What’s on: Barramundi sushi, Colombia festival, tactile art market and more in Darwin

Barramundi sushi, Colombian festivities, free entertainment – read on for your guide to what’s happening in Darwin this weekend.

On July 20, 2025, check out the Tactile Arts Makers Market, from 9am to 3pm on the MAGNT Lawns – this market is always a great showcase of handmade goods by local artists and makers. Picture: Kate Dinning

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEKEND

Hopefully you all got up this morning and danced for your coffee – the popular Laneway Coffee party returned at 6.45am this morning.

It’s also Derby Day at the Darwin Turf Club if you’ve got a black and white dress in the wardrobe begging to be worn – or for something different, head down to Viva Colombia Fest 2025 at the Darwin Waterfront from 4pm today.

Think traditional folklore shows, high-energy Latin beats, Afro-Colombian fusions, and dance workshops.

For more free fun, the Arafura Wind Ensemble will be playing at the Town Hall Ruins for “Tropical Arafura Rhythms” a Darwin Fringe show of Latin-inspired tunes from 6pm.

If you’re looking for some late-night live music, check out local band Camp Dog at Flora’s Temper, a local collective of great bands with ‘TANG and Friends’ at the Rails, or the Closing Night Party of the Darwin Fringe at Browns Mart, tickets online for $5 or on the door for $10.

On Sunday, check out the Tactile Arts Makers Market, from 9am to 3pm on the MAGNT Lawns – this market is always a great showcase of handmade goods by local artists and makers.

For me, it’s also a great place to take all those Dry season visitors to get real, locally made souvenirs – and enjoy a fun-filled day of crafts and entertainment.

If you love music and want to try your own voice out, pop by Brown’s Mart on Sunday afternoon at 4pm to check out the Darwin Beach Choir for a one-hour sing-along — no experience or registration needed.

Sushi Izu has begun stocking Humpty Doo Barramundi for their sushi range at Woolworths. Picture: Kate Dinning

SOMEWHERE YOU NEED TO EAT

One of my favourite things is finding the hidden gems in the suburbs – and if you know about Big Bites, you know what I mean.

It’s probably my favourite banh mi in town – crispy roast pork, full-flavoured pâté, and the perfect crisp yet soft bread roll.

Big Bites is a hidden culinary delight – you’ll find it in the Sabine Road Shops in Millner, and it offers a great variety of authentic Vietnamese food – but my favourite part is probably the smiles that you get every time you walk in. Bahn Mi: Perfect. Customer service rating: exceptional.

LOCAL’S TIP

Speaking of delicious food, let’s talk about sushi. Woolworths Sushi Izu has been known to save the day for me on many occasions where I need something for lunch after 2pm.

If you’re a regular reader, yes there is a theme here: I need to eat lunch earlier.

If, like me, you’ve never tried Barramundi sushi though, now is your time.

Local family-owned Top End business Humpty Doo Barramundi is again making waves nationally – and you can now get NT Barramundi in Australia’s largest sushi chain!

Huge.

Whether you’re looking for some grab and go Barramundi Ceviche, Aburi Barra & Salmon Nigiri or a classic crispy Barra Roll - Barramundi are delivered fresh from Humpty Doo Barramundi to Sushi Izu, the Sushi chain in Woolworths Stores around the country - so the freshest of fresh will be right here in Darwin! Shout out to Humpty Doo Barramundi for putting the NT on the map!