Calender of Darwin's Annual Events by newsdesk

Markets Every thursday and sunday night at mindil beach between May & October Reopens 26th April 2007 LOCATION Mindil Beach. CONTACT Ph 08 89813454 ALL STARS VERSUS ESSENDON - 9th Februany 2007Come along and support your team in an AFL game in Darwin this year. Admission costs to be advised. LOCATION at TIO Stadium, Marrara Oval, Darwin. , Abala Road, Marrara. Postal Address: PO Box 43196 CASUARINA NT 0811. CONTACT Ph 08 8945 2224 - Fax - 08 89450069 - Email - Web ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOMBING OF DARWIN - 19th February, 2007On 19 February 1942, World War II was brought to the shores of Australia when the Japanese dropped bombs over Darwin. On this day 8 ships were sunk, 1 beached and lost, 3 were beached and later refloated and 11 were damaged. A section of the wharf was destroyed, killing 22 waterside workers. Over 243 people, both armed forces personnel and civilians died that day. Over the next 21 months, Darwin, Adelaide River, Katherine and Milingimbi in Arnhem Land were bombed 64 times. Whilst damage was considerable on the ground, the spirit of those who defended the northern front-line became more formidable and impenetrable than any other form of defence. There were approximately 1,066 civilian women and 970 children in Darwin. By 18 February 1942, over 2,000 people had been evacuated down south by ship, road or air. The Darwin City Council considers the Bombing of Darwin Services that are held on 19 February at the Cenotaph at 0930 each year to be significant in the Events Calendar. LOCATION Cenotaph, The Esplanade, Darwin. CONTACT 08 8930 0684 - Web NAB NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK CUP - 3rd March, 2007The NAB Cup, (National Australia Bank Cup) will be held at TIO Stadium, Marrara Oval, Darwin. Come along and support your favourite team this year. Admission costs to be advised. LOCATION Football Park, Abala Road, Marrara, Darwin. Postal Address: PO Box 43196 CASUARINA NT 0811. CONTACT Ph 08 8945 2224 - Fax - 08 89450069 - Email - Web NTFL GRAND FINAL - 31st March, 2007The NTFL Grand Final will be held at TIO Stadium, Marrara Oval, Darwin. Come along and support your favourite local team this year. Admission costs to be advised. LOCATION Football Park, Abala Road, Marrara, Darwin. Postal Address: PO Box 43196 CASUARINA NT 0811. CONTACT Ph 08 8945 2224 - Fax - 08 89450069 - Email - Web TIWI ISLANDS ANNUAL ART SALE - 1st April, 2007The Annual Tiwi Islands Art Sale coincides each year with the Tiwi Islands Football Grand Final. This year it occurs on Sunday, April 1 and provides a rare opportunity for people to visit Bathurst Island and view a range of arts and crafts from Bathurst and Melville Islands and purchase works at island prices. The sale venue is the Tiwi Design Art Centre with additional arts and crafts form Jilamara Arts and Crafts and Munupi Arts and Crafts from Melville Island. The sale on Sunday begins at 0800 concluding around 1300. The Football Grand Final kicks off at 1400. No visitor permit is required for this weekend only. LOCATION Tiwi Design, Nguiu, Bathurst Island , Northern Territory . CONTACT 08 8941 3593 - For more information on Tiwi Art - Website HI TO THE DRY CRAFT FAIR AND EXPO - 22nd April, 2007The Annual Territory Craft 'Hi to the Dry Craft Fair, Expo and Open Day' . This event is held in the picturesque grounds adjacent to the NT Museum and Art Gallery. Purchase from the makers, beautiful and unique hand made items. Talk to the makers about how it was made and what inspires them or enrol in one of the many workshops that Territory Craft conducts and capture your creativity. As well as all this, suppliers to the craft industry will be there. Anyone who sells specialist craft items, from special scissors, sewing machines, stamp craft, beads, glass tools, drawing supplies and much more will be there to explain what they have to offer, where they are located and who knows there may even be Expo specials. It will be a great day with demonstrations in the well equipped workshop area. There will be plenty of fantastic craft to buy and the opportunity to find out what business has to offer the crafts person in Darwin. Food and drinks are available. No entry fee, just a great family day out. Facilities include toilet facilities for the disabled. LOCATION Grounds of the Museum and Art Gallery NT, 19 Conacher Street, Fannie Bay, Darwin. CONTACT 08 8981 6616 KATHERINE COUNTRY MUSIC MUSTER - 4th May, 2007 to 6th May, 2007(not confirmed) The Katherine Country Music Muster is three days of non s music at the best country music festival in the north. Events include the Territory Night Concert held on the Friday night, featuring local Territory artists such as the Whiskey Creek Band, Kate Oliver, Jackie Izod, Mike Foley to name a few. Saturday starts with a free concert at the Big Brekky held in the town square, the Beaut Ute Muster and Cavalcade Street parade. The main concert begins at 1600 at the museum grounds, featuring some of the hottest new acts in Australia, the Sunny Cowgirl, Paul Costa, Ronni Rae Rivers and Warren H Williams and more, through till midnight. Sunday begins at 1300 with Bush Poetry and Balladeers and will feature the funky Red Hot Poker Dots, Warren H Williams, Leslie Avril, Rob Luckey, the Luckey Bastards, Grant Luhrs and the Chook Raffle Band and others through untill 2300. There will be full bar and catering facilities and basic camping facilities. Entry cost are to be advised at a later date. CONTACT 08 8972 3946 BARKLY MAY DAY MUSTER - 4th May, 2007 to 7th May, 2007(dates not confirmed)The Barkly May Day Muster offers premier horse sports competition and action packed spectator entertainment over the May Day long weekend, showcasing Tennant Creeks local industry and business community, some of the best pastoral country in the world and a lifestyle steeped in history and tradition for both travellers and the resident regional cohort. The Barkly May Day Muster represents a community partnerships initiative between the Tennant Creek Race Club, Barkly Rodeo Association, Tennant Creek Saddle Horse Club and Barkly Campdraft Association for both the promotion and celebrations of the dynamic pastoral history. Admission costs to be advised. LOCATION Jubilee Park, Peko Road, Tennant Creek. CONTACT 08 8962 1171 PINE CREEK CUP - 5th May, 2007 (date not confirmed)Experience a bush race meeting at Pussycat Flats, featuring local registered races, Tab and Sky channel coverage, local sweepstakes and fashions on the field. Food and drinks will be available and an open air dance will be held on the night. There will be a pre-race golf competition held on the Friday night before the Pine Creek Cup. Entry cost is AUD10.00 per adult, aged pensioners and primary school children are free. LOCATION Pussycat Flats Race Club, Pine Creek, Northern Territory. CONTACT 08 8976 1355 ARAFURA GAMES - 12th May, 2007 to 19th May, 2007The Arafura Games 2007 again promises exciting competition in 23 sports at international standard venues. Darwin's Marrara Sporting Complex boasts a collection of quality sporting venues in one area, hosting over 15 sports. All other Games venues are within 15 minutes travel time from Marrara creating a unique village feel to the whole Games. FREDS PASS RURAL SHOW - 19th May, 2006 to 20th May 2007The twenty nine annual Freds Pass Show will be held on the weekend of 19 and 20 May 2007. The shows growth has been amazing in the past 4 years with record attendances, record exhibitors and participants and 2007 will be no different.Highlights of the show include the Country Music Concert featuring national country music stars, along with highlighting the best the Territory has to offer in country music. The show will also feature a rodeo, woodchop exhibition by Tasmanian woodchoppers, who have travelled for the past 18 years to the show. The Freds Pass Show will continue with a focus on youth in the areas of performing arts, fashion arts and crafts. There will be plenty of the favourites including the livestock display, equestrian displays and competition, arts and crafts in the hall and of course side show alley. A talent quest was introduced 2 years ago and has grown to great heights with the winner of the Freds Pass competition going through to compete at the Adelaide River Show and wining the scholarship to the Tamworth College. Memberships are available which allows entry to the show on both days at any time. The Family weekend pass (2 adults and 2 children aged between 4 and 13 years old) must be purchased prior to the show. Includes activities for children. LOCATION Freds Pass Reserve, 20A Bees Creek Road, Humpty Doo. CONTACT 08 8983 1626 - Web DARWIN PRIDE FESTIVAL - 26th May, 2007 to 11th June, 2007Darwin Pride Festival is a celebration of lifestyle for the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transexual and intersexual community. A diverse fortnight of events held from 26 May to 11 June 2007, from the opening fair day to the closing dance party. The festival caters for all tastes - artists, writers, campers and clubbers. There is at least one event that will suit your tastes. Darwin Pride is operated under the auspices of the Northern Territory AIDS and Hepatitis C Council. Some of the events on the calendar are, The Art of Pride opening, a quiz night at the Chung Wah Society, 'Goddess Goes Bush' - a trip to Litchfield, a Writers Cramp at Absolutely, a cabaret night, lawn bowls and karaoke at the Darwin Bowls and Social Club and a dance party on the closing day. A full program is to be finalised, as are the entry/participation costs. LOCATION Various venues around Darwin, Darwin. CONTACT 08 8941 1711 BASS IN THE GRASS - May 26th, 2007BASSINTHEGRASS gives Territorians their very own line up of live bands. Since the first concert back in 2003, BASSINTHEGRASS has become a ‘must see' event on everyone's calendar. Enjoy the very best of our home grown talent and Australia's headlining acts. Darwin comes alive once again on Saturday 26 May – see you there! Web LINGALONGA FESTIVAL - 2nd June, 2007The Lingalonga Festival has plenty of activities, fun and games for the kids, art and craft stalls and workshops, art displays, music on the oval, sand sculptures in the park, clowns face painting, food stalls and much more. Mat weaving, bush tucker talks and painting a didjeridu competition (not confirmed), will be held at the Coomalie Cultural Centre. Admission is free to the Lingalonga Festival. LOCATION Batchelor Oval, Batchelor, Northern Territory. CONTACT 08 8976 0020 ORCHID SPECTACULAR - 2nd June, 2006 to 3rd June 2007ORCHID AND PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITIONS OPEN TO EVERYONE Discover the Northern Territory's Seventeenth Orchid Spectacular. This years theme is 'The Magic of Orchids'. As you explore this exciting event you can view orchids, bromeliads, gingers, heliconias and many other beautiful plants. Soak up the relaxed tropical atmosphere, sip a glass of wine or Devonshire tea, and view demonstrations on flower arranging or the potting and care of orchids and bromeliads. You will be able to purchase orchids and other plants from nurseries and clubs. The Orchid Spectacular offers an orchid competition and a photographic competition. Both competitions are open to everyone and are free to enter. The orchid competition has over 60 classes to be judged, including a floral art section and the photographic competition has 6 classes to be judged, including a postcard size category, ideal for the amateur enthusiast. Entries for competitions must be received by Friday 01 June 2007. If you can't bring the whole plant, cut the flower and put it in a clear glass or plastic container such as a vase or even a coke or clear stubbie bottle. If the orchid doesn't have a name the helpful stewards will tell you which class to enter it in. To enter the free competition, bring your orchids to the Marrara Indoor Stadium between 3.00pm and 6.00pm on Friday 1 June 2007 and remember to collect them with your prize money at 5.00pm on Sunday 3 June 2007. The show is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm on Sat 2 - Sun 3 June. The cost for entry to the Orchid Spectacular is $4.00 per adult with student, family and age concession rates available. Children aged 12 years and under are free. LOCATION Marrara Indoor Stadium, Alaba Road, Marrara, Darwin. CONTACT 08 89831331 PALMERSTON FESTIVAL - Saturday 9rth June, 2007Palmerston City Center 10 am till 8 pm. The Palmerston Festival is a fun day of free family entertainment, delicious food and activities. The theme for 2007 is Aqua Culture a celebration of water. Also featuring is a spectaculat theatre and dance performance in the evening and an exhibition from acclaimed projection artist Craig Walsh. LOCATION The festival will stretch from the new Recreation Center to the Palmerston Shopping Center running through Goyder Square and the library accross to the iconic water tower. CONTACT 08 8935 9904 GREEK GLENTI - 9th June, 2007 to 10th June, 2007 Held at Bicentennial Park on the Esplanade, allows the Greek Community to share with locals and visitors their music, language, food, art and the developments that Greek-Australians have made in the community. There are plenty of food and drink stalls, and music and entertainment throughout the day. There is no admission cost to the Greek Glenti. The Glenti consists of local and interstate entertainment and acts and besides being able to eat Greek food, you can see people wearing traditional Greek clothing, be enlightened by the Greek culture, listen to Greek music, and see traditional dancing and much more. LOCATION The Esplanade, Darwin. BRUNETTE DOWNS RACES - 14th June, 2007 to 17th June, 2007The ABC Amateur Race's are four days of country hospitality featuring 2 days of grass fed racing, campdrafting, bronco branding, rodeo, gymkhana and novelty events, with a presentation ball on Saturday night. There is over $30,000.00 prize money on offer and only those horses within the boundary of the Northern Territory can compete. The Club boasts an on course bookmaker, bar, catering, live entertainment, pay phone, airstrip and St Johns Ambulance. There is an entry cost of $11.00 per day per adult or $33.00 for a four day membership. LOCATION Brunette Downs Racecourse, Tablelands Highway. CONTACT 08 8964 4522 - Web BULLDOGS VERSUS FREEMANTLE - 16th June, 2007The Bulldogs versus Freemantle AFL Game will be held at TIO Stadium, Marrara Oval, Darwin. Come along and support your favourite team this year. Admission costs to be advised. LOCATION Football Park, Abala Road, Marrara, Darwin. Postal Address: PO Box 43196 CASUARINA NT 0811. CONTACT Ph 08 8945 2224 - Fax - 08 89450069 - Email - Web DARWIN SEAFOOD FESTIVAL - 17th June, 2007 If you love Seafood get yourself down to the annual Darwin Seafood Festival. Darwin Seafood Festival showcases anything and everything seafood. With booths and cooking demonstrations that run all day, from barramundi to crocodile, reef fish to oysters, mackerel to pearl meat and prawns to mud crabs, you are guaranteed to pickup some handy tips from the professionals on how to buy, catch and cook fresh seafood. Sit back, grab a glass of wine and a plate of food while enjoying the view of Darwin's harbour. There will be entertainment on the day with plenty of kids' activities and live bands. LOCATION Fishermans Wharf, Darwin. CONTACT Ph 08 89815194 GOVE BEACH VOLLEYBALL DAY - 17th June, 2007The aim of the Gove Beach Volleyball Day is to raise money for charity and for local Gove sporting bodies, as well as to host a family fun day out for the residents of Gove. The surf club will be patrolling the beach and there will be food and drinks available, as well as an alcohol licensed area. Visitors are not permitted to bring their own alcohol. An Alcan Gove courtesy bus will be available on the day. The Swimming Club will be holding childrens activities during the day including sandcastle competitions, face painting, a soccer game, , a treasure hunt, bubble blowing, touch football, tug-o-war and water activities. There is no charge for spectators. All person's attending must have a current Dhimurru permit. A permit can be obtained through Dhimurru Land Management and Aboriginal Corporation. Facilities include catering and children's activities. LOCATION Cape Wirrawawoi, Nhulunbuy/Gove, Northern Territory. CONTACT 08 8987 5805 Mobile - 0419 828 021 V8 SUPERCARS CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES - Skycity Triple Crown Darwin - 22nd June, 2007 to 24th June, 2007The V8 supercars roar back to Darwin - come along and witness the battle. The Hidden Valley round of the V8 Supercars is the largest sporting event of the year in Darwin. Families flock to Hidden Valley to watch their heroes, Lowndes, Skaife, Ingall and Kelly race against one another on a fast, picturesque course less than 10 kilometres from the city centre. Mums, dads and children urge on these modern juggernauts as they charge bumper to bumper around the tight 2.9 kilometre track that winds between corporate boxes perched on hairpin bends and grassed public viewing areas on straights and corners. Screams and cheers mingle with the throaty high-powered roar that only V8 Supercars can deliver. It sounds like the whole world is here. Packages, passes and ticket prices to be advised at a later date. LOCATION Hidden Valley Race Way, Hidden Valley Road, Berrimah. CONTACT 08 8999 5256 DARWIN FRINGE FESTIVAL - 27th June, 2007 to 15th July, 2007The Darwin Fringe Festival showcases the best in local performing and visual arts, as well as featuring a number of interstate artists. The result of this combination is a spectacular array of theatre, dance, poetry, music and installations not to be missed. The Darwin Fringe Festival advises that some events may incur a cost, and a detailed program will be released at a later date. LOCATION Browns Mart Community Arts, 12 Smith Street, Darwin. CONTACT Ph 08 89815522 - Fax - 08 8941 3222 or email THE PINE CREEK GOLDRUSH FESTIVAL - June 30th, 2007NT Goldpanning Competition for all categories from children to seniors, beginners to skilled, with trophies in all sections. From 11am-6pm in the Miners Park. Didjeridoo Festival - didj competitions in the afternoon, followed at night by a FREE didj concert featuring Charlie McMahon and Gondwana, and Mark Hoffman and EmDee, (not confirmed) as well as other traditional players, competitions for kids, amateurs and advanced players. CONTACT Pine Creek Council 8976 1391 TERRITORY DAY FIREWORKS CELEBRATION - 1st July, 2007 On the first of July each year Territorians celebrate Territory Day, marking the commencement of Self Government in the Territory on 1 July 1978. The day is celebrated by the famous Territory Day fireworks (both public and private). Mindil Beach is the hub for all things explosive on Territory Day. The area will be segregated into two areas. The first area will be set aside for professional firework demonstrations (this area is designated for families and those who would like to enjoy the spectacle without fear of a projectile being launched in their general direction). The second area is for those who would like to set off their own fireworks. The police and NT Worksafe staff will be patrolling the Mindil Beach area, ensuring that people comply with the rules of these designated areas, so it should be a safe and enjoyable night for all. If you are planning on setting off your own fireworks, then ensure that you adequately follow the instructions and safety information that is printed on the side of the firework, other fireworks and safety information is available from the NT Worksafe website. DARWIN CUP CARNIVAL - 1st July, 2007 to 7th July, 2007The Carlton Draught Darwin Cup Carnival kicks off on Saturday 7 July 2007 with the running of the Mix 104.9FM Darwin Guineas and culminates in the running of the Carlton Draught Darwin Cup on Monday 6 August 2007. Carlton Draught Darwin Cup Day witnesses 20,000 people bursting the rails at the Fannie Bay racecourse. Together with all the fashion and racing spectacle, the carnival is an event not to be missed. LOCATION Fannie Bay Racecourse, Dick Ward Drive, Fannie Bay. CONTACT 08 89234222 - Web NT EXPO - July 6th, 2007 to July 7th, 2007 The NT Expo has been an annual trade event in Darwin since 1975. The NT Expo has grown to become one of the largest and most successful trade expositions of its type in Australia. The primary focus of the NT Expo is to develop business, trade and investment opportunities both within the Northern Territory and Australia, and with the important Asian trading regions to the near north. NT Expo provides both a showcase for the Northern Territory, Australian and international products and services and also provides a high level forum for the exchange of ideas and information aimed at developing local, national and international trading opportunities. You can participate in NT Expo either as an exhibitor, showcasing your products or services to in excess of 20,000 potential clients, or as a delegate, giving you the opportunity to network with business leaders and senior government officials from both Australia and the Asian region. CONTACT Ph 08 89363141 Chamber of Commerce DRAGONFLY CRAFT FAIR - 15th July, 2007The Dragonfly Craft Fair is held every year around the premises of Territory Craft in the wonderful museum grounds. Purchase beautiful and unique hand made items from the people that make them, share stories and experiences, talk about how it was made, ask questions, enrol in a workshop that Territory Craft organises and capture your creativity. It is always a great day with some demonstrations and lots of craft that you won't see at any market in town. It is an opportunity for Territory Craft members to sell and showcase what they love to do in their spare time. Food and drinks are available. No entry fee, just a great family day out. LOCATION Grounds of the Museum and Art Gallery of NT, 19 Conacher Street, Fannie Bay, Darwin. CONTACT 08 8981 6616 - Web THE KATHERINE AND DISTRICT SHOW SOCIETY - 18th July, 2007 to 22nd July, 2007The Katherine and District Show Society provide a major community event on the third Friday and Saturday of July each year. Everything from horse and cattle events to a campdraft, with a Rodeo on the Sunday, provide a huge amount of entertainment for the End. Adults and children alike all prepare their entries for judging in one or more of the many classes ranging from art and craft to cooking and needle work. There are agriculture and pet displays as well as a huge display of cut out chooks (decorated by children as a part of a competition) in the poultry pavilion. Dog jumping and live entertainment in the main arena and children's area. All the usual side shows and trade exhibitors offer lost to do and see for locals and tourist alike. Entry is free from Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 of July 2007. Entry cost per day from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 July is $15.00 per adult. Family, child and pension concession rates are available. LOCATION Katherine Showgrounds, Victoria Highway, Katherine, Northern Territory. CONTACT 08 8972 1746 DARWIN BEER CAN REGATTA - July 22nd, 2007 The Darwin Beer Can Regatta is an annual family event organised by the combined Lions Clubs of Darwin and the rural area. It's a day of water and beach events, and fun for the family. Participants in the water events are required to build boats out of beer or soft drink cans. This year the regatta will be held at Mindil Beach and all proceeds are used for Lions charity projects in Darwin. The Sunday markets will be trading as part of the Darwin Beer Can Regatta this year. There is a gold coin donation for entry into the Darwin Beer Can Regatta. Food, drink and bar facilities will be available and bring you own is not permitted. Shade will be provided on the beach, visitors are encouraged to bring seating, sunscreen and shade. LOCATION Mindil Beach, Gilruth Avenue, The Gardens. CONTACT 8985 3037 ROYAL DARWIN SHOW - 26th July, 2006 to 28th July, 2007The Royal Darwin Show is the premier event on the End community calender, where city and country come together for three days of competition, entertainment and showcasing of primary industry, horticulture, art, craft, cooking and photography. The show is held on the fourth weekend in July each year and the official opening is on Friday followed by a grand parade of livestock and machinery. Equestrian events, sideshow rides, varied live entertainment and a wide assortment of food and drink stalls reflect the multicultural nature of Darwin. Over 240 stalls display a wide variety of products and information. There is an emphasis on youth with a number of competitions designed especially for school age children. The animal nursery is extremely popular and is the closest many children ever get to live domestic stock. There are a variety of competitions, some fun and some educational. Horses feature throughout from dressage to working stock horses and Polocrosse matches. The show closes with a spectacular fireworks finale. Addmission costs are $16.00 per adult, per day. There are child, family and aged pensioners rates available as well as a concession, for entry before 1500 on the Thursday. LOCATION Darwin Showgrounds and Exhibition Centre, Tate Place, Winnellie. CONTACT 08 8984 3091 GARMA FESTIVAL - 3rd August, 2007 to 7th August, 2007The ancient sound of the Yidaki, didgeridu, is a call to all people to come together in unity, to learn from and listen to one another. It is heard each August at Gulkula, near Nhulunbuy, in north east Arnhem Land, as about 2,000 Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, and international visitors (including a group of the general travelling public) gather for the annual Garma Festival. Garma is a Yolngu word, describing a 'two way learning process'. Garma is regarded as Australia's major Indigenous cultural exchange event, and an award-winning model for authentic, insightful Indigenous tourism, winning the Brolga Award in 2004 for the best major event in the NT. It is an intimate, spectacular and vibrant celebration of Yolngu (Aboriginal people of north east Arnhem Land) cultural traditions and practices. In 2007, Garma will again attract as many as 20 clan groups from north east Arnhem Land, and representatives from clan groups and Indigenous peoples across Arnhem Land, Australia's End, and the nation. The Garma Festival of Traditional Culture, presented by the not-for-profit Yothu Yindi Foundation (an Aboriginal organisation with charitable status, and all attendances fees and other revenues go to the operation of the Foundation's projects), is designed to provide a contemporary environment for Yolngu to nurture and maintain important ceremonial and cultural practices and traditions, such as traditional bunggul (dance), manikay (song), minytji (art) and ceremony, on Yolngu lands. Yolngu culture is one of the oldest living cultures on earth, stretching back over 40,000 hears, and the Garma Festival is a celebration of that Yolngu cultural inheritance. It is also designed to create economic opportunities for Indigenous Australians through education, training, employment and enterprise development, and to foster greater understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Garma is a unique opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and international visitor to share knowledge and culture, by experiencing and being directly involved in a spectacular display of cultural practice and cross cultural learning, a unique line up of entertainment, education and real cultural interaction.LOCATION Gulkula, Gove Peninsula, Nhulunbuy/Gove. CONTACT 08 8941 0202 - Web DARWIN FESTIVAL - 9th August, 2007 to 26th August, 2007The 2007 Darwin Festival is your artistic gateway to Northern Territory and South East Asian and Pacific cultures. Artistic Director Malcolm Blaylock promises a world class program featuring dance, theatre, film, comedy and the visual arts from some of the richest cultures in our region. Free events such as the Santos Concert on the Esplanade on Thursday August 9 will once again feature some of the Territory's best Indigenous music. So come and join in one of the fastest growing festivals in Australia , in one of the best tropical cities in the world. A full program of events will be launched July 11. TIWI ART EXHIBITION Tiwi Design, Munupi , Jilamara 10th August, 2007 to 16th August, 2007 To celebrate the Art Awards and the Darwin Festival, the Tiwi Art Network will be holding an exhibition of art from the three community art centres on the Tiwi Islands : Tiwi Design, Munupi & Jilamara. CONTACT Ph 08 8941 3593 NORTHERN TERRITORY TROPICAL GARDEN SPECTACULAR - 11th August, 2007 to 12th August, 2007This years theme is 'Have a Dirty Weekend' and will have a feature display of local exotic flowers. The Northern Territory Garden Spectacular is a unique Darwin event, which has established itself in the calender as an event not to be missed. The festival showcases the Territory's unique horticultural industry, particularly the nursery and garden sectors. Darwin also shows off its cultural diversity with entertainment and arts provided by different sectors of the community including Thai, Greek, Asian Pacific and many more. Locals and visitors alike are treated to a weekend of relaxation, entertainment, information and great food, while visiting the wide variety of stalls and exhibits on offer. Entry costs are $6.00 per adult, per day. Children under 15 years of age are free of charge. LOCATION George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, Gardens Road, The Gardens, Darwin. CONTACT 08 8983 3233 BIRD WEEK - 13th August, 2007 to 19th August 2007 (not confirmed) Discover a tropical birding paradise at Bird Week in August 2006. You can view unique and beautiful birds of the End in Darwin and surrounds, the Mary River National Park and World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park. Examples of species that can be observed include magpie geese, brolgas, large tailed nightjars, great billed herons, white bellied sea eagles, red tailed black cockatoos, rufous owls, black bitterns and many more. Bird Week offers 3 expeditions (spanning 3, 4 and 7 days), guided walks, demonstrations, guest speakers, river cruises and more for an unforgettable birdwatching experience led by internationally renowned Mike Ostwald of NT Bird Specialists, winner 2005 Brolga Award fro the Best Interpretative Guide. Cost to participate in the Bird Week is from $270.00 per person, per day and accommodation is not included in the price. LOCATION Mary River Park, Arnhem Highway, Mary River ( Arnhem Highway). CONTACT 08 8978 8877 - Web BORROLOOLA GULF SHOW - 17th August, 2007The borroloola Gulf Show, known locally as the WayOutBack agricultural show, combines agriculture, gardening, lifestyle, arts, crafts and competition in an entertaining day out. An exciting local rodeo, a campdraft and a gymkhana are highlights of this event, which is held to coincide with the public holiday. LOCATION Sports Grounds, Carpentaria Highway, Borroloola. CONTACT 08 8975 9896 GOVE BUSH GOLF CLASSIC - 13th October, 2007The Gove Bush Golf Classic is a unique annual golfing event across the Gove region through an array of fairways, showcasing the beautiful landscape of Nhulunbuy. The event is a fantastic day out for the residents of Gove and also for the visitors who fly in from all over Australia. The experience is exceptional, with around 200 people participating in 4 person Ambrose teams, travelling in four wheel drives to the next hole, which could be in the bush or across a river, therefore it makes it a very exciting game of golf. A barbecue lunch is included in the cost, and is at picturesque hole number 5 which overlooks the old Giddies River crossing. The day is culminated with a presentation dinner, where every team receives a prize. This event has been running for 14 years and each year just gets better and better. All monies raised from the event are directed back to local community based organisations, sporting clubs and charities. All persons attending including participants must have a current Dhimurru permit. Permits can be obtained through Dhimurru Land Management and Aboriginal Corporation. Cost per person is $60.00 which includes lunch, event shirt, green fees and presentation dinner. There is no charge for spectators. LOCATION Nhulunbuy, Nhulunbuy/Gove, Northern Territory. CONTACT 08 8987 5805 CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR - 18th November, 2007The Christmas Craft Fair is held every year around the premises of Territory Craft in the wonderful museum grounds. This is your last chance to buy those Christmas gifts with a difference at these famous fairs. Purchase beautiful and unique hand made items from the people that make them, share stories and experiences, talk about how it was made, ask questions, enrol in a workshop that Territory Craft organises and capture your creativity. It's always a great day with the Mindil Markets finished and lots of craft that you won't see at any market in town on display. It's an opportunity for Territory Craft members to sell and showcase what they love to do in their spare time. Food and drinks will be available, no entry fee and just a great family day out. LOCATION Grounds of the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT, Conacher Street, Fannie Bay, Darwin. CONTACT 08 8981 6616 -

Calender of Darwin's Annual Events by newsdesk