Alice Springs Events Listings

Advocate Art Award

The Advocate Art Award showcase artwork being done in Central Australia. This colourful kaleidoscope of art is a snapshot of art work being done in Central Australia by men, women, seniors and teenagers. Some are once a year painters or once a month painters or painters who make art part of their everyday lives. Wander through and view Indigenous and European art styles, as they hang side by side and where first time exhibitors are seen next to the experienced and successful artists.

Alice Desert Festival

The Alice Desert Festival is Central Australia’s premier arts and cultural festival, celebrating the desert and its peoples. The Alice Desert Festival shares the stories, songs and the unique lifestyle of Central Australia’s arid region. Featuring a vibrant program borne out of the desert landscape, they celebrate the dynamic exchange between cultures in the heart of Australia. Artists, dancers and musicians from some of the remotest communities in Central Australia perform beside a selection of Australia’s hottest acts. Indigenous musicians drive hundreds of red dusty kilometres to perform in the Bush Bands Bash. Wild bush foods are harvested and cooked into succulent dishes and choirs sing amidst ancient desert landscapes of gorges and gaps. The Alice Desert Festival attracts audiences of around 50,000 people from around Australia to over 50 events across its season. The festival presents an atmosphere not found anywhere else in Australia, where strong traditional cultures and a vibrant contemporary arts community, work together in presenting an amazing 10 days. Admission costs apply to some shows.

Alice Springs Cup Carnival

Join the excitement at the heart of Central Australia to experience Outback Racing at its finest. XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup Carnival is a five-day race program, over four weeks of April/May culminating in the final weekend, hosting XXXX Gold Cup. Girl's Day - a retail fashion day to promote businesses that get ladies ready for the Carnival Glamour. Family Day - the ASTC has been one of the first to purchase a Jumping Castle and play equipment. Ladies Day - where everyone can show off their finery while lunching in the marquee overlooking the MacDonnell Ranges and home straight. Young Guns Day - mingle in the party marquee with live DJ's, bands, Celebrity MCs and racing action including AUD$60,000 Pioneer Sprint. XXXX Gold Cup Day - featuring AUD$100,000 XXXX Gold Cup. A day of fun, fashion and live racing action broadcasted internationally on SKY2. Cup weekend hosts two days racing, XXXX Gold Luncheon, Calcutta, Ministers Cocktail Party, Memorabilia Auction and Yearling Sale.

Alice Springs Heritage Festival

Explore the heritage sites of Alice Springs. The Alice Springs Heritage Festival is a week-long celebration of local heritage. Jailhouse Folk is a night of Aussie music, come and enjoy a meal and show at the National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame. The Heritage Bus Tour – join artist, blacksmith and engineer Dave Leonard on a stimulating educational and relaxing journey of heritage properties. Join the Mural Tour to the historic St Mary’s Chapel, where you’ll view the mural painted in 1956 by Hungarian artist, Robert Czako. The Stuart Town Gaol is holding an open day, and in the evening, historian Dick Kimber recounts the past with ‘The Law, the law makers, the building’. The Old Hartley Street School Open Day - come in and experience the schoolroom of a past era. Heritage Night at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station – experience the atmosphere of yesteryear with activities and displays, or try your hand ad sending a Morse code telegram. Please note - there are some free activities / programs.

Alice Springs Masters Games

Come along and challenge yourself at the biennial Friendly Games. Alice Springs Masters Games are known as 'The Friendly Games', a unique event that enables mature aged athletes to embrace the thrill of their favourite sport in a friendly environment. 'The Friendly Games' has a large number of sports on offer, and Alice Springs' sporting facilities are up there with the best. See you at the games.

Alice Springs Night Markets

The Alice Springs Night Markets are held monthly from August to November on a Thursday evening from 5pm to 9pm. The markets have many assorted stalls that can be explored, giving visitors that enjoyable outback experience. You can shop for authentic Indigenous art and craftworks, recycled treasures, books, photos, handmade clothing and jewellery. You’ll be surprised at what you may find. Tantalise your taste buds with a tasty treat from one of the enticing multi-cultural food vendors or sit back and relax on the lawns with a local roasted coffee, a freshly made donut, or try a refreshing fruit sorbet, or a delectable cupcake. With plenty of entertainment for the whole family, wander on down and enjoy an evening at the markets. Dates for 2012 are 30 August, 13 September, 18 October and 15 November.

Alice Springs Open

Your chance to watch a tennis champion in the making. The Alice Springs Open is part of the AMT (Australian Money Tournaments) and is held in township of Alice Springs. This tennis tournament, attracts players from all over Australia with many of the players competing all around the world during the year. A pre-determined number of the highest ranked players will be placed directly into the main draw, with all other entrants playing off against each other in qualifying matches to then earn the right to move into the main draw and playoff for the title. Matches will consist of AMT Men’s and Women’s Singles, AMT Men’s and Women’s Doubles, Boy’s and Girl’s Singles and Doubles in age brackets 12 and Under, 14 and Under and 16 and Under. Entry is free for spectators.

Alice Springs Show

Join in the fun and excitement of a large rural show. The Alice Springs Show is a traditional rural show with a very close association with the regional cattle stations, and is based on agricultural produce, livestock and craft. The show encompasses business displays, competitions, photographic, cooking and other contests and outback sporting events. It also brings the rides, attractions and sideshow alley offered at the big capital city shows to delight all children and families. Treat yourself to a dagwood dog, a bag of fairy floss, a jam doughnut or some fresh strawberries and cream. The Alice Springs Show finishes with a giant fireworks display.

ASSA ABLOY Henley-On-Todd Regatta

A boat race with a unique difference - on the dry sands of the Todd River. The ASSA ABLOY Henley-On-Todd Regatta is a day of fun where teams and individuals race 'boats', in the dry bed of the Todd River in outback Alice Springs. Have fun and enjoy the hilarity as you watch seemingly sane people race in bottomless 'eights', 'Oxford tubs', 'bath tubs' and 'yachts' through the deep coarse sand. The event has its origins when Reg Smith, an Alice Springs local, and his work colleagues proposed holding a regatta based on the famous Henley-on-Thames. The idea was taken up by the Rotary Clubs of Alice Springs and the fact that the town was 1,500 kilometres from the nearest large body of water was never seen as a problem. So the ASSA ABLOY Henley-On-Todd was born. All proceeds going to the three local Rotary clubs in Alice Springs,

Bangtail Muster

Join in the madcap fun of one of Alice Springs’ major street parades. The Bangtail Muster is the annual fundraiser for the Alice Springs Youth Centre and one of the Centre's major events. The centrepiece of the event is a parade of floats down Todd Mall, which starts at late morning adjacent to the Memorial Club and finishes at Anzac Oval. The story behind the Muster goes back to the old days when cattle were the main industry of the Centre and Stockmen would cut of the ends of the tails to record the number of cattle mustered. The theme for this year will be 'Our Community'.

Children's Literature in the Centre Festival

The Children's Literature in the Centre Festival will provide children, young people and the wider community of Alice Springs with a rare and exciting opportunity to meet, listen to and learn from some outstanding Australian children's authors, illustrators and storytellers. Seven talented presenters will conduct workshops, which you will be able to participate in, during this lively community literature event.

Harts Range Bush Sports Weekend

The Harts Range Bush Sports Weekend is a great family outback event. Located 200 kilometres north east of Alice Springs, is the home of the annual Harts Range Bush Sports Weekend. This action-packed event starts off with a gymkhana, then the running of the first Harts Range Races - unregistered horse race for local station riders. Two more races follow and the auctioning off of the horses for the third race - their Selling Race. There is a rodeo, steer ride, station buck jump and more. Sunday morning is for the kids with running races, a lolly scramble, sack races and adult's tug-o-war. The afternoon is packed with more rodeo and novelty events including the second round of the bull ride and saddle bronc. Camping facilities, showers and toilets are available, entry and camping fee applies. Please 'bring your own' alcohol and the food canteen will be available all weekend.

Imparja Cup Cricket Carnival

Watch all-Indigenous teams take part in the hotly contested Imparja Cup. Indigenous teams representing all states and territories in Australia, as well as major centres and communities of the Northern Territory, come together in Alice Springs for the annual Imparja Cup. Various competition formats are played, including 20/20, 40 overs per side and Super 8s. The Imparja Cup gives players the opportunity to participate in a strong competition and provides a platform which helps promote the game in the community. Entry is 'Free of Charge' for spectators only.

Ingkerreke Commerical MTB Enduro - Red Centre

Five days of incredible mountain bike racing along the sweet single track and dusty trails of the majestic MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia. The Ingkerreke Commercial a Mountain Bike Enduro captures the spirit of the Red Centre with a series of off road races in the very heart of outback Australia. Coming together as a festival of mountain biking with seven races over five days, competitors will experience the true majesty of the outback and the mighty MacDonnell Ranges, in and around Alice Springs as part of this unique event. Spectators' opportunities are the best on the day the riders sprint up Anzac Hill in the centre of town, otherwise bring your bike and join the action anytime. There is no entry cost for spectators.

Lasseters Camel Cup

The quirky, annual Lasseters Camel Cup attracts visitors to Alice Springs from all over the world. While camels may have a reputation as dedicated 'ships of the desert', these magnificent beasts are certainly not short on personality. Racing them can prove a nightmare for riders and handlers but fantastic viewing for spectators. Entertainment is assured, with nine unique races scheduled around the dusty outback track throughout the day. There will be lots of action between races, too. Belly dancers, rickshaw races, 'Kids Kamel Dapers' hobby camel races, rides, Mr and Miss Camel Cup challenges, food stalls and bars will add to the carnival atmosphere. The cup is held in its own arena at Blatherskite Park, a section of the Central Australian Show Society grounds.

Molly's Bash

Molly’s Bash is a major fundraiser for the Old Andado Homestead and a truly unique outback experience. Originally the bash was held to help raise money for the Alice Springs Pioneer's Women's Hall of Fame, which Molly Clarke founded, but now it's to raise money to keep the Old Andado Homestead and the other buildings in good condition. There will be varied entertainment on throughout the night, making it a family friendly event. A high clearance four-wheel drive is recommended.

NAB Cup Pre-Season Round 2 AFL Match - Brisbane Lions v Adelaide Crows

Watch the action as teams compete for the NAB Cup. The National Australia Bank Cup (NAB) is a knockout competition and comes to Alice Springs when the Brisbane taken on the Adelaide Crows, just two of the Australian Rules Football teams. With the temperature hovering around 27 degrees , the action will be just as hot throughout, as the sides go toe to toe until the final siren announces the winner. Come along and support your team in the only round of an NAB Cup game to be played in Alice Springs this year.

Old Timers Fete

Rummage through bric-a-brac at Alice Springs’ largest fete. The largest annual fete in Alice Springs, the Old Timers Fete, is a fun filled day with 'on tap' entertainment, second hand book stall, craft stalls loaded with traditional 'fete' treasures, preserves and cakes (as only a mum can make them), food stalls, and oodles of bric-a-brac. There's the old favourite 'Chocolate Wheel' with generous prizes to be won, Devonshire Teas to be shared with friends and generally a good time to be had by all. The Old Timers Fete is the major fund-raising event of the year for the Old Timers Village.

Roll Of Honour - Casualties of the Bombing of Darwin, February 1942

The Northern Territory Library is marking the 70th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin with a 'Roll of Honour' that records and remembers the names of those killed on 19 February 1942. Based on information currently available, this 'Roll of Honour' provides biographical details, photographs and personal stories for each casualty remembering them as unique individuals who sacrificed their lives in defending Darwin and Australia. Contact has been made with relatives of some of the casualties, who have also contributed to the project. The display in the Northern Territory Library at Parliament House will also include two large aerial mosaics of Darwin in 1941 and 1945, produced by the Department of Lands and Planning.

Tattersall's Finke Desert Race

Come and experience a truly unique outback event. The Tattersalls Finke Desert Race is Australia's premier off-road racing event that attracts bike, car and buggy entries from around Australia and overseas. It is a multi-terrain, two-day race through desert country from Alice Springs to the small Aputula (Finke) Community and is reputed to be one of the most difficult off-road races in one of the most remote places in the world. The Finke, as the event is commonly known, is run along sections of the Old Ghan Railway service track, adjacent to the railway line, along a winding corrugated track, which snakes through typical outback terrain of red dirt, sand, spinifex, mulga and desert oaks. The Finke enables people from all walks of life to become involved. For 3 days, it is estimated that more than 12,000 people camp beside the racetrack, sleeping under the stars in tents and swags.

The Alice Prize

View an exciting mix of multicultural experiences, including Aboriginal, Asian and European artistic backgrounds. The Alice Prize is the Northern Territory’s largest contemporary art prize and welcomes artists from around Australia.The Prize was first awarded in 1970, after a group of volunteer administrators led by businessman and MLA Bernie Kilgariff, established a national art competition to bring contemporary art to Central Australia. An extraordinarily diverse collection of artists’ exhibit works in a variety of mediums including ceramics, fabric, glass as well as painting, drawing photography and new media.

The Alice Springs Beanie Festival

There are hats and hats - these beanies stretch the definitions like never before. The Alice Springs Beanie Festival is a unique event that celebrates this great Australian icon. It's the place people can come to find the perfect beanie from among more than 4,000 beanies displayed at the Araluen Cultural Precinct in Alice Springs. A full weekend with music, the famous tea shop, the Beanie Olympics, and a fantastic program of textile workshops and crafts for kids. Indigenous artists from local communities demonstrate their ancient spinning techniques and basket making. There are textiles on display and for sale for any budget. Opening Night party is not to be missed - come and enjoy the entertainment and see the prize winning beanies paraded under the stars. The competition exhibition remains on display for several weeks after the festival. Come and have some wild and woolly fun, in June. Entry is via a gold coin donation, and there is a visitor's entry fee into the Araluen Galleries.

Todd Mall Markets

Colourful stands and characters combine to bring the Todd Mall alive on Sunday Market Days. The clanging bell signals the arrival of the town crier, who tells of stands with souvenirs, local art and craft including hand crafted jewellery, delicious local produce, alfresco dining and entertainers. Enjoy a leisurely Sunday morning brunch and stroll down the pedestrian mall, explore the arcades, plazas and shops. Dates for the rest of 2011 are 13 and 27 November and 11 December. Dates for 2012 are 19 February, 4 and 18 March, 1, 15 and 29 April, 13 and 27 May, 10 and 24 June, 8, 15 and 22 July, 5 and 19 August, 2, 16 and 20 September, 14 and 28 October, 11 and 25 November and 9 December. Market hours are 9am to 1pm from October to April and 9am to 2pm from May to September.

WNBL Championship Round 16 - West Coast Waves vs AIS

Your chance to watch Alice Springs only Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) game. Central Australia is set for WNBL action when Round 16 comes to Alice Springs. Women’s National Basketball League teams the West Coast Waves will clash against Australian Institute of Sports (AIS) at the Traeger Park Indoor Stadium. Come along and cheer for your team, in the only official round of a WNBL game in Alice Springs this year.