Music festivals among diverse array of Northern Territory events to secure funding

Music festivals are among the diverse array of 16 events across the Northern Territory to receive support through Round 2 of the 2024–25 Event Funding Program, administered by Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC).

The selected events, spanning signature and community categories, represent a diverse mix of themes including Aboriginal culture, arts and culture, and sport. They will be held across all regions of the Territory, delivering a broad range of benefits to local communities.

Northern Territory Major Events Company Executive Director of Events, Aimee Luxton advised “The Event Funding Program plays a vital role in supporting events across the Northern Territory, while also strengthening local capability and driving growth in our tourism and hospitality industries. By investing in events, we’re also investing in the liveability of the Territory and creating memorable experiences that locals are proud of, and visitors travel for.

“It’s fantastic to see such a diverse mix of events across the Territory receiving funding in this round. We’re backing some of the Territory’s most iconic and unique events, as well as welcoming exciting new additions to the calendar, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

The Event Funding Program supports the Territory’s vibrant events sector by:

• Building a year-round calendar of events that celebrates the Territory’s uniqueness and supports shoulder and off-peak tourism seasons.

• Enhancing the liveability of the Territory; and

• Delivering positive social outcomes for local communities.

Nine events in the Greater Darwin Region will receive support:

• Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta 2025

• NT State Down The Line Carnival 2025

• Greek GleNTi Festival 2025

• Pop Culture & Creative Tech Event 2025

• Darwin International Film Festival 2025

• Electric Storm Halloween Music Festival 2025

• Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival 2026

• Australian Polocrosse Nationals, Darwin 2026

• Hahn Australia Cup Final Rounds Play-Off 2025

Five events in Central Australia will benefit from funding:

• Bush Bands Bash 2025

• Blacken Open Air 2025

• Dusty Streets A-Town 2025

• Festival of Transport 2025

• Shimano Gravel Muster Stage Race 2026

In addition, the Barkly region’s Desert Harmony Festival 2026, and Stone Country Festival 2025 in the Top End will also receive support.

This round also welcomes three newly funded events to the program: Australian Polocrosse Nationals (Darwin 2026), Pop Culture & Creative Tech Event 2025, and Dusty Streets A-Town 2025 - each offering fresh and exciting experiences for Territory communities and visitors alike.

Managing Director Triptic, LJ Devlin added "Triptic and Alice Springs Town Council, with the support of NT Major Events Company, are excited to announce Dusty Streets, a vibrant new event transforming the urban spaces of Mparntwe (Alice Springs) into a dynamic celebration of street culture from Friday, 20th June to Sunday, 22nd June 2025.

“This free, family-friendly event will showcase skateboarding, BMX, street art, live musical performances, and much more. Dusty Streets aims to encourage young people to connect positively with their community and local infrastructure through a weekend filled with demonstrations, lessons, competitions, freeriding, live street art painting, markets, and performances.

“The event invites the whole community to come together to bring new life to Todd Mall and celebrate the power of sport, art, and music in creating positive outcomes for youth and the wider Alice Springs community.”

To find out more about the Event Funding Program visit ntmajorevents.com.au 

Image. Credit: Bush Bands Bash