What’s on in Darwin: Live music, tasty eats and the best places to buy clothes on the high street

Darwin locals have tonnes to look forward to this weekend; from live music, to tasty treats to tantalise your tastebuds, and where to find the cutest clothes, writes Kate Dinning.

The 1995 Cafe on Cavenagh St in Darwin's CBD has recently expanded their menu with a sweet toast option for breakfast. Picture: Kate Dinning

It’s out with the Footy season and in with ALL of the live music.

It’s out with the Footy season and in with ALL of the live music.

This weekend, the new ‘Strings on the Slab’ is returning on Saturday afternoon from 4pm – brought to you by the Nighcliff Seabreeze Festival.

Bars and BBQs by the sea with free live music? I’m in.

As you also may have seen – there’s also punk / heavy rock music festival at Bustard Town on Saturday night.

And for the fans of reggae, indie rock and electronica, the Railway Club have a ‘Booty Block Party’ with Bootleg Rascal also on Saturday night.

The Precinct at the Waterfront have a whole live music weekend, with Will Hatch, Chris Clarke and Prayer Corby playing across the weekend.

It all sounds like the perfect time to dip into the wave pool, and stay around for a drink and some live music.

For even more Territory talent, check out singer/songwriter Sally Balfour for the first stop of her NT tour at the new Flora’s Temper Mexicantina, on Sunday at 3pm!

SOMEWHERE YOU NEED TO EAT

If you’ve already eaten at The 1995, or maybe thought you could only get croissants from the cabinet – I have news for you!
This popular cafe on Knuckey St recently got a new menu.

If you’re a breakfast sweet tooth like me, the flavour combination of their sweet toast on the new menu is a must-try.

Cinnamon scrolls at The General in Darwin. Picture: Kate Dinning

Speaking of sweet … I am reluctant to tell everyone this, because I don’t want them to run out any quicker … but if you’ve not yet tried a cinnamon scroll from the General on a Saturday morning … You’re missing out!

LOCALS TIP

I think there’s just something restorative about going into an actual shop to buy clothes.

I am MC for a wedding next weekend that had a specific colour palette – and I’d been using every spare moment of my evening online, looking for the perfect outfit for the last few weeks.

If only I’d remembered to go into our local stores sooner, I would’ve had much more free time!

A big shout out to the ladies in Bread Boutique, Stomp, Skin (Now located in Tini) and James Boutique in Parap for humouring my indecisiveness and colour schemes – those store visits were some of my favourite parts of the week.
I am also a big advocate for sustainable fashion and shopping mindfully – so an extra local’s tip: The Closet Clean-out is on again this Sunday at the Darwin Turf Club from 10am – 1pm, featuring many stalls of designer and preloved clothing, ready for its new wardrobe.

Originally published as What’s on in Darwin: Live music, tasty eats and the best places to buy clothes on the high street