What’s on: May brings array of delicious experiences in the Top End

As expected, now that we are in May, there is no shortage of reasons to get out and about this weekend in the Top End, writes Kate Dinning.

Darlings Pasta Club on Smith St, Darwin city. Picture: Darlings Pasta Club

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEKEND

As expected, now that we are in May, there is no shortage of reasons to get out and about this weekend in the Top End!

The Darwin Italian Festival returns to Fort Hill Parklands today, a huge celebration of Italian culture, food and music.

It kicks off at 10am, so you can enjoy wood-fired pizza, fresh handmade pasta, and Aperol spritz for every meal of the day! There’ll be cooking demos, live music, and even a dedicated kids area, and plenty of shade.

Sport lovers are in for a treat too, with AFL footy kicking off (see what I did there) at TIO Stadium on Saturday evening. Catch the Gold Coast Suns at the Western Bulldogs from 7.30pm – last tickets available!

Or if arts is more your vibe - the Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival will be running all weekend along the Nightcliff Foreshore, and it’s celebrating its 20th anniversary this year! There’s music dance, food, drinks and roving performers – you really just have to go for a walk, and you’ll see something different happening at every turn!

Nightcliff at sunset in May 2025. Picture: Kate Dinning

A quick reminder, friends — if there’s a Dry Season event you’re keen on, grab your tickets now. We’re all a bit last-minute up here (I know, it’s part of the charm), but the lovely people organising all these great events need early support to make sure they happen. Case in point: the Darwin River Rodeo and the House of Darwin x Ella dinner? Sold out before the weekend. A great lesson to learn before we get too deep into the Dry!

SOMEWHERE YOU NEED TO EAT

If you’re feeling inspired by the Italian Festival this weekend, then now is the perfect time to book a table at Darlings Pasta Club on Smith Street. You’ll find this trendy little inner-city spot behind Rays on Smith Street – and the handmade pasta, moody lighting and menu packed with comfort food done right ticks all the boxes. And the aesthetically pleasing furniture!

Darlings Pasta Club on Smith St, Darwin city. Picture: Darlings Pasta Club

Go with friends, go hungry, and definitely save room for dessert!

LOCAL’S TIP

For many people, Mother’s Day is a chance to celebrate the women in our lives who hold everything together — mums, stepmums, grandmothers, friends who are mums, or chosen family.

If you’re yet to plan a moment to celebrate with mum, remember a loved one, or share with your mum friends for Mother’s Day tomorrow – nothing says ‘relaxed’ like a brunch in nature - Eva’s in the Botanic Gardens is a beautiful option for a slow morning and a tropical garden view, or head down to De La Plage for a coffee by the ocean. Or grab a book and hit up the Waterfront Beach Club, enjoy relaxing on a day bed and a dip in the lagoon – maybe even a cocktail? You could also make your way back to the Nightcliff Foreshore on Sunday evening for free beginner yoga at 6pm, as the sun sets at the Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival. What a way to end the day!

Originally published as What’s on: May brings array of delicious experiences in the Top End