The Territory is currently mid-way through its Dry Season events calendar and there’s still so many arts and culture festivities on-offer. Notable events include some of Australia’s premier First Nations celebrations such as Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, Garma Festival, Telstra NATSIAAs and more.
Other uniquely Territorian events include Darwin Lion Beer Can Regatta, where tinnies are built of tinnies, and Alice Springs Beanie Festival, the world’s biggest beanie festival hosted in the outback.
For Aussies looking to visit the Territory, Webjet is also offering a Hotels Coupon Code, where travellers can get a $50-$100 discount off participating Northern Territory hotels.
Here are some of the events you can get to in the Northern Territory.
Alice Springs Beanie Festival, Alice Springs, 24-27 June 2022: Hats off to Alice Springs, the Beanie Capital of the world! Now in its 25th year, the festival brings together more than 300 beanie makers as well as locals, artists and Indigenous communities for a truly community feel of sharing and stories. Expect a Beanie Central, where more than 6000 beanies hang, exhibitions, food stalls, live music, textile workshops and more.
Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta, Darwin, 26 June 2022: An iconic Top End family event running since 1974, this is a celebration of recycling, charitable giving and creativity. With DIY dinghies made from everything, from beer cans to plastic bottles and milk cartons, teams race along Mindil Beach and hope to stay afloat. The day of fun also includes sandcastle competitions, Ironman races, thong-throwing competitions and more.
Darwin Fringe Festival, Darwin, 8-17 July 2022: A 10-day open access, community driven arts festival taking place annually on Larrakia Land. The festival supports independent and diverse local artists to present work outside of the mainstream, showcasing art, music, theatre, dance, comedy, visual arts and more.
Garma Festival, Arnhem Land, 29 July – 1 August 2022: Garma is Australia’s premier Indigenous event, a celebration of the cultural, artistic and ceremonial traditions of the Yolngu people. The festival incorporates visual art, ancient storytelling, dance – including the famous nightly bunggul and music, forums and education and training programs relevant to cultural tourism, craft, governance and youth leadership.
National Indigenous Fashion Awards, Darwin, 3 August 2022: Recognising and showcasing excellence across six categories, the award ceremony is a unique opportunity for the Australian and international fashion community to connect to the world’s oldest living cultures.
Darwin Festival, Darwin, 4-21 August 2022: Australia’s hottest winter arts festival combines the quintessential spirit and energy of Darwin with outdoor festivities, an exciting program of world-class acts such as Arlo Parks and some of Australia’s headlining First Nations events such as Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair and National Indigenous Music Awards.
Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF), 5-7 August 2022: DAAF gives visitors a chance to purchase Aboriginal art directly and ethically from more than 70 Aboriginal-owned communities across Australia, from the remote desert and coastal regions, to rural and urban communities. The program also includes Country to Couture fashion show.
The annual Barunga Festival celebrates Indigenous community life through music, sport and culture, with an outstanding music lineup. Featuring Indigenous art, an international didgeridoo competition, story telling circle and outstanding displays of sporting prowess in AFL, softball and basketball, Barunga Festival is a unique blend of music, sport and culture, with a strong emphasis on cultural exchange and collaboration.
