What’s on: Arts, culture and fun to be had this weekend in Darwin, Katherine

Art and culture lovers (or those who just enjoy a good movie) can treat themselves to many fun-filled activities in Darwin and Katherine this weekend, writes Kate Dinning.

Deckchair Cinema is preparing to celebrate its 30th birthday on June 1, 2024. Picture: Kate Dinning

I’ve been hanging out with many Artists this week as part of my work with the Darwin Street Art Festival.

Before I moved to Darwin, I probably wouldn’t have even considered myself an arts person. But if there’s one thing that Darwin is good at (okay who am I kidding, there are many things) it’s giving you the freedom to choose who you want to be.

I think that is partly because of the incredible variety of people who live here – and partly because that’s just what the Territory is, and why we love it.

Interestingly, chatting to a lot of the visiting artists from down south – they’re excited about the arts scene here in Darwin.

I think we punch above our small-city weight, and it’s something we can all get involved in – artists or not.

On Saturday June 1, for example – there is an Injalak Arts takeover at one of Darwin’s most funky contemporary Aboriginal Art galleries – Laundry Gallery.

They recently featured in Vogue alongside only two other galleries in Australia – and this weekend you can get involved as Cahills Crossing has finally opened, allowing Injalak Arts to bring their world to Darwin for the weekend.

Traditional Weaving Workshops, proudly hosted by Injalak Art Centre, invite you to explore the art of weaving alongside Kunwinjku artisans from West Arnhem Land.

The Gallery is open 10am-2pm all weekend, with the Traditional Weaving Workshops on Saturday at 2pm and Sunday at 11am.

Botanicool craft market in the Northern Territory. Picture: Kate Dinning

Head to the Injalak or Laundry Gallery socials to book.

Also on Saturday – you can check out Darwin’s newest Art Gallery – Qubit.

If you, like me, got taken down by the flu last week and missed the opening of Don Whyte’s iconic Off Cuts exhibition, you can check it out in the new Qubit gallery space on Harriet Pl until June 9, from 10am-3pm Saturday, and 11am-2pm Sunday.

One of the most steadfast arts venues in Darwin is having a birthday this weekend too – can you believe the Deckchair Cinema opened its gates for the very first time on June 1, 1994? On Saturday from 7pm there will be a choir, cocktails, cake – and a screening of the iconic Muriel’s Wedding for their 30th Birthday.

Happy Birthday to you, Deckchair Cinema – you are so loved.

Laundry Gallery in Parap. Picture: Kate Dinning

If you feel like taking a bit of an adventure – this weekend is also the Katherine Junk Festival – a festival that is literally about making art out of junk.

The sustainable movement cannot be stopped – and I think this art is particularly important in starting conversations about how re-using and reducing what we consume can help the planet. Apparently, this year’s theme is ‘water’ – I can’t wait to see what they come up with.

You’ll find the Junk festival on Lindsay St in Katherine, kicking off at 5pm.

On Sundays, you’ll often see me for my trusty morning smoothie bowl in the Stuart Highway plant shop, Botanicool.

Once a month – they also invite artists, craft makers and creatives to sell their works at their Craft Market – and it’s always a good time.

That will go on until midday, and then you’ll probably find me at the Leanyer Skate Park from 3pm.

I know what you’re thinking … sounds like an accident waiting to happen.

But the Darwin Skate School will be there, as will the Babes Paint team – offering expert painting and skating advice to the girls like me who need it.

Maybe I’ll even add a piece to the skatepark.

It’s never too late to learn something new, right?