The start of the Dry Season is a moment all Territorians anticipate – and this year, thereβs no better way to welcome it than with a slice of Italy at the Darwin Italian Festival, returning to the Waterfrontβs Fort Hill Parkland on Saturday May 10, from 10am βtil late.
Set your alarms a little earlier, because for the first time, gates will open from 10am, giving festival-goers a full day (and night) of la dolce vita. And yes, thereβll be coffee waiting to greet you – Italian-style, of course.
This yearβs festival promises to be bigger, better and more delicious than ever, with even more food stalls, a bustling βmercatoβ, expanded shaded areas and seating, plus plenty of family-friendly fun for the little ones. Whether youβre craving woodfired pizza, melt-in-your-mouth pasta, sizzling Italian sausages or sweet, creamy cannoli – your tastebuds are in for a treat.
Italian Festival Association Chair, Chris Depasquale, is excited to see the festival return with such gusto. βDarwin has embraced the Italian Festival and we’re thrilled to bring back an even more authentic and enjoyable experience in 2025,β he said. βThe extra food stalls mean more delicious options of festival favourites like pizza, sausages, pasta and desserts.β
For the first time in the eventβs history, the Italian Festival will be returning to the same location consecutively – a true milestone for this much-loved community celebration, which has previously rotated between Parliament House, Civic Park and the Botanical Gardens.
And while the food alone is worth the visit, the festa spirit will be in full swing with a jam-packed entertainment line-up, featuring performances from Darwinβs Tarantella Dance Troupe, Lissa Dawson, Siesta Cartel, and the incredible Lorenzo Iannotti. And of course, the crowd-favourite spaghetti eating competition is back – bring your appetite and your cheering voice.
The Darwin Italian Festival is a true community affair, brought to life by a passionate team of volunteers – many of whom are children and grandchildren of Italian migrants who made Darwin their home. Since the inaugural biennial event in 2013, the festival has grown into one of Darwinβs most beloved cultural experiences, with crowds of over 20,000 joining the celebration every two years.
So mark your calendar, gather your friends, and come celebrate the best of Italian culture – food, music, dance and community – all in the heart of Darwinβs beautiful Waterfront. Saturday, May 10 canβt come soon enough!
Follow the Italian Festival on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darwinitalianfestival
