June 2009

The Greek Glenti: A fun and vibrant festival where the Greek community shares their culture, food, dance, music, art and entertainment. (June 6 - 7, Bicentennial Park)

Finke Desert Race: Held annually on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, the Finke Desert Race is an off-road, multi-terrain two-day race through desert country from Alice Springs to the small Aputula (Finke) Community. (June 5 - 8)

Darwin Seafood Festival: Seafood lovers shouldn’t miss this annual event held at Darwin’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Expect to see all-day cooking demonstrations and booths selling everything from barramundi to crocodile.

July 2009

The Darwin Beer Can regatta: This quirky event started as a by-product of Cyclone Tracy after a local suggested a boat race in which all vessels were fabricated from the empty beer cans lying everywhere after the storm. It has since developed into a major event with some boats measuring up to 12 metres long.

Darwin Cup Carnival: This racing extravaganza is one of the social highlights of the Northern Territory calendar and never fails to be a colourful occasion. (July 4 - August 3)

30th Territory REL Week: Daredevils will celebrate this major event on the skydiving circuit by travelling to Batchelor where together they’ll make over 2500 parachute descents from 14,000 feet. (July 25 ­August 2)

Royal Darwin Show: This annual event is packed with entertainment for all age groups ranging from livestock events and shows to carnival rides. (Fourth weekend in July)

January & February 2009

The Heineken Hottest 7s in the World: This seven-a-side rugby competition features teams from overseas, interstate and Darwin itself. (January 17 -18)

The Anniversary of the bombing of Darwin: This famous wartime incident is commemorated each year. A number of regiments, based in Darwin today, re-enact the historic attack – the first time that war had come to the Australian mainland. (February 19, Cenotaph, Bicentennial Park)

March 2009

Aurora Kakadu Klash: Reel them in at this fishing competition held in the heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. (March 26 - 28)

Top End Mud Racing: Get down and dirty to watch these purpose-built, high-powered vehicles compete for the Northern Territory Title. (March 21)

May 2009

Katherine Country Music Muster: This annual country music event will host some of the best Territory artists performing over the course of the three-day festival. (May 1 - 3)

Freds Pass Rural Show: This annual event is held on Darwin’s outskirts with over 200 exhibitors. Highlights include country music concerts, a rodeo, a woodchopping exhibition, livestock and equestrian displays plus competitions, arts and crafts. (May 15 - 17)

Bassinthegrass: Make sure you get in early to snap up a ticket for the NT’s largest music festival that’s in the past attracted big-name acts like Powderfinger, Wolfmother and Hilltop Hoods. (May 23)

Wordstorm: The Northern Territory Writers’ Festival presents author readings, storytelling, workshops, debates, forums, panels and a litany of special events for all age groups and cultural backgrounds.

August & September 2009

Garma Festival: Check out Australia’s leading Indigenous cultural exchange event, a unique line-up of art, education, performance and genuine cultural interaction.

Darwin Festival: An exciting arts and cultural event held over 18 balmy August nights. Experience the unique life and culture of the Top End at one of the fastest growing festivals in the southern hemisphere.

Saltwater Fly Fishing Challenge: Organised by the Darwin Flyrodders Club, this annual event is a measure-and-release competition where the angler’s aim is to catch each of the seven target species of fish in three days.