NT Events Calendar Receives Another Boost with 26 Events Secured
The Northern Territory’s events calendar has received a major boost, with 26 events secured through Round 2 of the 2025–26 Event Funding Program (EFP). The latest round highlights the Territory’s growing year‑round program, spanning major sporting competitions, multicultural celebrations, food festivals, and music and arts events.
Supported by Tourism and Events NT, the EFP helps deliver national exposure, attract visitors and strengthen local jobs. This round includes standout cultural and arts events such as Blacken Open Air, Desert Fringe Festival, Desert Harmony, Darwin International Film Festival and Darwin Comedy Festival. AANT Centre Acting CEO Roxanne Smith said the multi‑year support would allow the festival to grow with confidence, noting it will “unlock Darwin Comedy Festival’s full potential as both a cultural and tourism asset” and help attract major artists to the Top End.
Community and multicultural favourites including Greek GleNTi, the Indian Film Festival, the NT Irish Festival and the returning Mahbili Festival in Jabiru will also receive support. Food lovers can look forward to events such as the Alice Springs Beef & BBQ Festival, the inaugural NT Caught Seafood Event and Live Fire BBQ Festival – Pitmasters of the NT. Live Fire organiser Pippa Ainsworth said the support helps bring “the thrill of big‑city events and experiences” to Darwin, adding that it allows the team to create “epic events, free for the community to enjoy.”
Sporting and endurance events remain a strong drawcard, with funding supporting the Australian Tennis Teams Championships, Go Kart NT Titles, Top End Gran Fondo, Gazzanats, Run Larapinta, Gravel Muster and the internationally recognised Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. New additions such as the Darwin Mindil Beach Go Slow Picnic Race, NT Games Showcase and the Sister Cities Cup will further diversify the Territory’s offering.
These events play a vital role in strengthening the NT’s visitor economy, supporting local businesses and showcasing the Territory as a destination for world‑class experiences.
More information about the Event Funding Program is available at Tourism and Events NT