Australia Day: on 26 January this important day is celebrated with an array of activities accompanied by food and drink, with festivities carrying on well into the night. If you’re visiting at this time you’ll be welcome to join in any of the happenings around town as locals celebrate their national day.

Alice is Wonderland Festival: February sees a special event held by local gay and lesbian groups, in celebration of same-sex relationships. There’s a popular party known as the SPIN F-X Desert Dance Party that has become the trademark event of the festival. This event is well-attended by visitors from around Australia and the Pacific Rim.

St Patricks Day: as in many countries around the world having immigrant Irish populations, 17 March is celebrated with lots of parties in bars, whether or not the venue has an Irish name or theme. If you want to join in the festivities, be sure to wear something green and head to Bojangles, Limericks at Lesseter’s Casino or Sean's Irish Bar at Malathi's restaurant.

ANZAC Day: on 25 April those who fought and died to preserve freedom and national security are honoured. A service is held at dawn at ANZAC Hill, and later in the morning there’s a parade that begins at Gregory Terrace, and moves through the town and on to the top of the hill, where a second service is held.

Bangtail Muster Parade: the parade is held in combination with a day of fundraising on the first Monday in May. The mall is the beginning point for the parade route. When the parade is over, a sports afternoon is featured at the ANZAC Oval.

Finke Desert Race: held during the long weekend celebrating the queen's birthday, the Finke Desert Race sees competitions of bikes and other vehicles in the outback. The races start at 08:00 on Saturday with vehicles and continue with bikes at 12:00 and then more races on through Sunday and Monday. The starting point is just over a mile along the South road past the Aerodrome turnoff. There’s always a good crowd for these popular races.

Territory Day: some call the festivities Cracker Night and others call it Fireworks Night. This event culminates a week of preparation of celebrations marking the anniversary of self-government in the territory. On the final night, a number of events are featured at the ANZAC Oval.

Henley-on-Todd Regatta: starting with a parade, this day of competition is held every September and includes races on the Dry River as the Admiral’s Cup, Australia’s Cup, Channel Race, Head of the River, Surf-Ski Rescue and the Gunboat Battle finales are battled out. Participants from as far away as France and the US make the journey annually for this regatta.

Alice Springs Masters Games: held every two years in Alice Springs, which can be reached by a short flight, the Masters Games draw large numbers of older Australians who take part in more than 30 competitive sporting events. There’s entertainment on offer throughout the week the games are held, with a highlight being the free concerts held for three nights.

Corkwood Festival: on the last Sunday of every November, the Corkwood Festival is held at the ANZAC Oval. This popular celebration features local artisans and their crafts, as well as music and dance, and is well-attended by families from the area.

Carols by Candlelight: although there are many events that take place during the days leading up to Christmas, one of the highlights for locals in this musical event known as Carols by Candlelight. Join the local residents in a special night of singing traditional Australian carols at the ANZAC Oval.