By John Rozentals.
The Northern Territory has plenty of festival action coming up in September, October and November:
Parrtjima – A Festival in Light, Alice Springs, until 20 September – Claimed to be the only authentic Aboriginal light festival of its kind, Parrtjima returns with plenty of live talks, events, music and light installations, set among the majestic MacDonnell Ranges. Artist and performers attending include Indigenous chef Mark Olive, journalists Stan Grant and Tracey Holmes, Southeast Desert Metal and more.
Desert Mob, Alice Springs, until 25 September – An event of national significance, Desert Mob represents the most comprehensive survey of contemporary Aboriginal art by artists from Desart-member art centres from the desert regions and communities of the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia. For the first time in event’s history, the exhibition will also launch online.
Darwin Street Art Festival, 14-20 September – Ten of the best local and Australian street artists will transform the walls of Shadforth Lane in Darwin’s CBD. Guests can catch the rest of city’s incredible street art in-person, with 45 murals and 13 augmented-reality pieces on display, or take an interactive tour through a newly released app.
Kakadu Bird Week, 26 September-3 October – With more than a third of Australia’s bird species calling Kakadu home, the UNESCO-World-Heritage- clisted national park is a bird lover’s paradise. Kakadu Bird Week features a packed itinerary for nature enthusiasts, including wetland cruises, bird watching expeditions, specialist lectures and Aboriginal bird experiences. For the first time in the festival’s history, guests can also tune in ‘virtually’.
Rebound Festival, 3 October – One of the Australia’s first major music events to go ahead since lockdown, Rebound Festival will delight music lovers at Darwin Ski Club. This year hosts an incredible line-up, including Lime Cordiale, Mallrat and Hot Dub Time Machine.
Mango Madness Festival, 25 October – Packed with family friendly fun and entertainment, the festival showcases the best of Darwin’s mango-inspired food and drinks, including tasting stalls, a cocktail masterclass from the winning Mango Cup team, Dom’s Bar & Lounge, and mango-eating competition.
Darwin International Laksa Festival, 26 October – 29 November – Darwin is dubbed the laksa capital of Australia. Over four weeks, Territorians will embark on a journey to discover different laksas across various market stalls, eateries and restaurants across the Top End, and vote for their favourite ‘Golden Bowl’.
Visit www.northernterritory.com.
NOTE: Potential travellers should check the status of individual events and establishments with regard to the coronavirus outbreak.
