From local events to world-class festivals, Central Australia has it all. These Alice Springs events highlight the history, the culture, the arts, the wildlife of the region and instill a sense of adventure in you.
FabAlice is a vibrant drag and cabaret festival held annually in Alice Springs. It usually happens in March after the Mardi Gras. This lively celebration showcases the region's diversity and creativity through a range of entertaining performances and events.
The festival features a mix of free and ticketed activities suitable for all ages, including dazzling drag shows, cabaret acts, and interactive workshops. Visitors can enjoy a welcoming atmosphere that highlights the talents of local and visiting performers, offering a unique opportunity to experience the richness of LGBTQIA+ culture.
Parrtjima, also known as the Festival of Light, is a vibrant 10-day event held annually in Alice Springs, usually in April. This free-of-charge festival celebrates rich culture and heritage of Australia's First Nations through stunning light installations that illuminate the landscape, transforming the area into a dazzling outdoor gallery.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of highlights, including immersive interactive workshops, engaging talks on music and film, and captivating performances that showcase Indigenous artists and storytellers. The festival features diverse range of artwork, from traditional to contemporary, allowing attendees to explore the deep connections between land and its people.
The Finke Desert Race is an exhilarating two-day off-road race held annually in June. This iconic event draws motorsport enthusiasts from across Australia and beyond, featuring a diverse range of vehicles, including cars, bikes, and buggies.
The race covers a challenging 460-kilometer course from Alice Springs to the remote community of Aputula (Finke) and back. Participants navigate a variety of terrains, including sandy tracks, rocky paths, and riverbeds, showcasing their skills and speed in the breathtaking Australian outback.
Spectators can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere filled with excitement and opportunities to cheer on competitors as they tackle the rugged landscape. The event also features food stalls, merchandise vendors, and live entertainment, making it a fun outing for all ages.
The Beanie Festival is a unique and colourful event that celebrates the art of beanie-making. It showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of both local and Indigenous artists. It provides an excellent opportunity for tourists to engage with the local community, support artists, and experience the cultural richness of the Northern Territory. You can participate as a volunteer, visitor, or beanie maker and send your beanies over for sale or to be showcased at the Gallery. The festival is usually held in June and can't be missed as tourists, as well as locals, proudly wear their acquired beanies.
Would you like to find out how to make your own beanie? Workshops are ran alongside the festival, available to all.
Henley on Todd is a quirky and fun-filled annual regatta held in Alice Springs in late August. Unlike traditional water-based regattas, this unique event takes place on the dry bed of the Todd River, making it a one-of-a-kind experience.
Henley on Todd is a fantastic opportunity for locals and visitors to come together for a day of laughter and camaraderie, celebrating the community spirit of Alice Springs. It’s a must-see event for those looking to experience the quirky charm of this unique outback town!
Red CentreNATS is a premier automotive festival held annually in Alice Springs, typically in September. Celebrating the vibrant car culture of the region, this exciting event attracts car enthusiasts from all over Australia and beyond. It is a three-day celebration of the automotive community showcasing passion for cars, motorsport, and craftsmanship in the Northern Territory. The festival features a wide range of activities, including car shows, drag racing, burnouts, and motorsport events. The festival highlights a diverse range of vehicles, from classic cars and hot rods to custom builds and performance machines.
Desert Mob is an annual festival held in Alice Springs celebrating Indigenous art and culture from Central Australia in a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
The festival features an impressive art market showcasing a wide variety of artworks, including paintings, textiles, and crafts. Visitors can purchase unique pieces while directly supporting Indigenous communities.
In addition to the art market, Desert Mob includes engaging talks, workshops, and performances, providing deeper insights into Indigenous culture, storytelling, and traditional practices. Attendees can participate in hands-on activities and learn about art techniques from skilled artists.
The Desert Festival is a not-for-profit event organised by Red Hot Arts Centre celebrating local performative arts talent. Each year offers an entirely different experience which is just like the ever-changing community of Alice Springs. Visitors can enjoy a variety of events, including live music performances, art exhibitions, theatre productions, and workshops that engage the community and celebrate local talent.
Several mountain biking events take place in Central Australia, such as the Great Outback Escape, Easter in the Alice, the Redback MTB Race, and Shimano Gravel Muster Stage Race.
The Larapinta Trail is a popular hiking destination for many, but did you know there are also running events along the Larapinta Trail too? Several runs take place in this region, such as Run Larapinta, the West Macs Monster, and the Outback Marathon.
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