Day one of Freds Pass Rural Show 2025 kicks off

Live music, show rides and an assortment of hot food is how thousands of Territorians are enjoying themselves this weekend, with an abundance of fun and games lined up on the outskirts of Darwin. SEE THE PICTURES.

Territorians enjoyed themselves at the 2025 Fred's Pass Rural Show. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Live music, show rides and an assortment of hot food is how thousands of Territorians are enjoying themselves this weekend, with an abundance of fun and games lined up on the outskirts of Darwin.

The annual Freds Pass Rural Show kicked off on Saturday afternoon, and locals were keen to make the most of the popular event.

Farm animals ranging from chickens to horses were particularly popular among the kids, while teenagers mobbed the show rides.

Katja Behlendorf at the Territorians enjoyed themselves at the 2025 Fred's Pass Rural Show. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Working on one of the many food stands was Katja Behlendorf, who told this publication there had been a healthy turnout in the opening hours of the event.

“I started at 7am and I suspect we’ll be here ‘till midnight,” she laughed.

“It’s been busy - not too bad - but there’s been quite a few people for sure.”

Volunteers did well to keep the long line of cars trickling through, with families left with no choice but to march hundreds of metres to the gate.

Territorians enjoyed themselves at the 2025 Fred's Pass Rural Show. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Live music was also a hit, with plenty of adults keen to escape the chaotic animal pens and relax to some beats.

For those interested in action, the woodchopping - a usual red-hot favourite event - attracted a large chunk of spectators.

Also in attendance were several VIPs, including NT Administrator Hugh Heggie, as well as Federal MP Marion Scrymgour and Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley.

The Rural Show continues on Sunday.

Kylie, Ms Ruth Jones and His Honour Professor the Honourable Hugh Heggie AO PSM. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Rides were a big hit among the youngsters. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Kieran Blackburn and Lucy Blackburn watching the rides in action. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Teacups were a favourite. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Earle family were having a blast. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Stephanie Watt and Layla Watt enjoying the woodchopping. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

There wasn’t a seat available at the woodchopping. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Stewards of the Cookery Pavilion enjoying their Saturday afternoon.. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Cooking shows were also a popular event. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The "Chicken" Team. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Hood family ready for a big day ahead. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

There are plenty of food stalls to choose from. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Face painting queues were rather long, but worth the wait. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Best friends Hannah and Matilda. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Peyton with Fairy Jill at the Territorians enjoyed themselves at the 2025 Fred's Pass Rural Show. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Labor Party team. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

...and next door, the CLP folks. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Annabel, Jessica and Kaitlyn of St John’s. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Phillips family. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

For farm enthusiasts, the pens were a real highlight. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Caiden Magno (right) met a new friend. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Cody (right) and his goat friend (left). Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Hun family. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Jolanta Hebberman and her little girl checking out the chickens. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Reid family enjoying their day out. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Marlie Reinke, Lorna Roberts and Mirraya Reinke. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Antonette Borga, Erineya Borga and Gloria Borga. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Some funky cars were also on show. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Werner Fichtner. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Williams family. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Originally published as Day one of Freds Pass Rural Show 2025 kicks off