NT events calendar

We love hosting events in the Territory.

You can join the locals at unique events, celebrate Aboriginal heritage at indigenous festivities in remote communities, or experience top-notch sporting events like the V8 Supercars and Darwin Cup Carnival.

Other festivals include the Darwin Festival, Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, Greek Glenti, Garma Festival, Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival, Finke Desert Race, and many more.

Unique Territory events

The Northern Territory is renowned for its unique events that celebrate culture, tradition and the laidback lifestyle across the regions.

Territory Day is one of these unique celebrations. Every 1 July, Territorians celebrate the day the NT gained power to self-govern. On this day and this day only, Territorians can buy fireworks, making for a fun way to celebrate independence, as well as creating beautiful display all over the Territory!

Culture

Barunga Festival - If you’re looking to experience culture, the NT has you covered. 80 kilometers from Katherine, the small community of Barunga hosts a family friendly event full of Indigenous music, culture and sport. Barunga Festival is held on the June long weekend and is a great way to celebrate and engage with the community while participating in a range of cultural activities.

Garma Festvial - Hosted by the Youthu Yindi Foundation, Garma Festival showcases art, music and storytelling. Held in remote northeast Arnhem Land, Garma celebrates Yolgnu culture over four days, with activities like bushwalking and weaving, or you can watch performances and admire the art displays. Conferences are also held to discuss current issues faced by Indigenous people.

Parrtjima - Down in Alice Springs, Parrtjima – A Festival in Light merges technology and traditional Aboriginal art to create a unique event that makes the desert come alive. For 10 days, you can see traditional art displayed all over Alice Springs (even on the MacDonnell Ranges!), with shows and interactive workshops held to immerse yourself in the unique experience.

Food

Mindil Markets - Over 30 years ago, the Mindil markets started in Darwin and has since become an iconic dry season event, hosting over 200 stalls. Hosted at Mindil Beach from late April to late October on Thursday and Sunday nights, these markets feature live music, arts, crafts and a range of local and international cuisine. The location is a perfect place to enjoy a meal and watch the beautiful dry season sunsets.

Todd Mall Markets - as the name suggests, are hosted in the Todd Mall -Alice Springs from March through to December. Now in its 20th year the markets offer a wide range of stalls selling crafts, clothing, art, food, jewellery, wellbeing products, dog products, honey, hats, mats, books and more.

Laska Festival - Every October, Territorians test out their taste buds when local eateries try their hand at crafting laksa inspired dishes for the Darwin International Laksa Festival. There are food tours, eating competitions and opportunities to vote for your favourite dishes. From laksa flavoured ice-cream to burgers or a classic laksa dish, there is something for everyone at the Laksa Festival. As the self-titled laksa capital of Australia, you’ll have to try one of the classic dishes at some point living in the NT!

Competitions

Million Dollar Fish - The Territory is known for its great fishing destinations and tasty barramundi. So, what better way to participate in the sport than with a fishing competition worth a million dollars! The Million Dollar Fish competition starts in October and runs until the end of March, where keen anglers try their luck to reel in one of the tagged barras, worth either a million dollars or 10,000 dollars. If this is your thing, don’t forget to register, because if you catch a tagged fish unregistered, you’ll get nothing!

Finke Desert Race - As one of the biggest annual sporting events in the NT, the Tatts Finke Desert Race is an event every Territorian should attend. A two-day multi terrain race held on the June long weekend, Finke brings in racers and spectators from all over the world to Central Australia. You can watch the bikes, cars and buggies tear through the track, or attend the night markets and street party at the start of the weekend. This event is perfect if you’re keen on a bit of action!

Beer Can Regatta - You may have seen a regatta before, but have you ever heard of a beer can regatta? If that perks your ear up, then maybe the Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta is something to put in your calendar. Watch or join in on the annual event where people try their luck in creating a floating vessel from cans, bottles or even milk cartons. Lots of other activities are held along the beach to make a fun event for all ages.

Henley on Todd - There may be no beaches in Alice Springs, but that doesn’t stop the town from missing out on the regatta fun. Replace the ocean with a dried-up riverbed, and you will have the iconic Henley on Todd. To participate, get creative and make a bottomless boat or kayak and race down the Todd River!

Arts and Music

Beanie Festival - What started as a community-based party for beanies has now become the Beanie Festival in Alice Springs. The event is about showcasing and celebrating culture through craft. The Beanie Festival is a place for Aboriginal women from remote communities to sell their handmade beanies and textiles, but you can also participate in workshops and make your own creations!

NT Writers Festival - Celebrate Australia’s cultural and linguistic diversity at the four-day NT Writers Festival, held in stunning outdoor locations and attracting writers to Darwin and Alice Springs from all across the country. With workshops, panel discussions and talks, the festival is a great way to explore your creativity and learn from others.

Bass in the Grass - The Territory’s biggest and longest-running music festival Bass in the Grass has always been a rite of passage for Territorians. It has now cemented its place on the national music festival calendar, attracting thousands of music fans from all corners of the country.

Other event listings at your fingertips

Off the Leash is a Territory wide what's on guide to all things arts, culture, festivals, food and drink. They also have a monthly magazine which you can find at your local library, art galleries, and town council offices.

The Office of Youth Affairs publish region-specific calendars of free and low-cost school holiday activities for young people at the end of each term.

Tourism and Events NT also has events and itinerary suggestions on their website. They also have suggestions for places to go, things to do and trip ideas.

Is there something missing from this page?
Let us know.