Fireworks, bustling markets and big-name acts will light up the NT this Territory Day.
Chief Minister honoured to have ‘pocket rocket’ firework named after her.
Legendary Aussie rocker Jon Stevens to headline Mindil Beach celebrations.
Territory Day 2026 promises to light up the Territory like never before and it’s all thanks to a new firework named after Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro – aptly called “the pocket rocket”.
The pocket rocket is among 250 tonnes of fireworks hidden at a secret Darwin location in the countdown to Territory Day on 1 July.
The Chief Minister said the pocket rocket firework is small but mighty and makes an impact – just like the Territory.
“You can feel everyone getting excited as we count down to Territory Day because this really is my favourite day of the year,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.
“To have a firework named after me to celebrate Territory Day is a huge honour – and a lot of fun!
“I went to war last year to save our fireworks on behalf of the Territory, in the latest battle in our fight for self-government.”
As well as the fireworks, bustling markets and big-name acts will light up the NT this Territory Day as Territorians come together to celebrate our people, our places and the lifestyle that make the Territory one-of-a-kind.
With back-to-back hits at Mindil Beach from Jon Stevens, of Noiseworks and INXS fame, and nationally renowned artists taking to stages across the the Territory, this Territory Day is set to be like no other.
Minister for Major Events Marie-Clare Boothby said there was so much to celebrate on 1 July because “there’s nowhere like the Territory”.
“We’re raising the bar this Territory Day, with 21 local events, as we celebrate all the people, the places, and the stories which make the Territory truly unique,” Minister Boothby said.
The Darwin entertainment line-up will be headlined by Jon Stevens, one of Australia’s most iconic rock voices and the powerhouse frontman behind Noiseworks and INXS’ biggest touring years.
Mr Stevens said he was excited to be returning to the Top End.
“Looking forward to heading back to the Top End to play for you all as part of the Territory Day celebrations in Darwin,” he said.
“We’ll be delivering a relentless set of back-to-back hits with Jon Stevens – The Noiseworks & INXS Collection. Make sure you join us for an epic night of rock and roll! See you there!”
Mr Stevens will be joined by Territory punk rock trio TANG and Wildfire Manwurrk in Darwin.
Milestone Territory Day for Katherine:
Katherine’s celebrations will be even more special this year as the town marks its Centenary at the Showgrounds. Multiple Golden Guitar winner, Tom Curtain, 2024 Australian Idol winner Dylan Wright, and singer-songwriter, Jem Casser-Daley, will ring in the especially significant milestone.
Member for Katherine, Jo Hersey, said this year’s Territory Day is going to be special for Katherine as the town celebrates their Centenary.
“Katherine shows the best of the Territory spirit, which we saw on full display throughout the floods earlier this year,” Minister Hersey said.
“I encourage Territorians, if you can, do something different this Territory Day, visit Katherine, celebrate our Centenary with us and experience everything our region offers.
“We’ve got the beautiful Nitmiluk Gorge, Edith Falls, Katherine Hot Springs, and we are only an hour North of the Mataranka Thermal pools and Bitter Springs.”
Territory Day in Our Regions:
The fun extends to 21 of our communities right across the Territory, including Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, and Nhulunbuy, among others.
Acclaimed artists Bumpy and Katanga Junior perform at ANZAC Oval, as Alice Springs hosts a huge family fun day.
Tennant Creek will welcome an impressive line-up with Sandridge Band from Borroloola bringing their high-energy desert rock sound, alongside crowd-favourites, Casii Williams and Work Camp Band.
In Nhulunbuy, crowds will be treated to a special appearance by King Stingray, as the government continues to support tourism and events in East Arnhem.
Minister Boothby said the renewed investment into Territory Day this year was another example of the Finocchiaro CLP Government backing local events and restoring the unique Territory lifestyle – particularly in the regions.
“There’s so much to be proud of here in the Territory, and whether you’re gathering at Mindil Beach, Katherine Showgrounds, ANZAC Oval or at another of our 21 local events, Territory Day is a great opportunity to get together and celebrate what it means to be a Territorian,” Minister Boothby said.
