What's on in Darwin August 2 and 3, 2025: Festival tips, 360 at Mayberry, and crocodile racing

News.com.au

6 days ago

WHAT'S ON THIS WEEKEND
Music lovers are again in for a treat this weekend.
If you've been keeping up with my Gig Guide on We Are Locals, you'll know that all weekend this weekend is the 53rd Top Half Folk Festival.
But this year is a little different, it's at Mt Bundy Station, on the banks of the Adelaide River. The festival is bringing together more than 40 artists from across the NT and beyond, for four days and three nights of music and entertainment.
It started yesterday but you can just go for the day any day this weekend, or grab yourself a weekend pass.
It's a bit of a long weekend treat, going out to a gig on a Sunday night – and fans of Aussie hip hop can catch 360 with his special guest PEZ at Mayberry from 8pm.
If you're keen to get on the microphone yourself, it's First Sunday Blues at Tracy Village from 3pm. Head along to listen to the local blues bands, or sign yourself up to belt out a few tracks on the board when you enter.
And Monday, of course, is the Darwin Cup – but if you're feeling like going full Territory, check out the 'Croc Cup Carnival' at the Berry Springs Tavern on Sunday from 2pm.
Yes – it's croc racing … But don't worry, they're only freshies.
SOMEWHERE YOU NEED TO EAT
It's an oldie but a goodie – so if you've been there, I am sure this is a welcome reminder to bring it back into the rotation, and if not: you need to try the Moorish lunch special.
For $35, you get the choice of three tapas plates and a glass of Sangria – and if you go with friends and all get different plates, it's a seriously good way of tasting the whole menu.
If you're going to order your own meals, try the Portobello mushroom with cauliflower puree, almonds, currants and truffle oil. YUM.
LOCAL'S TIP
It's officially less than a week to go until Darwin Festival – a reminder to break free of the NT stereotype of buying tickets at the last minute, and actually pre-booking your shows to avoid disappointment, and support the arts.
Speaking of supporting: brand new gym and recreation facility, Gecko Climb, opens this weekend. It's four years in the making.
There's some serious climbing equipment there and they're also running a cafe, workout spaces, team building areas – the whole shebang! It takes a lot of work to bring something of that scale to life, and I always have great respect for people who go all in to bring new things to Darwin – so get down and check it out.