Events April 2009

Free entry

Relax and enjoy a stress-relieving massage or cool tropical juice.

Darwin's oldest market is situated only 20 minutes from Darwin city, in the Rapid Creek Business Village. Come on down for a massage, followed with a relaxing Sunday brunch, before browsing the stalls for fresh organic produce, Asian fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, exotic plants, flowers and seafood. You’ll also find a range of local handmade crafts for that special gift. The markets are open from 7am to 1pm every Sunday.

Buses from Darwin city and Casuarina stop by the market on a regular basis.

Event types

• Produce
• Craft
• Exhibition/Show

Events November 2009

Free Entry

Rapid Creek markets will hold the exciting Monsoon Markets during the 'Wet Season'. Many stalls with a variety Arts, crafts and food will be displayed.

When:  5pm - 10pm

Events February 2010

Free Entry

The 68th Commemoration Ceremony of The Bombing of Darwin on 19th February, 1942 will take place at the Cenotaph in Bicentennial Park at 9.30am, with the sounding of the WWII air raid siren at 9.58am. This is the same time it sounded when waves of Japanese bombers flew over the city, claiming more than 240 lives and devastating a large part of the city. There were 8 ships sunk and 11 damaged. A section of the wharf was destroyed, killing 22 waterside workers. Over the next 21 months, Darwin, Adelaide River, Katherine and Milingimbi in Arnhem Land were bombed 64 times.

A number of regiments, based in Darwin today, re-enact anti-aircraft ground fire and just before 10am there will be an RAAF low level 'fly by'  to signify the historic attack, which is first time that war had come to the Australian mainland. A wreath laying ceremony will take place to honour and remember the men and women, military and civilian who came to the defence of Darwin on this most important day in the Northern Territory Calendar.

When: 9.30am

Where: Cenotaph, Bicentennial Park, The Esplanade, Darwin.

Road closures will be minimal - Herbert to Knuckey Streets onto the Esplanade. 

Car #55 1973 Mercedes Benz

The Variety Bash 2010 Crew proudly presents: 

"Tradie for a Lady"  

Ladies.....do you need a Tradesman??

Then we have the Tradesman for you!!!!

We have electricians, plumbers, carpenters, gardeners, boilermakers/welders and cabinetmakers.

All for a price, and all for a full or half days work to be done on Sunday 28th February!! All these blokes will be AUCTIONED off...

All proceeds go to Variety, the childrens charity NT and all donations are tax deductible.

Other auctions items for the night include signed NRL jumpers, signed V8 Supercars shirts and merchandise, as well as raffles and a lucky door prize!!!

Full bar facility available.

Venue:  The University Pirates Clubhouse - corner of Lakeside drive and Dripstone Road.

Time:     7pm

Entry Fees Apply

Come along with the whole family to Richardson Park and support the North Queensland Cowboys or the Gold Coast Titans as they battle it out in a high energy pre-season match.

Tickets available online or phone Darwin Entertainment Centre.

Where:  Richardson Park, Ludmilla.

Events March 2010

Free Entry

The Tiwi Islands Art Sale coincides each year with the Tiwi Islands Football Grand Final. This massive family gathering provides a rare opportunity for people to visit Bathurst island and buy Tiwi art and crafts at community prices. The sale venue is the Tiwi Design Art Centre with a gallery and Munupi Arts and Crafts from Melville Island.

The sale on Sunday begins at 8am concluding around 2pm when the Football Grand Final kicks off.

It is one of the Territory's most eagerly anticipated sporting events. Many players elect to play barefoot and the game is fast and skillful.

Transport  to the Island can be organised either with Sea-cat Ferries or through small plane charter companies. Contact Tiwi Islands or check the website for further transport information.

The normal requirement for a visitor permit is waived for this day.

Events April 2010

Every Easter long weekend, Timber Creek holds its very own XXXX Timber Creek Gunamu Tourist Park Fishing Competition. Fishing enthusiasts and families are invited to join the locals of Timber Creek for a great weekend. Cash and prizes are up for grabs.

Held on the Victoria River, this is one of the most scenic places to catch a barramundi.

When: Friday 6am - Sunday 4.30pm

Entry fee: Adult - $40

                  Children - $20

                  Fee includes dinner on the Sunday night.

Entry Fees Apply

This very popular annual fishing event is held over the Saturday and Sunday of the Easter weekend at King Ash Bay. The competition is open to anglers of all ability.

Entertainment over the weekend includes dancing, music and cane toad races.

Free Entry

Come and enjoy a variety of locally operated stalls, crafts and food at the traditional 'Dry season' markets. There's a jumping castle and rides for the kids to enjoy.

When:  5.30pm - late. The first Saturday of each month - weather permitting.

The event is expected to bring more than 700 riders to the 'Territory'. It is expected up to 80 factory and private teams will make the journey to the Northern Territory and will include manufacturers such as Ducati, Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, KTM and Aprilia.

Hidden Valley Raceway is well known to many who attend the annual V8 Supercar Championships, which was voted last year as the 'best in the nation'.

So get ready for some supreme superbike action as the 'Territory' proudly hosts it's first  - Round 2 Superbike championship.

Entry Fees Apply, see website for EOI Form

The NT Barramundi Classic is held on the unspoilt Daly River, located in the Northern Territory (300kms south of Darwin).

The 'Classic' is the 'Flagship' Barramundi Fishing Tournament Worldwide and now has a 5-star National Accreditation. This week long annual competition attracts local, national and international teams, who are permitted to fish a 52km stretch of the river from 7am till 5pm for five consecutive days. Barbless hooks, knotless nets and International Game Fishing Rules apply.

Teams battle it out to win and receive the prestigious "Barra on a Stick". The tournament has grown in stature every year to what you see today, a highly coordinated, state-of-the-art fishing tournament.

Where:  Banyan Farm,

               Wooliana Road,

               Daly River.

  Free Entry

The Daly Waters Rodeo, Campdraft and Gymkhana is held in the historic township of Daly Waters, 600 klms south of Darwin.

Activities held over the three days range from the station bronc ride and tail tagging, the maiden and ladies draft, a novice draft, 'ASH' open draft and the Campdraft finals.

Bareback and barrel racing, live entertainment is provided on the Saturday night and bar, catering and camping facilities will also be available.

Check website for program and entry fee details

Come along and enjoy the weekend under the Majestic Mahogany trees at the Katherine Museum on Gorge Road 2km from the Post Office!!

The Katherine Country Music Muster is three nights of concerts featuring nationally recognized bands, poets and more! It is considered North Australia's Country Music Event of the year.

The event begins on the evening of Friday 30th April "Territory Night", with a showcase of local and territory wide country music talent.

A Cavalcade from Katherine town centre to the Katherine Outback Heritage Museum, Giles Street on Saturday 1st. There will be Brunch with the stars, Busk off and Beaut Ute competition. Fabulous toe tapping music with a Busk off and song writing competition will continue through Sunday, with the venue closing late in the evening.

Great food, bar facilities and basic camping available.

No eskies.

When: 30th April, 1st & 2nd May

Where: Katherine Outback Museum, Giles Street, Katherine

Events May 2010

Held over the May Day long weekend, the Katherine Club Gig Horse Creek Barra Classic will be fished on the Victoria River at Timber Creek.

This competition offers the ultimate challenge, with cash prizes for the largest catch and release barra, or you may prefer to aim to take out the major prize for the biggest barra.

The XXXX Gold Barra Nationals are held on the Daly River at the Banyan Farm.

The Barra Nationals - the "Ultimate Fishing Tournament" continues to grow from strength to strength, with  a total of 178 anglers in 59 teams taking part in the 2009 event.

The Borroloola Museum was once the Old Police Station, built in 1866.

It is managed by the National Trust and houses an exhibition dedicated to the police presence in Borroloola in the late 1800's. There is also a collection of artifacts, documents and photographs outlining Aboriginal history, the Macassan visits of the early 1900's and European exploration. A key is available at the caravan park or the mechanic located at the rear of the museum building.

The National Trust invites the community to celebrate The 2010 Festival by participating in a variety of events being held over "Ten Days at the Top".

Key events include:

Friday : Festival Launch Event, Lawns of Parliament House, tba

              Foundation Dinner @ Pee Wee's at the Point, 7pm - 10pm.

Saturday: Open House @ Myilly Point, Myilly Point Precinct, 10am - 1pm.

Sunday: Heritage Seminar at NT Library.

Monday: A Trip around Bankers Corner, Bankers Corner, Westpac Bank. Including guided tours, guest speakers and refreshments courtesy of westpac,  4pm - 9pm

Tuesday: 4.21 Club @ The Green Room, Magistrates House, Myilly Point Heritage Precinct. Includes live entertainment, food, wine & beer tasting, 5pm - 8pm.

Wednesday: tba

Thursday: Deckchair Cinema Night, Deckchair Cinema 6pm - 10pm

Friday: tba

Saturday: Raffles Re-Visited, 1940's style Dinner Dance. Officer's Mess, Larrakeyah Barracks, Larrakeyah 7pm - 10pm

Sunday: tba

*Regular Heritage walks & tours will be offered over the festival period*

Entry Fees Apply

The Fred's Pass Rural show, on Darwin's outskirts, is an annual event with over 170 exhibitors. Highlights include a country music concert featuring national country music stars, along with some serious Territory talent.

Show features include a livestock display, equestrian display and competition, polocross carnival, the traditional Grand Parade, arts and crafts, a woodchop exhibition by Tasmanian woodchoppers who return to the show each year, and the family favourite Saturday nights's Fireworks Spectacular.

Participate in the major auction that takes place at the closing of the show. Celebrate in true rural fashion.

Event types

• Produce      
• Agriculture
• Rodeo
• Wood Chop
• Craft
• Air
• Exhibition/Show
• Animal
• Floral
• Photography
• Boat
• Motor

 Entry Fees Apply

Get swept away with the power of words.

WordStorm is an established and much-anticipated Northern Territory literary even and is unique in Australia for its profiling of Indigenous Australian and South East Asian voices.

Participate in writing workshops, listen to great musicians and poets perform, dine at literary breakfasts and lunches, be entertained by their annual comedy debate or, for the brave, enter a poetry slam or hip hop workshop.

Satellite events will be staged in Katherine and Alice Springs.

Event types

• Book
• Exhibition/Show
• Festival
• Comedy
• Dance
• Music
• Debating

The Country Cup circuit kicks off at Pine Creek where a five-race programme provides plenty of weekend entertainment. The bush race meeting is held at Pussycat Flats Racecourse and features local registered races, Tab and Sky channel coverage, local sweepstakes and fashions on the field.

Food and drinks are available and an open-air dance is held on the Saturday night. The Pine Creek Cup is the feature race of the day. There will be a pre-race golf competition held on the Friday night before the cup as well as music, dancing and a trivia quiz.

Entry Fees Apply 

BASSINTHEGRASS turns eight this year! Since 2003 this event has established itself as a highlight in the Northern Territory's Music calendar. There is 12 hours of music showcasing some of Australia's biggest bands, with entertainment for all age groups.  In the past, we have been able to enjoy the country's top acts, as well as the Territory's finest bands.

The event is conducted in a safe and friendly environment and a 37 square metre giant screen makes the day and the entertainment event 'bigger'. There are shade structures, food, drink and confectionery stalls.

St. John Ambulance Officers and Police will be patrolling this event.

No glass permitted.

Where:  Darwin Amphitheatre , George Brown Botanic Gardens, Gardens Road.

When:  Gates open 11am

Transport:  Free Shuttle buses run from Darwin Interchange to The Gardens Amphitheatre and return from 11am to midnight.

The Australian Sprintcar Championships are held over a three day period with the first day offering a practice day on the Thursday. Northline Speedway are hosting this prestigious event in 2010 and expectations are high that this event will present a unique Territory style experience to this long standing historical event.

3 day passes and Family passes are available.

The Katherine Races is a great family day out. With a full racing program, including the running of the Katherine Cup, fashions on the field, novelty events, and plenty of food and drink. Dance and party late into the night with local entertainment.

Events June 2010

The Festival is a major regional cultural event and a solid community enterprise based on cultural pride and indigenous knowledge.

Come to friendly Nauiyu, on the might Daly River for a whole weekend of festival activities. The small community is situated 240 klms south of Darwin, in the valley next to the Daly River.

How to get there: Drive south on the Stuart Highway to Adelaide River and turn right onto Dorat Rd, just after the bridge in Adelaide River (where the horserace track is). Drive along Dorat Rd for approximately 90 klms then turn right onto the Daly River Rd. Follow this road all the way to the Merrepen Art Centre at Nauiyu.

Some of Australia's finest musicians including Nicky Bomba, local band the 'Nauiyu boys' and 'B2M' a Tiwi Islands band, will perform in a special open air concert. visit the art centre, meet some of the artists, participate in workshops and watch some great sporting competitions. You can also join in the famous 'Art Auction' at the art centre.

Alcohol Free Event

No permits required

Fuel is available, however it is recommended that you fill up in Adelaide River.

Very limited facilities for eftpos.

Camping is not available in the community but there are a number of tourist parks throughout the area offering a range of accommodation options.

Free Entry

Wander through the information stalls and displays, attend a workshop or catch the lunchtime forum. Be inspired by the environmental work being undertaken by different groups and agencies in Darwin.

There will also be food and drinks available, music and lots of environmental activities for the children.

Where:  tbc

Barunga Festival is one of Australia's longest running Aboriginal festivals, located four hours away from Darwin. It is 80kms south east of Katherine on the Central Arnhem Highway.

Held every year over the June long weekend with community people welcoming visitors from Friday until Monday afternoon for the alcohol and drug free event.

The festival weekend is a unique opportunity to come and be part of a remote Aboriginal community, and share in the Jawoyn culture.

Over the weekend, visitors are invited to camp in the community, be part of dancing ceremonies, share traditional bush tucker, make their own didgeridu to take home, and enjoy the many cultural activities on offer. No permits are needed to visit the community on the festival weekend.

Saturday night is traditionally the concert night. Music starts early in the afternoon, with a Battle of the Bands, and a Road Safety Song competition.

Return bus transfers and tours may be booked through Nitmiluk Tours - www.nitmiluktours.com.au

check website for location and event details.

Entry Fees Apply

Join in the excitement of a traditional country horse race meeting.

The Adelaide River Races, set in beautiful shady grounds, feature a seven-race program, with TAB and bookie facilities on site. Bar and food facilities are available, along with children activities. A concert and dance follow the days' races, so with free camping available throw in the swag and tent to spend the evening under the stars.

Free Entry

Experience the largest show of ethnic celebration in the Northern Territory calendar.

The Greek Glenti, held at Bicentennial park in Darwin, is a fun and vibrant festival where the Greek community shares their culture, food, wine, dance and music with locals and visitors. The Glenti consists of local and interstate entertainment and acts and besides being able to eat Greek food, you can see people wearing traditional Greek clothing, be enlightened by the Greek culture, listen to Greek music, and see traditional dancing and much more.

Event types

• Exhibition/Show
• Multi-culture
• Food/Wine
• Festival
• Dance
• Music

Free Entry

The 6th annual Aussiemove International Nitro Challenge, Australia's Richest Radio Control Motorsport event ever!!!!, with over $10000.00 in prizemoney up for grabs, and with drivers from around the country and the globe attending, this will be an event not to miss. The event is run over 3 nights, Spectator Entry is free, food and drinks on sale. The event will be Live Webcast to the world.

OCR is part of the Territory Proud network, taking the Territory to the world!!!!

Where: Menuir Street, Winnellie

When: Gates open - 6pm

Entry Fees Apply

Darwin will excel when International, National and Local dancers hit the stage at the Darwin Entertainment Centre on June 18th through to the 20th, to showcase one of the best dance displays Darwin has ever seen.

Darwin Latin Dance Festival is undoubtedly the biggest and best Latin dance event ever to be staged in the Northern Territory, including some of the best Latin dancers in the World. We invite all of the Salseros and Salseras to our 6th Darwin Latin Dance Festival.

This Festival will offer you lots of fun, sun and Latin Dancing. On a grand scale, this spectacular event is sure to entice anyone who is in love with the Latin rhythms. The Festival includes the Main event FIESTA CALIENTE, featuring performances by International, National and Local followed by a farewell Party. The Festival offers over 20 choices of Workshops, taught by some of best instructors from around the world covering Salsa Casino Rueda, Zouk-Lambada, Cha-Cha, Bachata, Merengue, Ladies and Men Styling and much more......

It caters for the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels all under the same roof, the 'Darwin Entertainment Centre'.

For more information please visit our web-site  www.salsita.com.au

Entry Fees Apply

The SKYCITY Triple Crown V8 Supercars Round 8 will be held at Hidden Valley Raceway from 18 - 20 June

The Hidden Valley Raceway is located 5kms from Darwin Airport and 10kms from Darwin City.

This major World Class Event is a powerful, fun filled event held over 3 days, with racing and concerts. Beginning on Friday with a truck convoy through the city and ending with a concert on Sunday night.

Where: Hidden Valley Raceway, Berimah

Transport:  Buses will run from the Darwin and Palmerston Interchange.

Free Entry

Step back in time at the annual Pine Creek goldrush weekend.

Watch the Annual Gold-panning championships or join in panning for gold on the banks of the creek at Miners Park on the Saturday. The festivities include a damper-making competition, nugget hunt, food and bar stalls and the free concert held on the Saturday night in Miners Park is great entertainment for all the family.

Accommodation is available, but limited, in Pine Creek. So come prepared to camp or stay with friends.

Events July 2010

Celebrate Territory Day on the 1st July at 5pm at Mindil Beach, with a selection of food & drinks, art & craft, live entertainment and an explosive fireworks display at 7.30pm.

Come along and bring the whole family to celebrate the anniversary of the founding of the Northern Territory!

Spectators Free Entry

Race Entry Fees Apply

Watch a colourful fleet of yachts start their sailing adventure to Ambon in Indonesia, from Darwin's foreshore.

The tension builds during the months leading up to this anticipated event on Darwin's sailing calendar, with an almost festival atmosphere. When the day finally arrives, large crowds gather on Darwin's foreshore in the brilliant dry season sunshine, and jostle for vantage points to see a colourful array of sailing vessels start their adventure to Ambon in Indonesia. With cool dry season breezes filling the spinnakers, the yachts poised on the turquoise sea starting line, the signal to race is anxiously awaited. Then with a loud crack, the race is on.

The Darwin Ambon Yacht Race and Rally starts at 11am.

This 600 nautical mile race to the capital of the Spice Islands attracts entries from blue water sailors from Australia and the world. Skippers who wish to partake in this race, please contact the Darwin to Ambon Yacht Race committee or refer to their website.

Entry Fee Applies

It's Showtime!!!

The Royal Darwin Show is one of the biggest family events in the Darwin Calendar. Come along and see the best the Territory has to offer! Since the first country show in 1951, Darwin has proudly continued to entertain the community with even more events and excitement which is now entering its 59th year.

The 2010 Show runs from 23rd - 25th July with loads of free entertainment, live music, displays, wine tastings, food and drinks, parades, competitions, photography, animals, horticulture, agriclulture and the Friday night rodeo. Don't miss the thrilling new rides and sideshow alley with lots of great prizes and fun-filled show bags. The animal nursery is extremely popular each year, as is the horse events ranging from dressage and show jumping to working stock horses and polocrosse matches.

Friday night is the official opening, followed by a grand parade of livestock and machinery. Saturday night hosts the spectacular fireworks finale.

Where: Darwin Showgrounds, Stuart Highway, Winnellie.

When: Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th

Transport: Buses run from Darwin Interchange and Palmerston to the Show entrance.

Free Entry

The Lingalonga Festival will take you on a journey through Batchelor's colourful history.

The normally sleepy hamlet of Batchelor, approximately one hour drive south on the Stuart Highway from Darwin, will be buzzing with markets, music, sport and creative activities under the canopy of glorious rain trees.

Throughout the day you can sample delicious foods from many cultures while strolling through the market stalls, or inspire the mind and body to the sounds of local cultural dance groups. Try a singalong with local musicians in the 'Buskers Bower' whilst the kids enter the sand castle competition in the town's 'monster sandpit', or simply set up your camping chair and watch the action roll by. Bar facilities available from 3pm til 10.30pm.

Accommodation is available in Batchelor township or in Litchfield National Park with its crystal clear swimming holes, gushing waterfalls and intriguing termite population.

Where: Batchelor Town Oval

When: 9am - 11pm

Entry Permits are waived during this event only.

A truly unique Australian Experience - Music. Fire. Dance.

Take your family on a journey into the past in a sacred setting beyond theatre, a true sense of place.

Malkgulumbu (Beswick Falls), a hidden treasure on Jawoyn land in the South West corner of Arnhem Land. An ancient playground, this incredible site is open to the public just once a year when the Wugularr Community invite you to share songs, stories, dance and music.

The Djilpin Arts, the creative company led by Tom E. Lewis, and supported by the Australian Shakespeare Company, blends music, dance, puppetry, animation, short films and burning 3D images blazing against the night sky. The corroborree ground is a theatre, with a fireplace as it's centre. 'We warm our spirits at the fireplace and around it, and we pass on the stories and sing the songs and thus keep our history and our culture going. Therefore the listening ear and the watchful eye of you in the audience are as important as the people singing and dancing.'

A limited range of local art will be available at the falls. The full range can be browsed at the Ghunmarn Culture Centre in the community, which will be open all weekend.

How to get there

Wugularr (Beswick) Community is located 107 kms south-east of Katherine. From Katherine, drive 51kms South on the Stuart Highway. Turn left at the Central Arnhem Road and drive 56kms into Beswick/Wugularr community.

When you arrive in the Beswick Community, you MUST collect your Festival entry pass at the Ghunmarn Culture Centre, before going back to the turn-off.

The turn off to Beswick Falls is signposted. It is approx 20kms and is a dirt road: 4wd is highly recommended.

The road is not normally a public access road and is prone to sand and bull dust bogs, please seal cameras and other equipment in plastic to protect from heavy dust.

If you do not have a 4wd, you can leave your vehicle at the Ghunmarn Culture Centre and get a shuttle into the site.

The shuttle leaves at 11am, midday, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm. 

Return tickets available - Please book the Shuttle bus when booking your entry Ticket.

Hot food and cold drinks will be available between 2pm and 8pm on Saturday only. Cash sales only.

No Alcohol allowed in the community or on the event site.

Camping Permitted inclusive with your ticket - Campers must be self sufficient, this is a wilderness location. Bush (pit) toilets are provided, campers must bring all equipment, food, water, etc. Evenings can be cold and windy. You may swim in the bottom lake and creeks, fish and walk in the area. However, please take your rubbish with you.

Events August 2010

Entry Fees Apply

The Darwin Cup Carnival ends with the running of the Darwin Cup on the picturesque Fannie Bay Racecourse track, which is one of only a few dirt tracks in operation on the circuit.

For ticket information contact the Darwin Turf Club.

Where: Fannie Bay Racecourse, Dickward Drive.

Check website for Event Entry Fees

In 2009 the Katherine Flying Fox Art & Cultural Festival celebrated it's new title, Katherine Festival.

This community festival includes a variety of arts and entertainment over a period of ten days. The event has included the Mayoral Debutante Ball, Katherine Prize Art and Craft Acquisition Awards, exhibitions, workshop activities, Aboriginal culture and Family Fun Day. The event also holds a unique cross cultural experience with the Chinese Dragon Boat Races on the Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park, Flying Fox Walk and Talk, the 'Main Event' including markets, car show, The bicycle challenge, Fine Food and plenty of entertainment.

The Main Event is the grand finale, with free entry it features a live band, school and community performances, Children's art/craft activity area, car show & much more.

Where:  Check the website for program details and locations for events held around Katherine. 

Entry is with a gold donation and all proceeds go to projects of the combined Lions Clubs of Darwin. 

The Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta is a great family day out with events of all ages and the water events including the Henley on Mindil, will be spectacular! A huge day of fun and competitions including the tug of war, thong throwing, kids running races and sandcastle building, junior and adult Kayak events, Iron person,hole in one and family slalom.

So, come on down to Mindil Beach and watch a regatta like no other, where the rule for all competitors is: 'all craft should appear to be made substantially from drink cans'of cans', and 'The most important rule of all - Be in it and have fun, fun, fun......'

Bar facilities, soft drink and water will also be available. NO BYO. Mindil Market food and craft stalls will be trading all day.

When : 10am - 5pm

*Boat building judging at 9.30am

Check website for events and entry fees.

The Darwin Festival program provides a feast of local, national and international performances to excite, inspire and entertain.

The Darwin Festival bursts open with our free festival favourite - the Santos Opening Concert - bringing some of the country's finest Indigenous talent and a very special collaboration to the Garden's Amphitheatre.

• Bring a picnic rug. Food and soft drinks on sale. This is an alcohol and smoke free event. 

There are few festivals around the world that can boast the weather that Darwin has and this is what makes it a perfect festival town. Held in August, the festival includes everything from free outdoor events, to theatre, dance, music, cabaret, films, workshops and comedy, not to mention the sensational cuisine. Running for 18 days and nights, 15 venues, 66 events, 148 performances and 916 artists from all over the Territory, Australia and the world. National and Territory artists and cultural groups join together to reflect the Indigenous, Asian and Pacific cultures of the region.

Event types

• Art
• Exhibition/Show
• Comedy
• Multi-culture
• Festival
• Comedy
• Ballet
• Dance
• Music
• Performance
• Theatre
• Street Theatre
• Film
• Workshop

Program:  Check the website or local retail outlets for the program guide to events.

Transport:   www.nt.gov.au/publictransport  for public transport information.

Free Entry

The Red Cross will hold a BBQ, along with community stalls, entertainment, raffles, craft, plants, jams and preserves, books, cakes, Wild Life Rescue exhibit and a White Elephant stall to raise money for those in need.

Bring the kids to discover and enjoy the 'red brick road'! It's a fun, annual fundraiser for whole the family.

When:  11 - 3pm

Free Entry

The Borroloola Gulf Show, known locally as the WayOutBack Agricultural Show, combines agriculture, gardening, lifestyle, arts, crafts and competitions in an entertaining day out. An exciting local rodeo, a camp draft and a gymkhana are highlights of this event, which is held to coincide with the public holiday at Borroloola.

Borroloola is situated 80kms inland from the Gulf of Carpentaria in the Northern Territory.

The community of Gunbalanya (Oenpelli) in Western Arnhem Land, through it's traditional Aboriginal owners, welcomes visitors to spend the day in their community and share in the many activities taking place. Gunbalanya is located 320 klm east of Darwin and can be accessed via Kakadu National Park.

The Stone Country Festival features a sports carnival, scenic flights, cultural dancing, painting and weaving demonstrations, bush foods, didjeridu-playing demonstrations, children's activities and novelty events. Other highlights are a tour of Injalak Hill to view ancient rock art, some of which have been dated at 20,000 years old, and a concert of contemporary Aboriginal music in the evening.

The normal permit that is required to enter Arnhem Land is waived for the Festival and visitors are invited to camp the night, as long as you depart on Sunday morning. Note that no alcohol can be brought into the community and an entry fee of AUD10.00 is charged for each vehicle.

Free Entry

See a part of Darwin's culture heritage that is held in special regard by Territorians.

Government House Darwin, home to the Administrator of the Northern Territory, was built for the first Government resident, Captain William Douglas, in 1871. The house embraces a history as panoramic as the view it commands of Darwin Harbour. It is listed on both the Register of the National Estate and the Northern Territory Heritage Register and is regarded as one of the most significant elements of the culture heritage of the Territory. The central room of the house, now the Drawing Room, is the oldest known surviving European structure in Darwin. It has endured cyclones, earthquakes, enemy bombing raids, infestations of white ants and rowdy demonstrations.

The gardens, covering 1.4 hectares, are particularly beautiful with many points of botanical and historic interest.

When: Friday 4.30 - 7pm (times tbc)

             Saturday 3 - 6pm (times tbc)

Events September 2010

Free entry

The Festival in Jabiru has come a long way since the mid eighties, when it was started by a group of friends, who liked flying kites and having a bit of a musical jam.

In the Kakadu region, the year is divided into six seasons and the Wind Festival, as it was fromerly known, has always been staged in late August to early September or Gurrung, when the afternoon breezes rise and the magpie geese fly in huge numbers across the wetlands and lay their eggs. After the previous season when the country was burned and cleansed, Gurrung is all about regeneration and re-birthing.

Five years ago, the Mirarr people, traditional owners of the land in and around Jabiru, decided that it was time to change the name of the Wind Festival to reflect an Indigenous identity. The festival was renamed Mahbilil, after the name of this afternoon breeze in the Gundjeihmi language.

The Mahbilil Festival continues to be an annual event convened at an outdoor venue at the Jabiru lake, a central location for the Jabiru community. It is endorsed and largely sponsored by the Mirarr people through their organisation, the Gundjeihmi Aboriginal corporation, along with the combined input and participation of many people and groups from within the Jabiru and Kakadu communities, as well as support from organisations such as Energy Resources Australia, West Arnhem Shire, Parks Australia North, Arts NT and several jabiru business operators. The festival provides a great opportunity to hold an all inclusive event where diverse peoples can come together in a harmonious way and celebrate the wonders of this country at the gateway to Kakadu National Park, which celebrates it's 31st birthday this year.

Event types include: Indigenous music, dance, arts and crafts, food cooking & sampling, fire sculptures & puppets, didgeridoo, spear throwing and magpie goose cooking competitions, children's parade, jumping castle, stalls and photography exhibitions. There will be a designated bar area where light beers and wine will be served. Food and soft drinks available. 

Jabiru is 300km from Darwin along the Arnhem Highway with a good sealed road all the way. It is the gateway to Kakadu and an excellent base from which to explore the Park, the rock art at Ubirr, Yellow Waters cruise and the various other natural wonders of the region.

Accommodation in Jabiru is available at the Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn, Aurora Kakadu Lodge and Lakeview Park, the latter two also have caravan sites. There are also other hotels in the nearby region, such as the Aurora South Alligator and Gagudju Cooinda Lodge at Yellow Waters.

When:  Saturday 11th

Where: Jabiru Lake, Jabiru.

Events October 2010

Entry Fees Apply

The annual Barra Bash fishing competition is held on the Roper River. Trophies, prizes and cash valuing over AUD4,000.00 are up for grabs for the largest barramundi, the largest 'other' fish and junior angler's fish caught.

The presentation will be held at the Mataranka Homestead on the Sunday evening and includes live entertainment.

Events November 2010

Australians who lost their lives in war will be honoured at a Remembrance Day Service at the Darwin Cenotaph.

Events December 2010

Hundreds of stalls selling beautiful hand made arts and crafts - Perfect for Christmas!!!

Food and drinks available.

When:  Saturday and Sunday: 9am - 4pm

Where:  Marrara Indoor Stadium

Cost:   Adults $2,  kids are free.

 Free Entry

Join in the fun and welcome in the New Year at Darwins Wharf Precinct.

Bring the whole family along and enjoy New Year's Eve on the Wharf. There will be live entertainment, and al fresco dining under the stars.

Fireworks spectacular show at 9pm and 12 midnight!!!

Come down early and toast the setting of the last sunset for 2010 as it slowly sets over the escarpment.

No BYO alcohol permitted

Where: Stokes Hill Wharf