While the southern states head into winter, Darwin is all about soaking up the sun with awesome outdoor festivals and events. No matter what you're into - whether it's music, culture, or digging into tasty treats - there's something for everyone. Come join the fun and discover why Darwin is the go-to spot for cool vibes during the dry season!

Seaside Sounds

Kick off the May Day long weekend at Seaside Sounds. The handpicked lineup features a vibrant mix of artists against the palm tree back drop of the Darwin Ski Club. This true Darwin-style festival is the perfect way to welcome the dry season.

Photo: Foldback Media NT

Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival

May

Each year, Darwinites celebrate the start of the dry season at Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival along Darwin's stunning Nightliff Foreshore. It's a one-of-a-kind event that captures the essence of Darwin's vibrant spirit.  Around the second weekend of May each year like clockwork the sea breeze from the Timor Sea pushes back the humidity and the community celebrates onsite at ‘Seabreeze’.

Join in and soak up the incredible showcase of local, Indigenous, and multicultural talent. It's a chance to experience Darwin's unique charm and celebrate diversity in a laid-back, tropical setting.

Bass in the Grass

May

Darwin's biggest music festival is back this year at Mindil Beach. Attracting festival goers from right around Australia, Bass is renowned for its beachside location, awesome lineups and dry season weather.

Make the most of the festival's two stages, silent disco, multiple bars and tasty food stalls to keep you fuelled. There's also few festivals in Australia where you can stroll down to the beach to watch the sunset!

Darwin Cup Carnival

July-August

The Darwin Cup Carnival is held throughout July each year and culminates with the running of the Darwin Cup in early August. Held on the 'picnic-day' Monday public holiday the Darwin Cup is Australia's richest race on dirt.

The Cup sees people from all over Australia swarm to the Fannie Bay Race Course for a day of racing, fashion and entertainment.

Photos: Tourism NT

Darwin Festival

August

Get ready for the coolest time in the Top End – it's Darwin Festival in August! This awesome festival transforms the tropical vibes into a chill wonderland. When the sun dips and the festival lights start twinkling, you're in for a treat during the Top End's version of winter – the dry season.



Join in on the fun at Australia's hippest winter arts festival, where Darwin's laid-back vibe meets outdoor parties and a bunch of exciting events. Picture warm nights, cozy lights, and a super cool time that makes for an unforgettable experience.

Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair

August

The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) happens over 3 big days every August. The fair is held at the Darwin Convention Centre and sees over seventy Indigenous owned community art centres exhibit.

It's a fantastic place to buy Indigenous art from the source without having to travel great distances to do so. The fair is primarily known as a place to purchase art but also includes workshops, traditional dance, film, fashion and music. 

Photos: Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair

Photos: Darwin Street Art Festival

Darwin Street Art Festival

September

The Darwin Street Art Festival was launched in 2017, and since then we have seen street art take off right around Darwin. City walls and buildings have become canvases for some incredible local and national artists.

To really experience the artwork, download the Darwin Street Art Festival app and embark on a self-guided tour. This will give you an insight into the stories behind each piece and help to make sure you don’t miss any murals on hidden laneway walls!