Festivals and events

The Northern Territory's diary is packed with festivals and events, from world-class national and international showcases, through to smaller, but just as exciting, community celebrations and markets. Sport, art, literature and music all get a look in on the NT calendar.

Local and international

Giving great insight into Territorians' cultural identity, major events also bring some prestigious international acts to town. The Darwin and Alice Desert Festivals are the premier arts events of NT and attract crowds up to 50,000 from all over the world.

The Merrepen Festival takes place on the banks of the beautiful Daly River in Nauiyu and includes Aboriginal art auctions, concerts and traditional weaving workshops. The WordStorm Writers Festival not only attracts international guests but also profiles indigenous Australian and South East Asian writers.

To market

A huge range of locally produced goods and diverse cuisines illustrating the Territory's strong multicultural background are on offer at the many markets across NT. As well as tasty treats, art and craftworks, there's also an array of live performances at the markets in Darwin, Alice Springs and regional markets.

But seriously

Territorians don't take themselves too seriously. At Darwin's Beer Can Regatta thousands flock to Mindil beach to see custom-made 'race boats' constructed of – you guessed it – beer cans. Never discouraged by a lack of water, Alice Springs holds the Henley-On-Todd, with participants building bathtub yachts, bottomless boats or whatever gets them running (literally) along the dry Todd River fastest.  

Cheer on your heroes

The crowds roar when NRL and AFL teams make visits to NT, and Darwin gets its share of decibels when Hidden Valley Raceway hosts the Australian Superbike Championships and V8 Supercar Series. For less horsepower but a little more...horsepower, the Tennant Creek Cup is a must-see traditional outback horse race held on St Patrick's day.