Darwin Dancer

Darwin Events 2010

Originally published in Crème de la Crème, January 2010

March/April 2010

St Patrick’s Day Races is a fun-filled day for the whole family. There will be live entertainment, activities for the kids and horse racing for the adults of course. Hagan Park Race Course.

Katherine Country Music Muster: Put on your hat and dancing shoes and join in the fun. This annual country music event will have some great Territory artists performing until late. Take the opportunity to visit Katherine Gorge, Nitmiluk National Park, Cutta Cutta Caves, the Hot Springs and Springvale Homestead. 30 April - 2 May.

May/June 2010

The Freds Pass Rural Show has been running since 1977. Held in picturesque surroundings in Darwin’s outskirts, the show presents pastoralism, agriculture, horticulture, mining and manufacture. There will be country music concerts, equestrian displays and competitions, as well as arts and crafts exhibitions. With over 200 exhibitors and 30,000 people through the gates, the Show is a much anticipated event every year. 14-16 May.
 
The Northern Territory Writers’ Festival, WordStorm has writers and performers from Australasia and SE Asia participating in an explosive and entertaining cultural event. WordStorm offers reading, storytelling, workshops, debates, forums, panels and a litany of special events for all age groups and cultural backgrounds. 20-23 May.
 
Australian Sprintcar Championship: Head down to Northline Speedway to watch some of Australia’s best drivers in action as they push their skills and their machines to the limit. 27-29 May.

Horticultural enthusiasts will not be disappointed at the Northern Territory Tropical Garden Spectacular and the special and exotic flowers and plants that the Northern Territory has to offer. George Brown Botanic Gardens, 5-6 June.

Darwin Fringe is an exciting performance and arts festival that takes place in various venues across Darwin and the Northern Territory in June and July. There is a spectacular array of theatre, dance, poetry, music, visual arts, film and comedy.

Seafood lovers should not miss the Darwin Seafood Festival held annually at Fisherman’s Wharf.

January/February 2010

The Heineken Hottest 7’s in the World:
Come and watch this seven-a-side international rugby union competition with prize money of A$60,000. Local, overseas, and interstate teams will participate. 23-24 January.

Chinese New Year: The Chinese community will celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Tiger with lion and dragon dances and cultural activities. Celebrations continue for 2 weeks in the city, Casuarina and Palmerston areas.

Indigenous teams representing all Australian states and territories will participate in the Imparja Cup Cricket Carnival.  8-13 February.

The Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin is commemorated each year on 19 February at the Cenotaph, Bicentennial Park.

July/August 2010

The Darwin Beer Can Regatta is an annual family event and is rapidly becoming a spectacular. All the boats are made from beer cans. It has developed into a major event with boats ranging from 1 to 12 metres long.

Darwin comes alive with a month’s long racing feast attracting more than 18,000 patrons at the Darwin Cup Carnival.

The Royal Darwin Show is held on the 4th weekend in July. This annual event is packed with entertainment ranging from livestock events and shows, carnival rides, with attractions for all age groups.

Garma Festival: Regarded as one of Australia’s major indigenous cultural events. Garma has a unique line-up of art, education, performance and genuine cultural interaction.

Darwin Festival is an exciting arts and cultural event held annually in August. Over 18 balmy August nights you can experience the unique life and culture of the Top End of Australia, with activities, performances and events, a selection of dance, music, theatre, cabaret, films and visual arts.

November 2010

A major Christmas Craft Fair with craft workshops and demonstrations – and stalls to pick up on your tropical Christmas essentials.

December 2010

Carols by Candlelight in early December at the Amphitheatre in George Brown Botanical Gardens.

Round the year off with New Year’s Eve on the Wharf. Live entertainment and a firework spectacular.

Darwin Events 2010 as published in PDF form