7 May 2026
Territory's biggest music festival and footy kick off NT events season
The Top End's award‑winning major events season, presented by Tourism and Events NT, will once again arrive with a bang as AFL and the Territory's biggest music festival, BASSINTHEGRASS, combine to ignite the Top End and activate the city for a huge week of sport, music and community celebration.
The action begins this Saturday, 9 May, when the Gold Coast SUNS return to TIO Stadium for the first of two blockbuster AFL matches in their 2026 Darwin campaign. The SUNS will open with a Round 9 clash against St Kilda, before backing it up the following week in Round 10 against Port Adelaide on Friday, 15 May. The Friday night match forms part of Sir Doug Nicholls Round, honouring the immense contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players and giving fans a chance to engage with the rich culture and heritage of the Northern Territory.
To build momentum ahead of Round 10, Tourism and Events NT, alongside Santos, will bring the city to life with Santos BASS & Footy Night, a free community event at Mindil Beach Sunset Markets on Thursday, 14 May. From 4pm to 6pm, locals and visitors can enjoy live music from local artists and BASSINTHEGRASS performer Jess B on the BASSment Stage, AFL ticket and merch giveaways, family‑friendly games, face painting, and a giant Guess Who featuring Port Adelaide and Gold Coast SUNS players.
AFL stars from both clubs will make an appearance between 4:30pm and 5pm at the BASSment stage. Free buses from Darwin and Palmerston will make it easy for the community to get involved, relax in the Santos lounging zone and enjoy the iconic markets at sunset.
Round 10 will also feature a strong match‑day entertainment program, including a pre‑game performance by BASSINTHEGRASS artist Kobie Dee, as it showcases the Top End during this nationally significant round, which in 2026 honours Territorian Michael "Magic" McLean. Fans can also attend the Gold Coast SUNS open Captains Runs ahead of each match on Friday, 8 May from 9.30am to 10.15am, and Thursday, 14 May from 9.30am to 10.15am at TIO Stadium.
The celebration continues the very next day as BASSINTHEGRASS takes over Mindil Beach on Saturday, 16 May 2026. Thousands of festival‑goers are expected to descend on the beachside festival from 2pm for a massive day of live music, cementing the event as a must‑do on the national festival calendar.
The AFL continues in May in Central Australia as the Melbourne Football Club returns to its second home in Alice Springs for the twelfth time since 2014. The Demons will take on Greater Western Sydney in Round 12 at TIO Traeger Park on Sunday, 31 May 2026, strengthening their long‑standing connection with the Red Centre community.
Grab your tickets now for these unmissable Territory events. AFL Premiership Season matches in the NT are on sale, including the Gold Coast SUNS doubleheader in Darwin next week and Melbourne's annual Alice Springs clash, at [http://ticketmaster.com.au].
And with the Territory's biggest music festival just around the corner, now's the time to lock in your spot at BASSINTHEGRASS. Final release general admission tickets start from $155. To plan your day, check out the full line-up, set times and tickets at bassinthegrass.com.au here
Quotes from Tourism and Events NT CEO, Suzana Bishop:
"Bringing Tourism NT and Major Events together has created stronger opportunities to connect our marketing, events and community activation efforts in ways that deliver more for both Territorians and visitors.
"The Top End AFL matches and BASSINTHEGRASS are a great example of how we're leveraging partnerships and major events to create a bigger, more vibrant week of activity that benefits local businesses, drives visitation and gives locals more opportunities to be part of world-class experiences.
"From free community events and live music activations to nationally significant sporting moments, we're creating experiences that build momentum across the destination and showcase the Territory's unique energy and lifestyle on a national stage.
"The Territory continues to punch well above its weight when it comes to delivering major events, and by aligning tourism and events more closely, we're able to maximise the impact of every investment and create even more reasons for people to visit, stay longer and experience the NT."
Quotes from Gold Coast Suns Territory player, Joel Jeffery:
"The chance to return to Darwin is one we always look forward to. TIO Stadium is where so many of my favourite footballing memories have happened and the chance to run out back home in front of my family and friends is special.
"It's a massive week, not only for the SUNS with our games against St Kilda and Port Adelaide, but for the whole city of Darwin. We're excited to immerse ourselves in the community once again across the week and hopefully earn another two wins in front of big crowds."
Quotes from Santos Managing Director and CEO, Kevin Gallagher:
"Santos has been part of the Northern Territory community for decades, employing local people, working with Territory businesses and helping to build stronger communities. Supporting initiatives that bring the community together to enjoy music, footy and the best of the Territory is a natural extension of that commitment.
"We're proud to partner with Tourism and Events NT to support events that put the spotlight on the Territory, back local artists and create moments the whole community can enjoy. Investing in the NT isn't just about energy and jobs - it's about people, place, connection and community pride."
Quotes from Head of AFL Northern Territory, Sam Gibson:
"Having access to AFL at the elite level here in the Northern Territory is incredibly important - it gives our community the chance to experience the game at its highest standard, right on their doorstep. For our young players in particular, these matches provide a clear line of sight to what's possible - whether that's seeing Territorians like Daniel Rioli and Joel Jeffrey on the AFL stage, or watching some of the competition's best, including Matt Rowell and Zak Butters, up close.
"It's also an opportunity to showcase the Territory on a national stage. Sir Doug Nicholls Round adds another layer of significance, allowing us to celebrate the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to the game, in a place where that connection to football runs so deep."
