What’s on: Is the NT the new festival state?

If you thought you’d crammed enough into your Dry season and the festivals and events would finish come August – I’ve got news for you, writes Kate Dinning. Find out what’s on in the NT.

Kate Dinning on a bird watching tour in Kakadu.

I was chatting with some friends last week about the Dry season coming to an end.

It was a particularly cloudy day and I could feel the humidity knocking at the door, ready to make itself at home.

We were talking about the build-up – and my contradictory reaction of “ready for it” and also

“please no” reminded me of one of the things I love about Darwin: the constant reminder of the stark contrast of the ‘next season’ gives you such an incentive to make the most of the one you’re in.

This is such a nice metaphor for life.

But if you thought you’d crammed enough into your Dry season and the festivals and events would finish, come August – I’ve got news.

I’ve already counted eight festivals between now and October – and I think I want to go to them all.

The Darwin International Film Festival is running until September 22 at Deckchair Cinema – and is showing an outstanding line-up of feature films, documentaries, animations and short films.

Lots of events are to be held at the Darwin Ski Club soon, including the Rock The Bay event and in October, Brad Cox, Tones & I, Kita Alexander at One Tropical Day.

Some of them are already sold out so jump online and check out the program.

Then next Friday and Saturday, check out the second instalment of the Darwin Kite Festival at the Cullen Bay lawns!

Kicking off after work/school next Friday at 5pm, and then continuing on Saturday from midday, hundreds of giant, colourful kites will be taking over Cullen Bay.

There will be more free kids entertainment, and food trucks on site.

There’s a mini version popping up in the mall today too – so if you’re around Raintree Park, kids can grab a free kite and make it their own with some arts and crafts activities.

I am a big fan of a Ski Club sunset session, so you’ll know where to find me next Saturday night on September 21.

Make sure you’ve got your tickets for Rock The Bay, featuring Ball Park Music, The Smith Street Band, The Rions and more.

I’ve returned from a week out on the Cobourg Peninsula recently, and I think I’ve become an amateur twitcher … If I go to Kakadu Bird Week in two weeks, I think that cements my status – and I am okay with it.

Get your mango fix at the Berry Springs Mango Festival on Sunday the 27th of October.

Kakadu National Park is home to more than a third of Australia’s bird species, and from September 25-29 there will be specialist lectures, cultural events and some of Australia’s best birdwatching.

Then as we make our way into October, everyone’s favourite market food gets its own festival.

The Darwin International Laksa Festival, of course.

This year they’ve added a heap more masterclasses, tastings and events, and of course, there’s a prize for eating and voting for the best laksas, which is announced at the Festival Finale on November 3.

Speaking of food, don’t miss the first-ever Australian Barbeque Alliance sanctioned event here in the NT, the Beer & BBQ Festival, at the showgrounds on October 5 and 6.

It’s going to have an Oktoberfest hall, and is headlined by Spiderbait on Saturday night, if you needed an extra excuse to go.

On the weekend of October 11 and 12, it’s back to the Ski Club for me – to see country music star Brad Cox on the Friday night, and back it up with Tones & I, Kita Alexander and more at One Tropical Day on the 12th.

And of course, how could I forget the NT’s other favourite food?

Get your mango fix at the Berry Springs Mango Festival on Sunday October 27.

You can get involved in competitions like mango eating, a mango and spoon race, mango bin tossing, and guessing the mango weight.

So there you have it, the calendars remain full for at least another month … better make the most of it.