• City of Darwin will host the 2026 Darwin Fusion from 10-12 July, celebrating the city's economic, cultural and sporting connections with its Sister and Friendship Cities and international partners. 

• The three-day event will feature the 2026 Darwin Fusion ASEAN and Partners Forum and Trade Show, Garramilla International Food Fair and the inaugural Sister Cities Cup football tournament. 

• Local businesses, industry representatives, residents and visitors are invited to take part in the vibrant program that will showcase Darwin at its best. 

City of Darwin is pleased to announce the return of 2026 Darwin Fusion, a three-day international relations event celebrating the city’s strong economic, cultural and sporting ties with its Sister and Friendship Cities and international partners. 

From Friday 10 July to Sunday 12 July, the event will bring together international delegates, local businesses and industry, entrepreneurs, visitors and the community through a vibrant program designed to foster relationships and showcase Darwin as a culturally rich and globally connected capital city. 

The theme of 2026 Darwin Fusion, Building Enduring Business, Cultural and Community Connections, will be showcased through a diverse program of activities, supported by the ASEAN-Australia Centre. 

The program begins on the Friday with the 2026 Darwin Fusion ASEAN and Partners Forum and Trade Show featuring keynote addresses, workshops and panel discussions with international delegates, government, business and industry leaders. 

The Trade Show, open to the public from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, provides a platform for businesses and organisations to connect with local and international partners, explore trade opportunities and showcase their products and services. 

On the Saturday evening, the 2026 Darwin Fusion Garramilla International Food Fair will transform the Esplanade into a celebration of global cultures, featuring international cuisine, cultural performances and entertainment from Darwin’s Sister and Friendship Cities and local multicultural communities. 

Across the weekend, the 2026 Darwin Fusion Sister Cities Cup football tournament, delivered in partnership with Football Northern Territory and supported by Northern Territory Government, will make its debut. The tournament will feature teams representing Darwin’s Sister and Friendship Cities, international partners and local teams at the Marrara Sports Stadium. 

City of Darwin Lord Mayor Peter Styles said Darwin Fusion celebrates the city’s international relationships while showcasing the diverse cultures that make Darwin unique.  

“The three-day event brings together business, culture, food and sport, creating opportunities to strengthen ties with our international counterparts and celebrate everything that makes Darwin a vibrant and welcoming city,” Mr Styles said.  

“The addition of the Sister Cities Cup demonstrates how sport can help build lasting relationships between Darwin and our global partners, and we encourage everyone to come along and enjoy a weekend of football, culture and community spirit.”  

2026 Darwin Fusion forms part of City of Darwin’s International Relations Program, which promotes cultural exchange, economic collaboration and international partnerships. 

Head of the ASEAN-Australia Centre Fiona Hoggart said Darwin Fusion presents a unique opportunity to showcase the depth of economic and people-to-people links between Australia and Southeast Asia. 

“Southeast Asia is Australia’s second largest two-way trading partner and is projected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2040,” Ms Hoggart said. 

“Bringing sister cities together will foster deeper collaboration and raise awareness of the opportunities across our growing economies. 

“The ASEAN-Australia Centre is proud to support Darwin Fusion, which highlights the strength of our partnerships and the enduring connections between Australia and Southeast Asia, which contribute to a more peaceful, stable and prosperous region.” 

City of Darwin will be pleased to welcome government, business and football delegations from Friendship and Sister Cities from across Asia and the world. 
 
2026 Darwin Fusion ASEAN and Partners Forum  
This is a closed event.  

2026 Darwin Fusion ASEAN and Partners Trade Show 
Hilton Darwin 
Friday 10 July  
The public are invited from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm  

2026 Darwin Fusion Sister City Cup Football Tournament 
Marrara Sports Stadium 
Saturday 11 July and Sunday 12 July  
9:00 am to 5:00 pm 
Public event 

2026 Darwin Fusion Garramilla International Food Fair 
The Esplanade, Darwin CBD 
Saturday 11 July 2026 
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm 
Public event 

For more information, visit 2026 Darwin Fusion | Discover Darwin 

Photo caption: The Darwin Bali Community at the 2025 Darwin Fusion Garramilla International Food Fair.