Alice Springs Events Listings

A Day of Dru Yoga

The word Dru means still point. Dru Yoga is a gentle flowing style with the aim to assist you to find the still point inside. Physically you hold the body gently, with no locked joints and you are inspired to achieve each movement in the gentlest way possible. Your instructor, Kalikamurti, has been living in Alice Springs since 1993. Yoga is an integral part of her life. Students new to yoga and students from other traditions are welcome to join Kalikamurti in the Red Centre, to enjoy a day of Dru Yoga, a great way to keep the body in tune and regular, fit and supple. Morning tea and a vegetarian lunch are included in the day's activity.

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. In 2010 the Alice Desert Festival celebrates its tenth birthday that will show Central Australia is not in the middle of nowhere but the middle of everywhere. Admission costs apply to some shows.

Alice Springs Cup Carnival

Join in the excitement of horse racing in the heart of Central Australia. The Alice Springs Cup Carnival is a program of five race days over a four-week period. The food and wine day heralds the start of the cup carnival, followed by Young Guns Day, where revellers mix and mingle in the party marquee with live music, games and loads of prizes. On Ladies Day the fairer sex can show off their finery, while lunching in The Pavilion overlooking the magnificent MacDonnell Ranges. Family Fun Day is all the fun of the fair for the kids with pony rides, jumping castles, face painting, prizes and a kids Fashion of the Field. The XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup Day features the AUD80,000.00 XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup and is a lively and colourful day full of fun, food, fashion with live racing action broadcasted Australia-wide on TVN. Cup weekend also hosts the popular XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup Luncheon, the spectacular Red Centre Yearling Sale and Gala Black Tie Ball.

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.

Alice Springs Rodeo

See the amazing skills of the country’s top professional cowboys. As part of the Australian Professional Rough-riders Association official circuit, the Alice Springs Rodeo kicks off early Saturday evening. Watch the bareback bull riders hold on tight-fisted for the required eight seconds. Watch man and beast face-off in the steer wresting competition. Other events include calf roping, team roping, breakaway roping and the ladies’ barrel race. There are junior barrel races and the ever-reliable comedy clown. Full catering is available and buses will be running every half hour from the Post Office to Blatherskite Park and back, starting from 5pm.

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.

Alice Springs Town Council Christmas Carnival

The Alice Springs Council Christmas Carnival is jammed packed with activities and live entertainment for people of all ages. This family friendly community event will have a mix of magicians, circus performers, buskers and balloon twisters roving the mall. A special treat for the children is the Secret Solar Garden, with activities to keep them entertained for hours. Whilst you shop amongst the numerous market stalls, listen to the sounds of Alice’s local musicians. The stalls offer a variety of arts and crafts, fresh produce, plants, clothes, books, jewellery and global foods that will give that enhanced shopping experience for the last minute Christmas shopper. Come and take part in celebrating the festive season in the colourful carnival atmosphere of the Todd Mall. The carnival starts at 5pm, finishing at 9pm.

Anaconda MTB Enduro

Five days of incredible mountain bike racing along the sweet single track and dusty trails of the majestic MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia. The Anaconda Mountain Bike Enduro captures the spirit of the Red Centre with a series of off road races in the very heart of 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.

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 in 1962, when Reg Smith, an Alice Springs local, and his work colleagues proposed holding a regatta based on the famous Henley-on-Thames, a race between Cambridge and Oxford Universities. 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. Food and drink stalls are available, with all proceeds going to the three local Rotary clubs in Alice Springs, and ultimately back to the Alice Springs Community.

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. Stockmen would cut of the ends of the tails to record the number of cattle mustered.

Carols by Candlelight

A family night to help celebrate the Christmas festive season. Carols by Candlelight special guest for the evening is to be announced, but Santa will be appearing during the night. Enjoy listening to the Salvation Army choir and sing along with local school choirs. Gates open at 6pm with pre program entertainment, 7.30pm the main program starts and concludes around 9pm with the fantastic fireworks display. Entry is a AUD2.00 donation per person, where you receive a program and glow candle. Bring your singing voice, a rug or chairs and head down for a great family night. There will be a variety of food and soft drinks available for sale on the night.

Children's Literature in the Centre Festival

A festival for children to come and listen to stories read by some of Australia’s best storytellers. 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. One of the highlights of this festival is an exhibition of original illustrations by Pamela Lofts - Wombat Stew, Koala Lou, Hunwick's Egg and her new book Snug as a Hug.

Devi Havan

Devi Havan is a fire purification ceremony which, when performed with faith and conviction, can bring us in tune with ourselves and with nature. Havan is both an offering and an opportunity for personal transformation. Devi represents Energy of both cosmic force and the energy inherent in all of creation. During Havan mantras, fragrant leaves, herbs and ghee are offered to the Devi through the sacred fire, along with other items of natural offerings and good intent for peace, prosperity and spiritual upliftment for all. You are invited to participate in this ritual by bringing a small offering of incense, fruit, nuts or other natural produce and a donation for local projects. Dates for 2010 are 12 February, 14 May, 11 June, 13 August, 17 September and 12 November.

Devi Havan

Devi Havan is a fire purification ceremony which, when performed with faith and conviction, can bring us in tune with ourselves and with nature. Havan is both an offering and an opportunity for personal transformation. Devi represents Energy of both cosmic force and the energy inherent in all of creation. During Havan, mantras, fragrant leaves, herbs and ghee are offered to the Devi through the sacred fire, along with other items of natural offerings and good intent for peace, prosperity and spiritual upliftment for all. Bring a small offering of incense, fruit, nuts or other natural produce and participate in the ceremony, and a donation for local projects. Dates for 2010 are 12 March, 16 April, 9 July, 9 October and 10 December.

Discovering Yoga, Yantra and Art

Join Rishi Diwali, a devoted and talented artist, to explore yoga through the medium of art. An enjoyable experience for beginners and experienced artists alike. This workshop provides participants with the opportunity to paint, draw and chant while creating their own Yantra (symbols or geometric figures for use in meditation). Participants will be rewarded with progress in visualisation and feeling for form, colour and space. Saturday is a full day with a vegetarian lunch included, whilst Sunday attendance is for the morning only.

Harts Range Bush Sports Weekend

The Harts Range Bush Sports Weekend is a great family outback event. 200 kilometres north east of Alice Springs, is the home of the annual Harts Range Bush Sports Weekend. This action-packed event starts off Saturday morning with a gymkhana. At 11.00am sees the first running of the Harts Range Races - unregistered horse races for local station riders. Two more races follow with breaks in between for Truck Tyre Races and the auctioning off of the horses for the third race - their Selling Race. By about 1pm the rodeo commences with Lizard Race, steer ride, station buckjump, novelty events and the first round of the bull ride and saddle bronc. The evening concludes with a themed dance. 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. Later in the day teams of three attempt to 'scruff' a calf, as well as milk a wild cow. Sunday night there is a dance and talent quest. Camping facilities, showers and toilets are available, entry and camping fee applies. Please 'bring your own' as there are no bar facilities. The food canteen will be available all weekend. The community (Atitjere) shop is open for trading part of the weekend selling fuel, groceries and more.

Ice Skating at Alice Springs Convention Centre

For six weeks during the summer school holidays, the Alice Springs Convention Centre is being converted to an indoor ice skating rink. Both locals and travellers have the opportunity to experience ice skating in the heart of Australia for the first time. Skating sessions are two hours duration and the entry fee includes skate hire. If you don't want to skate, come and watch at no cost. The Alice Springs Convention Centre has taken a green approach to this event and will be offsetting the carbon emissions.

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.

Lions Imparja Camel Cup

The quirky, annual Lions Imparja 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.

National Australia Bank AFL Challenge

Watch the action as teams compete in the Regional AFL NAB Challenge. The NAB Challenge is a chance for teams that have been knocked out of the NAB Cup to fine tune their skills before the commencement of the Australia Rules Football League (AFL) season. The action will be hard and fast with both sides going toe to toe until the final siren announces the winner. Come along and support your team in the only round of an NAB Challenge game to be played in Alice Springs this year.

Ngurratjuta Lightning Carnival

A great weekend of watching Australian Rules. Held over the Easter long weekend, teams travel hundreds of miles to participate in this annual carnival held at Traeger Park. The carnival gives players the opportunity to participate in a strong competition and provides a platform which helps promote the game of Australian Rules (Aussie Rules) in the community. Sunday afternoon culminates the grand final showdowns in both the second and first division grades. Grab the family and head on down, and watch the teams go toe to toe until the final siren announces the winner.

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, preserves and cakes (as only a mum can make them), food stalls and oodles of bric-a-brac. The day is the major fund-raising event of the Old Timers Village.

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. The festival also runs Beanies, Baskets and Bushtucker tours all year round. Come and have some wild and woolly fun, the last weekend 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. Markets are generally held every second Sunday from the end of February until December.

Weekend Yoga Workshop

Experience yoga in the heart of the Red Centre. This two-day yoga workshop is taught in the Satyananda Yoga system. Your instructor, Swami Muktibodhananda, will take you through postures, relaxation, breath practice and either deeper relaxation or mediation suitable for all participants. Saturday's focus is on 'Unravelling the Granthi Knots', referring to the type of obstacles you face during your life. To overcome these difficulties, it is necessary to understand their influence on the physical, emotional and mental body. On Sunday you will undertake 'Gayatri Sadhana' and illuminate your mind and destiny with one of the oldest mantras in the world. Muktibodhananda will take you through a program of practices including asana and pranayama, mantra, music, meditation, relaxation and discussion.