The annual Alice Springs festivals and events you don’t want to miss

Leah McLennan Leah McLennan
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Alice Springs (Mparntwe) punches above its weight with some of the most unique destination events in Australia.

From an opera performance in an ancient gorge to a beanie festival that attracts Aboriginal Territorians from remote communities and visitors alike, it’s clear that Alice Springs is where the parties are at. Gather your family or friends and plan a trip around these festivals and events in Alice Springs.

Alice Springs Beanie Festival

Here’s something you don’t see every day: 6500 beanies transformed into vibrant works of art.

knitters gathering at the Beanie Festival
Knitters from all around Australia gather at the Beanie Festival. (Image: Oliver Eclipse)

The joyful four-day Beanie Festival held in June brings together knitters from remote Central Australian communities and crafters from all around Australia. Expect a dazzling array of knitwear, live music and plenty of food stalls with delicious treats.

Woman tries on a beanie at the Beanie Festival in Alice Springs
Leave the festival with your wearable art. (Image: Oliver Eclipse)

Parrtjima – A Festival in Light

One to plan an Alice Springs trip in April around, the dazzling after-dark Parrtjima – A Festival of Light takes place at the Alice Springs Desert Park over 10 nights.

the Parrtjima 2024 festival of light
Witness the vibrant festival of light projected onto the MacDonnell Ranges. (Image: Parrtjima)

Expect epic projections of new and old Aboriginal artworks onto the majestic MacDonnell Ranges, a 300-million-year-old natural canvas.

the Grounded installation at Parrtjima 2024
Wander through the immersive Grounded art installation. (Image: Parrtjima)

The festival also includes music performances, art workshops and talks by some of Australia’s most well-known Indigenous identities.

a couple wandering at the art displays in Parrtjima 2024
The annual Parrtjima festival celebrates art, music, and culture. (Image: Parrtjima)

FabALICE Festival

Pack your glitter and hop aboard! The annual FabALICE in March boasts a program of fun-filled parties, performances and night markets that celebrate the vibrant queer culture that has long permeated Alice Springs. Of course this four-day festival includes a screening of the flick Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Also don’t miss catching a ride on the Budget Barbie Camper, where performers take punters on hour-long tours around town.

a performer at FabALICE Festival dressed in vibrant costume
FabALICE Festival celebrates the vibrant queer culture in Alice Springs. (Image: Tourism NT))

Desert Song Festival

Catch performances by renowned pianists, violinists, choirs and string quartets in some of the most remote locations in Australia.

a performance at the Desert Song Festival, Alice Springs
Witness superb performances at the Desert Song Festival.

Over 10 days in September, Desert Song Festival treats attendees to a program of concerts, workshops and masterclasses, with many events taking place in phenomenal outdoor locations.

an art workshop at the Desert Song Festival, Alice Springs
The festival also offers workshops and masterclasses.

The highlight? A concert at Ormiston Gorge, 135 kilometres west of Alice Springs, featuring the Central Australian Aboriginal Women’s Choir.

a concert at Ormiston Gorge, Desert Song Festival
Don’t miss the concert in Ormiston Gorge.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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Red CentreNATS

Rev heads get ready for Red CentreNATS, a three-day spectacular of classic, modified and luxury cars and motorbikes competing in a range of categories. Held in late August and early September, highlights include street parades, drag races, show ‘n’ shine vehicle displays and the epic wrap-up party, where champions are crowned, and all things rev heads are celebrated.

the epic burnouts at Red CentreNATS
The Red CentreNATS is a celebration of all things rev heads. (Image: Tourism NT)

Tatts Finke Desert Race

Racing is always hard but there are some races that are tougher than others. Enter the Tatts Finke Desert Race, a two-day off-road race for bikes, cars and buggies through desert country from Alice Springs to the Aputula (Finke) community.

a vehicle driving through the dusty road during the Tatts Finke Desert Race
Head trackside for a great view of the Tatts Finke Desert Race.

Held over the King’s Birthday long weekend in June, “Finke" as it’s known, attracts bikers, car racers and spectators. Head trackside for a great view of the race in the public areas, located close to town at the three-, four- and 10-kilometre marks.

a motorbike rider racing through the desert country during the Tatts Finke Desert Race
Bikes also get in on the action in this off-road race through the desert.

Alice Springs Show

Bring the whole family to the beloved Alice Springs Show for two days of carnival rides, games, petting zoos, wood chopping, V8 displays, fireworks and more.

the Ferris wheel at the Alice Springs Show
A ride on the Ferris Wheel is always a highlight.

Get a unique insight into rural life in the Red Centre by checking out the equestrian, cattle and poultry events.

horseback riding at the Alice Springs Show
Rural life puts its best foot forward in this two-day show.

Wide Open Space Festival

Set against the backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges, Wide Open Space Festival attendees can enjoy panoramic views of the ancient ranges all the while getting down to cutting-edge electronic beats, soulful live performances and global sounds.

a traditional ceremony at Wide Open Space Festival, Alice Springs
Wide Open Space Festival is a celebration of music, arts and desert culture.
(Image: Tourism NT/Helen Orr)

Held over three days in May at Ross River Resort, 80 kilometres east of Alice Springs, the options are plentiful; take a dip in the pool, simply enjoy the music or take a hike on one of the many walking tracks.

dancing at Wide Open Space Festival
Lose yourself in cutting-edge electronic beats. (Image: Tourism NT/Helen Orr)

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Blacken Open Air

Metal enthusiasts don’t miss your chance to headbang in the desert. Blacken Open Air is a three-night camp-out festival held at Ross River Resort in August, the same stunning location as Wide Open Space Festival. Run by Alice Springs’ own heavy music label, The Black Wreath, the festival features a huge line up of bands from across Australia, as well as Arrernte cultural performances.

Alice Springs Masters Games

Calling all mature sports lovers: Alice Springs Masters Games, aka the Friendly Games, are held in October and are open to anyone with a love of sports who meets the age criteria. Over eight days, athletes compete in various sports, such as archery, badminton, basketball, cricket, darts, swimming, lawn bowls and equestrian.

Field Hockey at Alice Springs Masters Games
Field hockey is one of the many sports you can take part in over the course of the event.

Desert Mob

Explore artwork from more than 35 art centres in Central Australia at Desert Mob, a festival taking place in September at Araluen Arts Centre.

a group of people exploring Desert Mob
Desert Mob displays artwork from more than 35 art centres across Central Australia. (Image: Tourism NT)

This sprawling celebration of Aboriginal art and artists presented over 15 days by Desart, features an exhibition, symposiums, marketplace, workshops and performances.

a couple looking at a painting in Desert Mob
The Araluen Art Centre plays hosts to a wide range of exquisite artworks. (Image: Tourism NT)

Henley on Todd Regatta

No water in the river? That won’t stop the Alice Springs locals from holding a regatta.

Henley on Todd Regatta
Henley on Todd Regatta the world’s only dry river boating event in Alice Springs. (Image: Tourism NT/Imparja Creative)

The dry riverbed of the Todd River comes alive each August with the Henley on Todd Regatta, featuring ‘boats’ running on sand, pirate battles and a flotilla of bathtubs, showcasing the Red Centre’s infectious sense of humour.

participants and spectators at the Henley on Todd Regatta in Alice Springs
The boat race is held on the dry sandy riverbed of the Todd River. (Image: Tourism NT/Imparja Creative)
For more incredible ways to explore the region, read our travel guide to Alice Springs.
Leah McLennan
Leah McLennan is a freelance writer based in Darwin. She was a journalist in Sydney for over a decade and counts her time as travel editor for Australian Associated Press as one of the highlights of her career. From exploring remote campsites in the Top End with her family, to seeking out new art galleries in faraway cities, she’ll grab an adventurous or arty travel experience within her reach.
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Untouched wilderness & unexpected pub crawls: 8 experiences you’ll only find in the NT

(Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Sean Scott)

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    The Northern Territory isn’t just different – it’s a whole new world. From the friendly locals and varied landscapes to its cultural layers, there’s nowhere else in Australia quite like it.

    The Northern Territory has to be experienced to be believed. The majesty of Uluṟu doesn’t quite hit until you’re standing before it. The untouched beauty of Arnhem Land strikes the heart in a way you can’t imagine. The quirky and friendly locals and the festivals they throw impart stories that won’t be forgotten. And that’s just the beginning. From natural hot springs and local larrikins to deep cultural ties and ancient stories, these are the experiences to be discovered only in the NT.

    1. Swim in pristine natural hot springs

    woman swimming in Katherine Hot Springs only in the nt
    Dive into Katherine’s crystal clear thermal springs. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Backyard Bandits)

    The NT’s natural hot springs are truly picturesque. Katherine’s crystal clear thermal springs sit on the banks of the Katherine River, framed by nature. Picnic grounds and scenic walking tracks make it easy to linger.

    In Elsey National Park, the teal waters of Bitter Springs have long been popular with locals. It’s not uncommon to spot turtles as you drift with the gentle current, palm trees waving on the banks. The park also contains Mataranka Thermal Pool, a sandy-bottomed swimming hole sitting at a cosy 34°C year-round.

    2. Explore the Red Centre Light Trail

    Light Towers Kings Canyon
    Head to Kings Canyon to see the Light Towers. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

    Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park is more than just a place; it’s earned its name as Australia’s cultural heart. Here, a wealth of stories is held by its Traditional Owners, the Aṉangu. And while there are many ways to connect, in more recent years, the Red Centre Light Trail has offered visitors one more way to interpret all this landscape holds.

    Wander the Light Towers at Kings Canyon and watch the Field of Light transform the land before Uluṟu as day turns to night. Also, be sure to take in Wintjiri Wiṟu by light artist Bruce Ramus, sharing the Aṉangu’s Mala story.

    Arrive in April to experience Parrtjima, a free annual 10-night festival of light, featuring installations, workshops and more.

    3. See unrivalled views from a helicopter

    helicopter ride over kakadu only in the nt
    See Kakadu from the air. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Sean Scott)

    There’s no better place in the world to hit the skies in a helicopter. Soar over thundering waterfalls, world-famous wetlands and the floodplains of Kakadu National Park. A bird’s-eye view brings a special type of magic to this one-of-a-kind landscape.

    You can also meet local characters on the pub crawl of a lifetime as you fly between some of the NT’s best and most remote pubs.

    4. Discover the start of Western Arrarnta art

    Hermannsburg Potters only in the nt
    Book ahead to visit Hermannsburg Potters. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Felix Baker)

    Hermannsburg is one of the most unique towns in Australia. This historic mission town holds several claims to fame, including being the birthplace of Western Arrarnta art – a renowned style of Indigenous art using vibrant, naturalistic watercolours to depict Central Australian desert landscapes. Book ahead from April to September to visit Hermannsburg Potters, a collective of dedicated Western Arrarnta artists.

    Other options to see this art style near Alice Springs include the Araluen Arts Centre, Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye).

    5. Spot crocs on a cruise

    Crocodile being fed on a cruise on the Adelaide River nt
    Spot wild crocs up close. (Credit: Tourism Australia)

    The NT is the only territory that feeds wild crocs, putting the ‘wild’ in wildlife spotting experience. Join a cruise along the Adelaide River, just an hour from Darwin, to see these not-so-gentle prehistoric giants in their natural habitat.

    Be sure to stop into Humpty Doo or Noonamah for lunch on your way back to Darwin. Here, you’ll experience a real NT roadhouse.

    6. Experience local Indigenous cultures

    young participant at the Garma Festival Nhulunbuy arnhem land
    Time a trip to Nhulunbuy for the Garma Festival. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

    The NT offers some of the best opportunities to experience the world’s most ancient living culture. Head to Nhulunbuy in East Arnhem mid-year for the Garma Festival, Australia’s largest Indigenous gathering, with four days of song, dance and art sharing Yolngu culture. Stop into Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre in nearby Yirrkala while you’re there, current home of the Yirrkala Church Panels. Painted in 1963, they form one of the first ‘title deeds’ to Country.

    Join a celebration of Indigenous music, art, culture and sport at the Barunga Festival, 80 kilometres from Katherine, every June. And year-round, book an Indigenous-led tour through Ubirr, one of the oldest rock art sites in Australia.

    7. Meet the larrikins of Alice Springs

    competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta
    Henley on Todd Regatta might be one of the NT’s whackiest events. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/

    Head to Alice Springs at any time of year and you’ll be guaranteed to meet some colourful locals. But to really get to the heart of the eccentricities, mark a few dates on your calendar.

    March brings one of the best Pride events in the world, fabAlice. Inspired by the iconic Aussie movie The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, which was filmed in Alice Springs over 25 years ago, the festival has a strong focus on the art of drag and celebrates LGBTQI+ communities, as well as self-expression in general.

    Come August, Todd River’s typically dry, sandy bed comes alive with the world’s only dry river boating event, the Henley on Todd Regatta.

    8. Swim in a waterfall with no one else around

    Upper Cascades in Litchfield National Park
    Swim in the Upper Cascades with no one else around.

    So few of Australia’s most beautiful places remain untouched, but that’s not true in the NT. Take a short hike through monsoon forest in Litchfield National Park (just over an hour’s drive outside of Darwin) to reach the secluded Cascades swimming area. Here, take a dip in the lower or upper cascade pools, both surrounded by rugged bushland. And you’ll probably have it all to yourself.

    Plan your Northern Territory trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com.