The annual Alice Springs festivals and events you don't want to miss

Alice Springs (Mparntwe) punches above its weight with some of the most unique destination events in Australia.

From an opera performance in an ancient gorge to a beanie festival that attracts Aboriginal Territorians from remote communities and visitors alike, it’s clear that Alice Springs is where the parties are at. Gather your family or friends and plan a trip around these festivals and events in Alice Springs.

Alice Springs Beanie Festival

Here’s something you don’t see every day: 6500 beanies transformed into vibrant works of art.

Knitters from all around Australia gather at the Beanie Festival. (Image: Oliver Eclipse)

The joyful four-day Beanie Festival held in June brings together knitters from remote Central Australian communities and crafters from all around Australia. Expect a dazzling array of knitwear, live music and plenty of food stalls with delicious treats.

Leave the festival with your wearable art. (Image: Oliver Eclipse)

Parrtjima – A Festival in Light

One to plan an Alice Springs trip in April around, the dazzling after-dark Parrtjima – A Festival of Light takes place at the Alice Springs Desert Park over 10 nights.

Witness the vibrant festival of light projected onto the MacDonnell Ranges. (Image: Parrtjima)

Expect epic projections of new and old Aboriginal artworks onto the majestic MacDonnell Ranges, a 300-million-year-old natural canvas.

Wander through the immersive Grounded art installation. (Image: Parrtjima)

The festival also includes music performances, art workshops and talks by some of Australia’s most well-known Indigenous identities.

The annual Parrtjima festival celebrates art, music, and culture. (Image: Parrtjima)

FabALICE Festival

Pack your glitter and hop aboard! The annual FabALICE in March boasts a program of fun-filled parties, performances and night markets that celebrate the vibrant queer culture that has long permeated Alice Springs. Of course this four-day festival includes a screening of the flick Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Also don’t miss catching a ride on the Budget Barbie Camper, where performers take punters on hour-long tours around town.

FabALICE Festival celebrates the vibrant queer culture in Alice Springs. (Image: Tourism NT))

Desert Song Festival

Catch performances by renowned pianists, violinists, choirs and string quartets in some of the most remote locations in Australia.

Witness superb performances at the Desert Song Festival.

Over 10 days in September, Desert Song Festival treats attendees to a program of concerts, workshops and masterclasses, with many events taking place in phenomenal outdoor locations.

The festival also offers workshops and masterclasses.

The highlight? A concert at Ormiston Gorge, 135 kilometres west of Alice Springs, featuring the Central Australian Aboriginal Women’s Choir.

Don’t miss the concert in Ormiston Gorge.

Red CentreNATS

Rev heads get ready for Red CentreNATS, a three-day spectacular of classic, modified and luxury cars and motorbikes competing in a range of categories. Held in late August and early September, highlights include street parades, drag races, show ‘n’ shine vehicle displays and the epic wrap-up party, where champions are crowned, and all things rev heads are celebrated.

The Red CentreNATS is a celebration of all things rev heads. (Image: Tourism NT)

Tatts Finke Desert Race

Racing is always hard but there are some races that are tougher than others. Enter the Tatts Finke Desert Race, a two-day off-road race for bikes, cars and buggies through desert country from Alice Springs to the Aputula (Finke) community.

Head trackside for a great view of the Tatts Finke Desert Race.

Held over the King’s Birthday long weekend in June, “Finke” as it’s known, attracts bikers, car racers and spectators. Head trackside for a great view of the race in the public areas, located close to town at the three-, four- and 10-kilometre marks.

Bikes also get in on the action in this off-road race through the desert.

Alice Springs Show

Bring the whole family to the beloved Alice Springs Show for two days of carnival rides, games, petting zoos, wood chopping, V8 displays, fireworks and more.

A ride on the Ferris Wheel is always a highlight.

Get a unique insight into rural life in the Red Centre by checking out the equestrian, cattle and poultry events.

Rural life puts its best foot forward in this two-day show.

Wide Open Space Festival

Set against the backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges, Wide Open Space Festival attendees can enjoy panoramic views of the ancient ranges all the while getting down to cutting-edge electronic beats, soulful live performances and global sounds.

Wide Open Space Festival is a celebration of music, arts and desert culture.
(Image: Tourism NT/Helen Orr)

Held over three days in May at Ross River Resort, 80 kilometres east of Alice Springs, the options are plentiful; take a dip in the pool, simply enjoy the music or take a hike on one of the many walking tracks.

Lose yourself in cutting-edge electronic beats. (Image: Tourism NT/Helen Orr)

Blacken Open Air

Metal enthusiasts don’t miss your chance to headbang in the desert. Blacken Open Air is a three-night camp-out festival held at Ross River Resort in August, the same stunning location as Wide Open Space Festival. Run by Alice Springs’ own heavy music label, The Black Wreath, the festival features a huge line up of bands from across Australia, as well as Arrernte cultural performances.

Alice Springs Masters Games

Calling all mature sports lovers: Alice Springs Masters Games, aka the Friendly Games, are held in October and are open to anyone with a love of sports who meets the age criteria. Over eight days, athletes compete in various sports, such as archery, badminton, basketball, cricket, darts, swimming, lawn bowls and equestrian.

Field hockey is one of the many sports you can take part in over the course of the event.

Desert Mob

Explore artwork from more than 35 art centres in Central Australia at Desert Mob, a festival taking place in September at Araluen Arts Centre.

Desert Mob displays artwork from more than 35 art centres across Central Australia. (Image: Tourism NT)

This sprawling celebration of Aboriginal art and artists presented over 15 days by Desart, features an exhibition, symposiums, marketplace, workshops and performances.

The Araluen Art Centre plays hosts to a wide range of exquisite artworks. (Image: Tourism NT)

Henley on Todd Regatta

No water in the river? That won’t stop the Alice Springs locals from holding a regatta.

Henley on Todd Regatta the world’s only dry river boating event in Alice Springs. (Image: Tourism NT/Imparja Creative)

The dry riverbed of the Todd River comes alive each August with the Henley on Todd Regatta, featuring ‘boats’ running on sand, pirate battles and a flotilla of bathtubs, showcasing the Red Centre’s infectious sense of humour.

The boat race is held on the dry sandy riverbed of the Todd River. (Image: Tourism NT/Imparja Creative)

For more incredible ways to explore the region, read our travel guide to Alice Springs.