From a celebration of Italian food and wine in Griffith to Indigenous fashion in the Top End, this month’s events have something for everyone.
From a taste of Italy in Griffith to floral beauty in WA and Indigenous fashion in the NT, there’s plenty to do in the country this month.
NT
Darwin Festival, Aug 5-22 The country’s top talent is flocking to the Top End this August for the annual Darwin Festival. Musical performances range from Opera Australia to the Darwin Symphony Orchestra to a celebration of Gurrumul’s work, along with the National Indigenous Music Awards. Dance fans will love the Sydney Dance Company and Marrugeku. Comedy and theatre lovers will be happy to catch Hannah Gadsby and the Ilbijerri Theatre Company. The festival also incorporates the National Indigenous Fashion Awards and the Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards.
For more, visit darwinfestival.org.au
VICTORIA
Mallee Almond Blossom Festival, Aug 15 Along with the first inklings of spring comes the almond blossom. The Mallee region is rich in almond farms, and so blossom season here means the orchards are frothing with snowy blooms. Get a bus out to the farms to revel in the beauty, then enjoy the arts, crafts, food and wine that celebrates the people and produce of the region. See more at mabf.org.au
CWA State Creative Arts Exhibition, Aug 20-21 All year, the members of The Country Women’s Association (CWA) of Victoria have been busy making: knitting, artworks, toys, embroidery, baked goods – and much, much more. With more than 270 categories for entry, the exhibition showcases the very best work of the CWA – and it’s always an impressive display. Held in Ararat this year, the exhibition includes the very first Ararat Sock Festival, which celebrates the art of the hand-knitted sock. Visit cwaofvic.org.au
WA
Nannup Flower and Garden Festival, Aug 14-Sept 5 A record number of tulips – an enormous 20,000 bulbs – have been planted to bloom during Nannup’s Flower and Garden Festival. Wander round the festival stalls, stock up on plants, explore the open gardens, and enjoy the workshops and presentations that celebrate Nannup’s bright winter flowers. The theme this year is Flowering Edibles, so you’ll also get to enjoy some floral feasts.