Two iconic festivals and AFL return to Darwin this weekend

Two of Darwin’s highly-anticipated community events return this weekend – the Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival and the Darwin Italian Festival- along with the first of two AFL home games for the Gold Coast Suns.

Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival kicks off this Friday, 9 May, running over three days along the stunning Nightcliff Foreshore. With more than 180 acts and 1,600 performers across multiple stages, the family-friendly festival showcases the best of the Territory’s vibrant arts and culture scene.

Territory talent will take the stage, including the distinctive Arnhem Land sounds of Yolŋu band Wild Honey, the troppo jazz vibes of House on Stilts, Triple J Unearthed singer-songwriter Broadwing, and powerhouse vocalist Juran with genre-blending trio ZaZa Zoo. The line-up also features Indigenous acoustic artist David Spry, iconic 80s bush-band Swamp Jockeys, and folk favourite Sally Balfour with her band.

Other Seabreeze highlights include the much-loved sand sculpture contest, the Community Bank Nightcliff Jetty Art Space competition, the 3×3 basketball tournament, and the ever-popular interactive Darwin Beach Choir. As the sun sets, visitors can enjoy food trucks and soak up the atmosphere at boutique bars along the foreshore, including the Speargrass HiFi DJ takeover at Kite’s Corner.

Commenting on the 20th anniversary milestone, a spokesperson for the festival said, “The Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival has become a cornerstone of the Top End’s cultural calendar, and I am proud to have been involved since day one to see it grow to what it is today. We invite everyone to come down, soak up the atmosphere, and help us celebrate two decades of special Seabreeze magic.”

For more information, visit: nightcliffseabreeze.com.

Darwin Italian Festival

After a one-year break, the Darwin Italian Festival will light up the Top End with the colours and flavours of Italy on Saturday, 10 May. Held at the Darwin Waterfront’s Fort Hill Parklands, the family-friendly festival celebrates Italian food, culture, and community.

In addition to mouth-watering Italian cuisine, this year’s event features a packed program of entertainment and activities, including the classic pizza-throwing contest and the popular spaghetti-eating competition.

Festivalgoers will also be treated to live entertainment from Tarantella folk dancers, singer Lissa Dawson, Melbourne big-band Siesta Cartel, and a special appearance by iconic Italo-Australian performer Joe Dolce.

A festival highlight will be the first-ever mercato store — offering Italian goods, homewares, and specialty items to bring a taste of Italy home.

Chair of the Darwin Italian Festival Committee, Chris Depasquale, said the organisation is thrilled to bring the festival back in 2025, for another authentic and enjoyable experience. “Italian cuisine is the heart of our event, but at its centre is the imitation of Italian lifestyle—effortlessly invigorating, soulful, and bright. The Darwin Italian Festival is a love letter to the Italian way of living.”

First held in 2013, the Darwin Italian Festival promises a dazzling day of Italian culture and cuisine, running from 10am until late. For more information, visit darwinitalianfestival.com.au.

Gold Coast Suns return to Darwin

This Saturday, the Gold Coast SUNS play the first of two unmissable AFL matches in Darwin.
The SUNS take on the Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium on Saturday, 10 May 2025 followed by a second clash on Thursday, 15 May 2025 against Hawthorn during the iconic Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

This special round celebrates the contributions of Indigenous players to the game and resonates deeply with the NT, a region that has produced some of the AFL’s most skilled and revered Indigenous stars. Tickets are on sale at: Gold Coast SUNS ticketmaster.