Darwin Show Day 2025, 2026 and 2027 (original) (raw)

Darwin Show public holiday is usually on the last or second-last Friday in July. The Royal Darwin Show runs from 9 am to 10 pm on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It is a holiday for the documented region of Darwin.

The show is run by the Royal Agricultural Society of the Northern Territory and is the highly anticipated showcase of quality farming and production in the state. And many come for the equestrian events.

Over 20,000 people visit the show each year and come from across the country to view and participate in competitions that include sections like photography, art, stud cattle, cooking, horticulture and even fire lighting and spear throwing. Stalls, which bring local craft and foodstuffs into the area, sometimes number close to 250. Live entertainment throughout the three days adds to the excitement of the event.

The highlight, though, is the Grand Parade on Friday with everything from boats to parachutists landing in the arena to musical bands, as well as livestock like horses, cattle and goats. Classic cars are often a feature too.

One of the biggest draw cards to the show is the colourful and action-packed Sideshow Alley. Young and young-at-heart enjoy gut-wrenching rides, skill-testing shooting galleries, a myriad of takeaway foods and a huge selection of show bags. The show is held at the Darwin Showground and Exhibition Centre, Winnellie, where parking is available. Transport is also offered by the Northern Territory’s Department of Transport and more information is available on their website.

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