Sunny Seaside Sunday Sesh

What better way to embrace the Dry season than kicking back by the seaside, cocktail in hand, to the sounds of talented musicians as the scent of fresh bites waft by?

^{By Tierney White}

DARWIN COCKTAIL FESTIVAL makes a blissful return this Picnic Day long weekend, the 2024 iteration bigger than ever with more bars and restaurant stalls on deck to flex their concoction crafting and food fashioning skills.

Lori Gardener kicked off the festival four years ago and says it celebrates the epitome of the Dry season whilst showcasing local businesses in the one space.

“The most beautiful thing about it is the local businesses getting together – and having that all in one place, in one day, is pretty magical. There’s no way, if you want to go out on a weekend, you would be able to visit all these venues … and probably even the whole year,” she says.

This delicious festival for all senses returns to the sweet seaside setting of Darwin Ski Club, which Gardiner says is a response to what punters wanted.

“I listened to what the people voted for, so the Ski Club is the home of the Cocktail Festival because of the gorgeous sunsets, the beautiful Dry season, and having beautiful music in areas they wouldn’t experience in one night.”

Regular bar favourites make a welcome return, including Dom’s Bar & Lounge, Willing Distillery and Mayberry, and exciting new additions this year include Poco by Moorish and Bar Kokomo. The food offering’s also been upped, with Ella by Manoli, the Big Red Taco Truck, and Auntie’s Burgers joining the ranks.

And if you’re on the wagon, you’ll still have a hoot, with each bar offering a special bev, sans booze. Whatever kind of Sunday sesh you’re up for, if you’re keen for a good time in the sunshine, Gardiner says the Darwin Cocktail Festival is the place to be.

“It’s a beautiful day, in the open air, in the peak of the Dry season. Lots of food, lots of entertainment, and cocktails. It’s a feast for the senses!”

Darwin Cocktail Festival
WHEN SUN 4 AUG | 12PM-10PM
AT DARWIN SKI CLUB
COST $79 | $140-$208 VIP
INFO darwincocktailfestival.com