Published on Monday 25 May. 

Across the municipality, our parks and community spaces come alive during the Dry Season as places for people to gather, celebrate, connect and enjoy the lifestyle that makes our city so unique. 

Events are a major part of that story. They bring energy to our city, support local businesses and tourism operators all while creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together. Just as importantly, they help strengthen community pride and showcase Darwin as a vibrant, welcoming and multicultural capital city. 

The recent Jingili Water Festival demonstrated exactly why these events matter. Held during National Families Week at the Jingili Water Gardens, this free community event transformed the space into a lively hub of activity. Families enjoyed water slides, foam cannons, music, face painting and entertainment in an atmosphere that was fun, inclusive and community focused. 

There is also plenty more to look forward to in the months ahead. From 10 to 12 July, City of Darwin will host 2026 Darwin Fusion, a three-day international relations program focused on building business, sporting, cultural and community connections. The program will strengthen engagement with Darwin’s Sister and Friendship Cities and international partners across Southeast Asia and beyond, further reinforcing Darwin’s role as Australia’s gateway to the region.  

City of Darwin is proud to support a wide range of community events through sponsorships and grants provided to local organisations each year, as well as major events such as Darwin Festival. These investments help deliver arts, music, cultural and community experiences that celebrate Darwin’s diversity. They showcase local creativity and strengthen our city’s unique tropical lifestyle, while attracting thousands of visitors who contribute to the local economy throughout the Dry Season. 

Already this Dry Season, City of Darwin has proudly sponsored popular events including the Seabreeze Festival and Bass in the Grass, both of which attracted strong community participation and brought significant activity to local businesses and hospitality venues.  

A strong events calendar helps shape Darwin into the city we all love – a connected, inclusive, vibrant and resilient city. These events encourage people to get out into the community, support local businesses and celebrate our diversity. City of Darwin will continue investing in events, because bringing people together is one of the most important ways, we build a strong and thriving community. 

Finally, I encourage all Chan Ward residents to play an active role in shaping the future of Darwin with the Chan Ward By-election early voting open now through to Election Day on Saturday 30 May. The Chan Ward is made up of the suburbs of Ludmilla, East Point, Fannie Bay, Nightcliff, Coconut Grove, Millner, Rapid Creek and Jingili. 

As always, feel free to reach out to me directly via email, Lord.Mayor@darwin.nt.gov.au.

Lord Mayor Peter Styles.