programming.

“It’s our first time doing something like this,” says Tom Bray of Yeti Out who has taken the role of Director of Brand & Lifestyle at Patina Maldives.

He continues: “What if we brought the energy of downtown art scenes, the world’s best bars and genre-defying musicians to these extraordinary islands to create and share, imagine what could happen?”

The entire music and arts line-up leans into immersive sounds and cross-disciplinary talent.

FKJ's signature blend of funk, jazz and electronics will echo during a live set at the closing night’s Fari Marina Fiesta, while NTS Radio regular Kim Turnbull will bring her fashion-forward edge to her multi-genre set at EAU Bar and Fari Beach Club, soundtracking guest bar takeovers.

Canadian poet and spoken word performer Rupi Kaur will deliver a special performance at Skyspace Amarta, a permanent light installation by artist James Turrell that invites barefoot, ambient listening and reflection.

The arts offering is hands-on, led by Singapore’s STPI Gallery with paper-based workshops. “They'll be hosting cyanotype printing workshops, using sunscreen as a resist and natural materials found around the Maldives,” Tom adds.

Attendees can also encounter other art installations scattered across the property, aimed to encourage exploration and moments of inspiration.

A conscious culinary approach brings together local Maldivian vendors and globally recognised names like the always interactive and energetic WAGYUMAFIA crew.

Tom shares that “There’ll be a range of local art collectives from Malé and neighbouring islands like Oevaali, E’lhabe, and Clay Studios bringing in homegrown crafts, sounds and bites. Some of World's 50 Best Bars will also be doing pop-ups including Danico from Paris and Singapore’s Nutmeg & Clove.”

Add to that 13 restaurants, two beach clubs, and programmes led by National Geographic Explorer Gibbs Kuguru and the oceans-focused Olive Ridley Project, and you’ve got a festival where discovery goes well beyond the dancefloor.

“We really want to champion local Maldivian culture and not just import ideas,” he emphasises. “That’s why we’re putting locals at the forefront wherever possible while inviting some of the world's finest to the Indian Ocean.”

Learn more about the festival and book your stay here.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.

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