NT Public Holidays

Known as Labour Day in other states and territories in Australia, May Day is the annual celebration of the modern eight hour working day, implemented in the 19th century. May Day is always held on a Monday, forming a long weekend every year.

*This public holiday is observed only in the Borroloola region of the Northern Territory.

The Borroloola Show originated in 1967 and is one of the smallest shows in the country. The show draws in over 1000 guests from surrounding areas, doubling the town’s population.

*This public holiday is observed only in the Alice Springs region of the Northern Territory.

Celebrated since 1960, the Alice Springs Show is an annual agricultural and pastoral event which showcases the region’s best produce, livestock, and craft.

The Show features outback sporting events, photographic and cooking contents carnival style rides and firework displays. 18,000 people make their way to the show each year to enjoy the Territory’s largest agricultural display.

*This public holiday is observed only in the Tennant Creek region of the Northern Territory.

Held on the second Friday in July each year, the Tennant Creek Show Day showcases the region’s agricultural accomplishments. The main attractions in the show are made up of cattle and dog demonstrations, rides, side show alley games, music events and arts and crafts competitions.

*This public holiday is observed only in the Katherine region of the Northern Territory.

The Katherine Show Day has been held on the third Friday of July each year since 1965. The Show holds a large range of competitions with prizes you can win in dog jumping, needlework, cooking, poetry, writing and rodeo. 

Equestrian events take place throughout the week leading up to the public holiday, with the main events taking place on the Friday and Saturday. Each year there is an average of 3,000 entries in the showcase competitions. The show is concluded with a firework display on the Saturday night.

*This public holiday is observed only in Darwin and the surrounding region in the Northern Territory.

The Darwin Show is the oldest Show Day in the Northern Territory, dating back to 1952. The Show acts as a demonstration of the region’s agriculture, livestock, trade and industries.

20,000 locals and visitors are invited to compete in over 24 sections of competitions each year, ranging from stud cattle, arts and crafts, to horticulture and photography.

Held on the first Monday of August each year, the popular theory is that Picnic Day originated as a holiday so that railway workers would be able picnic at the Adelaide River back in the late 1800’s.

The Harts Range Races began in 1946, which were so popular that they inspired an annual race and an official public holiday to celebrate them properly. The races are still held today on Picnic Day in the Harts Ranges, north of Alice Springs, featuring bull rides and children’s competitions.