Alice Springs events set to sparkle in 2026
Alice Springs is set for a huge year, with a packed calendar of major festivals, sporting events and cultural celebrations that will boost tourism, support local businesses and showcase the vibrant spirit of the Red Centre.
Hot off the heels of a hugely successful launch this week of the next phase of the NT Visitor Economy Strategy 2032, Alice Springs has even more reason to sparkle and shine, with fabALICE, Parrtjima, the Tatts Finke Desert Race, Red CentreNATS, the Alice Springs Masters Games, the Melbourne Demons AFL match and the 30th Alice Springs Beanie Festival all set to bring colour, culture, competition and celebration to the heart of Australia.
Tourism and Events NT Director of Events Aimee Luxton said the year ahead reflects the strength and momentum building across Central Australia, noting that “Alice Springs has an incredible year of events ahead, and that’s great news for locals, visitors and our hospitality sector. These events bring people together, fill local hotels and restaurants, and create a real buzz right across town. From major sporting fixtures to cultural festivals and community celebrations, each event adds something special to the Red Centre and supports the businesses and people who make Alice Springs such a vibrant place to visit.”
The festivities begin today with fabALICE transforming the town from 26–29 March into a vibrant celebration of drag, cabaret and community pride. Festival Chair Stuart Ord said the team is ready to set the tone for the year, adding, “fabALICE always brings so much colour, joy and community spirit to the Red Centre, and we’re thrilled to be kicking off what is set to be a huge year of events in Alice Springs.”
Momentum continues as Parrtjima lights up Mparntwe from 10–19 April, followed by the 51st Tatts Finke Desert Race from 5–8 June and the 30th Alice Springs Beanie Festival from 19–22 June. AFL returns on 31 May when the Melbourne Demons take on the GWS Giants, while the Red Dirt Poetry Festival brings spoken word and storytelling to town from 20–23 August. Red CentreNATS roars back from 3–6 September, Desert Mob showcases desert artists from 10 September to 25 October, and the Alice Springs Masters Games rounds out the year from 10–17 October, marking 40 years of the Friendly Games.
Tourism Central Australia CEO Danial Rochford said the 2026 program shows a region brimming with confidence. “Alice Springs is absolutely shining right now, and this year’s events calendar shows just how much confidence there is in the Red Centre. These events bring our community together, support local businesses and showcase the heart of Australia to visitors from across the country. There’s a real sense of momentum building, and Central Australia is ready to welcome everyone to experience the colour, culture and spirit that make this region so special.”
Together, these events draw thousands of visitors, support local businesses and showcase the Territory’s unique energy to the world. Alice Springs continues to prove why the Northern Territory is one of the most exciting places to visit in 2026, where adventure, culture and creativity collide under the vast desert sky.
For more information on events in Central Australia and the NT, visit northernterritory.com..
