What's on: BASS, bevvies and brekkies

News.com.au

17-05-2025

WHAT'S ON THIS WEEKEND
It's another huge weekend in the Top End, and if you're the type who likes to pack it all in: music, food, and a little spice – this one's for you!
Today is all about BASSINTHEGRASS. Kicking off from 2pm down at Mindil Beach, this year's line-up brings Hilltop Hoods, The Jungle Giants, Meg Mac and more to Darwin's biggest music festival.
A fun fact for you: BASS is one of the only music festivals that emerged in the early 2000s that is still standing.
Think Falls, Splendour, Future Music Festival, Groovin the Moo, Soundwave, etc. And honestly, if there's a sunset over the water, under the palm trees, listening to live music?
Why wouldn't you want to be part of it.
Then, if you're game, I've seen that there is a Chilli Festival at Berry Springs Rec Reserve from 9am on Sunday.
Make a day of it and head the back way to Litchfield for a swim, calling in for a chilli eating competition on the way, of course!
There's even a best hot sauce in the Territory showdown.
Another really great Sunday option: The Bloody Mary Book Club.
I am notoriously terrible at book clubs because I never finish the book everyone else is reading at the same time - I'm either too slow cause I have heaps on, or I read it in one go and then have forgotten what it's about by the time we catch up (surely that's not just me?).
So this idea piqued my interest: Instead of everyone having to read the same book, bring along whatever you're reading, or a favourite to share.
The first hour is spent in silent reading, followed by a 30-minute session where everyone introduces their book.
Then you get to discover what might be your next read, with a real-life review.
Easy as that! The Bloody Mary Book Club is at The Last Supper in the Air Raid Arcade, Sunday from 2.45pm, and your ticket includes two bloody Marys.
SOMEWHERE YOU NEED TO EAT
If you haven't been to Besser Brew Bar yet, consider this your nudge. This tucked-away spot in the Winnellie Industrial area has gone from a local secret to a must-visit in recent years, and they've just launched a new menu.
It's got some iterations of the favourites, and of course still includes the famed Chicken Laksa Burger — but with new additions like the Scrambled Hot Mess and the McBesser burger.
The coffee is also great – so now's the time to revisit if it's been a while!
LOCAL'S TIP
As we get further into the Dry, you'll notice people throwing open their doors and bringing back the outdoor seating, so my local's tip for the weekend ahead: Poco Bar has reopened! One of Darwin's favourite little laneway hangouts is back, serving up great wines, a new cocktail list, and a brand new menu. Tucked away between Austin Lane and Cavenagh Street, in Spain Place, it's the perfect spot for a quiet drink or an after-work meet-up. They're open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 4pm.