What’s on: Rogue and wild events happening in Darwin this weekend

We all survived another cracker night – and there’s plenty more rogue, exciting and relaxing events to keep Territorians entertained coming up.

Dock One at Stokes Hill Wharf has been a popular Dry season drink and dining option for Territorians. Picture: Kate Dinning

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEKEND

Who went to the Rodeo at the Waterfront last night?

There’s more fun to be had – today, the DCOH Darwin Guineas Day kicks off the Great Northern Darwin Cup Carnival at the Darwin Turf Club.

If you’d prefer to take the weekend to do some Dry season gardening, there are a couple of plant sales again this weekend too.

Head to the Karama Community Garden Plant Sale from 10am, for a wide selection of native and tropical plants, or on Sunday, plant lovers can also check out the Friends of the Botanic Gardens Plant Sale at George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens from 8am to Midday – and there’s usually some volunteers there to offer gardening advice, which is always handy.

Also on Sunday, music fans can go and check out the First Sunday Blues at Tracy Village Social and Sports Club from 3pm – it’s always a good time, a very chill afternoon of blues and rock music out in the courtyard, and if you get there early you can get your name on the board and play a song.

For the kids - the Palmerston Youth Festival kicks off on Saturday and continues all weekend across various venues in Palmerston, featuring workshops, performances and all kinds of events for young people, including the popular Geekfest Top End.

SOMEWHERE YOU NEED TO EAT & DRINK

I’ve spoken about this venue before, Dock One, the newest venue to open on the Stokes Hill Wharf.

It’s an intimate venue with a beach vibe, but it maintains a level of sophistication, and it’s been popular!

The Mega Annual Viking Funeral. Picture: Kate Dinning

There have been times we have wanted to get out on the water and watch the sunset over the city (one of the only places you can do this), and there hasn’t been a table … so they made a new deck.

Literally.

Dock One now features an expanded viewing deck, with a heap more tables and an even better view of the city.

It’s an awesome sunset venue to add to your rotation with a great all-day tapas and cocktails menu.

LOCAL’S TIP

So we all survived to live another Territory Day.

Love it or hate it, it’s certainly one of those events that makes the NT a unique place to live. As Territorians, I think we like the idea that we are a little bit different – maybe a little bit rogue.

After all, I guess you’ve got to be a little bit rogue to survive those precious Nightcliff Dry season swims, to thrive in the months-long humidity, and to put up with the ruthless 2am flight times.

The Mega Annual Viking Funeral. Picture: Kate Dinning

So in celebration of all things rogue, there are a few more iconic events coming up this Dry season to remind you of before your calendar gets full.

Firstly: The Mega Annual Viking Funeral.

Last year, I took my parents for a laugh, and posted a reel about it on We Are Locals – it was shared almost 1000 times – and I was surprised by the number of people who commented that they’d lived their whole lives here and never heard of it!

There’s literally a burning boat that gets shot with flaming arrows … how could you not want to check that out at least once!

There’s also delicious food and live music – this year the iconic Stereobate will be playing … and it’s your one and only chance every year to see people wearing fur in Darwin! Mark the calendars for July 12, at the Dinah Beach Cruising Yacht Association.

Originally published as What’s on: Rogue and wild events happening in Darwin this weekend