Just a selection of some of the great festivals on offer in the Top End this coming Dry season.
Barunga Festival
Katherine & Surrounds, 11-13 June 2021
The Barunga Festival celebrates a long and proud tradition of storytelling and the culture of remote Indigenous communities. Every year, thousands descend on the town of Barunga for an incredible weekend packed with music, sporting prowess, traditional arts and cultural activities and an international didgeridoo competition.
Darwin Festival
Darwin, 5-22 August 2021
In August, the streets of Australia’s only tropical capital city are transformed into a vibrant celebration of art, music, theatre and dance. Over 18 balmy nights, the festival offers a program rich with local, national and international talent and celebrates First Nations culture, with event highlights including National Indigenous Music Awards (7 August), Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award (7 August onwards) Country to Couture (3 August) and the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (4 August).
Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta
Darwin, 5 September 2021
Established in 1974, the iconic annual Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta is a Top End family favourite. With boats constructed from beer cans to plastic bottles and milk cartons, teams race along Mindil Beach into the water and hope their DIY dinghies make it to the finish line. The day also includes sandcastle competitions, running races, thong throwing and more.