Port Moresby’s waterfront will come alive next week as Alibi Bar & Grill hosts a five-day festival correlating culture, food, and music in the lead-up to Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence anniversary.
The popular Harbourside West venue, best known for its steaks, seafood, and live music, has lined up a packed program from September 12-16 that will showcase regional cultural groups, traditional canoe displays, and headline performances from contemporary acts.
Day one (Friday, Sept 12) kicks off with markets and food stalls opening at 10am, followed by afternoon and evening live band sessions.
Saturday (Sept 13) is dedicated to the Momase and Highlands regions, featuring 11 cultural groups from Morobe, Madang, Sepik, and the Highlands provinces.
The Untitled Band with vocalist, Judith VanEgmond singing ‘Just An Illusion’ at Alibi
Performances will run throughout the day, interspersed with raffle draws, games, and sponsor giveaways, before a live band takes the stage at 5pm.
Sunday (Sept 14) shifts the spotlight to the Southern and Islands regions, with groups from Central, Gulf, Milne Bay, New Britain, New Ireland, Manus and Bougainville taking turns to perform. Evening entertainment again closes with live music.
On Monday (Sept 15), the waterfront will host a canoe showcase and cultural dance program, including performances by Marianville students, Junior Poly Crew, G-Force Dance Crew, and Mortlock dancers. The night wraps up with DJ Rich Antony performing into the late hours.
The festival will culminate on Tuesday (Sept 16) with Independence Day celebrations. Highlights include a flag-raising ceremony, performances by artist Kali-D, the PNG Circus, and the WanSquad dance group, before live bands round off the evening.
Organisers say the choice of Alibi as the venue was deliberate, combining its scenic harbourfront setting with its versatility to host both day markets and evening concerts. “It’s the atmosphere, waterfront views, open space, and a team that knows how to keep events running smoothly,” one organiser said.
Festival-goers are encouraged to arrive early to secure good spots, particularly for the cultural showcases and sunset terrace dining.
Reservations are recommended for peak evening hours, while updates and ticket information are available via Alibi’s WhatsApp lines (7320 7777 / 320 7777).
The festival is expected to draw large crowds, offering Port Moresby residents and visitors a taste of the nation’s cultural diversity in the lead-up to Independence.
