Your Cultural Guide to What’s On in the Northern Territory in 2025

The Northern Territory pulses with the rhythm of cultures that stretch back millennia, where Aboriginal art, history, and traditions form the very fabric of its contemporary cultural identity. The NT’s arts scene is a celebration of this deep heritage, rich with festivals and exhibitions that weave together the ancient and the modern, drawing inspiration from its stunning landscapes and diverse people. Here’s your guide to the top arts and culture events in the Northern Territory that will capture your heart in 2025.

Visual Arts Festivals in Northern Territory

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Parrtjima – A Festival in Light

Under the vast, star-filled skies of Central Australia, Parrtjima offers a mesmerising fusion of Aboriginal culture, cutting-edge technology, and light installations. The 300-million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges come alive with art, performances, Blak markets and workshops, all exploring the theme of ‘Timelessness’. The Darwin Symphony Orchestra will perform under the open sky, joined by talented local vocalists like Catherine Satour and Bronwyn Stuart. It’s a luminous experience that transforms the landscape into a living canvas, making it impossible not to fall in love with the NT’s artistic soul.

4th to 13th April, 2025

Alice Springs (Mparntwe)

Darwin Street Art Festival

Turning the streets of Darwin into a sprawling outdoor gallery, the Darwin Street Art Festival is a celebration of creativity, vibrancy, and energy. More than 100 murals will adorn the city, transforming it into a colourful playground. Expect graffiti workshops, exhibitions, film screenings, and the much-anticipated Block Party. With a mix of local and international artists, this festival invites you to wander through the city, discovering the stories painted on every wall, and to feel the pulse of Darwin’s street culture.

24th May to 15th June, 2025

Darwin, Northern Territory

Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair

The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) stands as a cultural cornerstone, bringing together over 1,500 Indigenous artists from across Australia. From intricate sculptures to striking textiles, this is your chance to connect with the land and culture through art. With direct sales supporting the artists and their communities, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to own something truly meaningful. The fair is more than just a shopping experience—it’s a chance to engage in workshops and discussions, forging connections that go beyond the canvas.

7th to 10th August, 2025

Darwin

Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards

For over 40 years, the NATSIAAs have been the pinnacle of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, an epic celebration that showcases the cutting-edge creativity of Australia’s most talented First Nations artists. Hosted on Larrakia Country, this prestigious award draws the nation’s finest to present a breathtaking spectrum of expression, from traditional to contemporary forms. The highlight of the year, the awards ceremony on 8 August 2025, is followed by an exhibition at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT), where art lovers can immerse themselves in the soul of Australia’s art scene until January 2026.

Awards Ceremony: 8th August, 2025

Exhibition Period: 21st June, 2025 to January 2026

The Gardens, Darwin

Tiwi Islands Grand Final and Art Sale

The Tiwi Islands AFL Grand Final and Art Sale is an unforgettable collision of sport and culture. Visitors flock to the island to witness the AFL Grand Final, but it’s the art that steals the show. Ironwood carvings, ochre paintings, and unique textiles from Tiwi artists line the streets. It’s an opportunity to take home a piece of the island’s artistic spirit while immersing yourself in one of the most important cultural events of the year. Football and art lovers alike will find themselves in awe of Tiwi’s creativity and community.

August 2025

Tiwi Islands

Desert Mob

For more than 30 years, Desert Mob has been the ultimate celebration of desert culture. Held in the heart of the Red Centre, it gathers Aboriginal artists from across the Northern Territory, South Australia, and Western Australia to showcase their extraordinary works. The exhibition, marketplace, and symposium offer not only an artistic feast for the eyes but also the opportunity to meet the artists and learn the stories behind their works. This is a must-visit for anyone wanting to explore contemporary Indigenous art in all its vibrant, raw beauty.

September to October 2025

Alice Springs (Mparntwe)

Cultural Festivals in Northern Territory

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Karrimanjbekkan An-Me Kakadu – Taste of Kakadu

For a true taste of the Northern Territory, the Taste of Kakadu festival is a sensory journey like no other. Set within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, this culinary event celebrates 65,000 years of Indigenous knowledge, showcasing native ingredients in ground oven feasts, canape cruises, and foraging walks and workshops with Traditional Owners. This festival is about more than just food—it’s a celebration of the land, its history, and its culture, offering visitors a chance to connect with the very essence of the NT.

23rd to 25th May, 2025

Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory

Barunga Festival

The Barunga Festival is an immersive celebration of Aboriginal culture and community, hosted in the small town of Barunga. What begins with a population of 360 swells to nearly 4,000 for the weekend, transforming the area into a vibrant hub of music, dance, art, and sport, all anchored in the deep-rooted traditions of the region. Expect electrifying performances by Indigenous musicians, a fashion show, an art and fabric fair, weaving demonstrations, and showcases of bush medicine and cooking. AFL games round out the weekend’s diverse events, creating an atmosphere that thrives on connection, joy, and cultural pride.

Sitchu Tip: This year’s program features a powerhouse lineup of First Nations music artists, including Thelma Plum, the Milla Brothers, East Journey, Rrawun Maymuru, Kootsie Don, and more.

6th to 9th June, 2025

Katherine and Surrounds

fabALICE

In the heart of the Australian Outback, fabALICE brings a flamboyant twist to Alice Springs (Mparntwe), transforming this desert town into a kaleidoscope of colour and creativity. Inspired by the iconic cult classic The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, this multi-day, family-friendly festival expands the Mardi Gras spirit to the Red Centre each March, celebrating inclusivity, diversity, and the free-spirited nature of the Outback. Expect a dazzling array of drag, cabaret, comedy, and community events designed for all ages. From glittering street parades and drag queen-guided bus tours to live performances and pop-up bars, fabALICE promises a whirlwind of entertainment that will leave you spellbound.

27th to 30th March, 2025

Alice Springs (Mparntwe)

Garma Festival

Garma is more than just a festival—it’s a gathering of communities, a cultural exchange, and a celebration of the Yolngu people of Arnhem Land. Over four days, experience miny’tji (art), manikay (song), bunggul (dance), and storytelling, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Top End. Visitors can participate in workshops, witness traditional ceremonies, and engage with the culture in a way that few other festivals allow. The Gapan art gallery, illuminated under the stars, is a highlight, as is the unforgettable bunggul at sunset.

1st to 4th August, 2025

Arnhem Land, Northern Territory

Country to Couture

Where fashion meets culture, Country to Couture is an extraordinary runway event that highlights Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander textiles and fashion design. Through vibrant collections, Indigenous designers and artists showcase their stories, blending traditional practices with modern interpretations. This dazzling show is not only a celebration of creativity but also a platform for cultural exchange and knowledge-sharing. As part of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, it’s a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of fashion and art.

5th August, 2025

Darwin, Northern Territory

Darwin Festival

The Darwin Festival brings the city to life in a whirlwind of theatre, music, comedy, and dance. Held in the tropical dry season, it’s a celebration of everything that makes Darwin unique: its multicultural spirit, laid-back vibe, and fearless creativity. Whether it’s world-class performances, thought-provoking art exhibitions, or delicious food, the Darwin Festival offers an all-encompassing experience for anyone seeking culture under the stars. From comedy to cabaret, and live music to food stalls, the festival encapsulates the NT’s vibrant energy in an unforgettable way.

7th to 24th August, 2025

Darwin, Northern Territory

Desert Festival

A celebration of culture, community, and creativity in the heart of Central Australia, Desert Festival transforms Alice Springs (Mparntwe) into a multi-disciplinary haven. Since 2001, this award-winning event has brought desert stories to life through live music, dance, theatre, immersive art, and illuminating light installations. Set against the striking backdrop of Olive Pink Botanic Gardens, it’s a beautiful platform for Central Australian artists from diverse cultural backgrounds, offering everything from panel discussions to hands-on workshops that ignite the spirit of the Red Centre.

September 2025

Alice Springs (Mparntwe)

Darwin International Laksa Festival

For the entire month of October, Darwin sizzles with the return of the International Laksa Festival, a celebration of the region’s vibrant Southeast Asian communities. With over 50 local eateries and market stalls serving up tantalising bowls of laksa, this festival is a spicy, mouthwatering journey through Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Amidst cooking demos, food trucks, and roving entertainment, visitors vote for their favourite laksa, leading up to the coveted ‘Golden Bowl’ award. It’s the ultimate foodie adventure where spice meets soul.

1st to 31st October, 2025

Darwin, Northern Territory

In 2025, the Northern Territory continues to shine as one of Australia’s most captivating arts and culture hubs. Whether you’re exploring the brilliant visual arts at Parrtjima or immersing yourself in the rich traditions at the Garma Festival, the NT offers a vibrant and immersive cultural experience like no other. Every event invites you to discover a new layer of this extraordinary region. Dive further into the beauty of Australia with our guide to these bucket list national parks in Western Australia, as well as these striking island escapes.