Bombs over Darwin – Artwork by James Baines

Most of Darwin's major events are packed into the cooler months of the year from May to October, known as the dry season. During this time the city is bustling with people and activities: markets, music festivals, horse racing, art shows and drama performances, as well as the V8 Supercars. There's plenty to choose from. Whatever your taste may be…

Darwin Cup Carnival (Saturday 7 July to Monday 6 August)

The Darwin Cup Carnival is truly Darwin's biggest event of the year. More than 20,000 locals and visitors come together to watch horse racing at its best, and more importantly, have a really good time!

Day one of the carnival kicks off with the Hot 100 Darwin Guineas Race Day on Saturday 7 July. Some of the highlights are the BridgeToyota Ladies Day, Darwin Cup Gala Ball, SKYCITY NT Derby Day as well as the grand finale - the Carlton Mid Darwin Cup on Monday 6 August 2012 (NT Public Holiday).

For most of the racing events you can buy tickets for public admission on the day. All tickets for tents, members' areas and the Darwin Cup Gala Ball should be bought prior. For more information go to http://www.darwinturfclub.org.au/cup-carnival

Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival (Saturday 5 May)

The Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival, held on Saturday 5 May in Darwin, is a wonderful outdoor event for all ages. Starting at Nightcliff jetty, take a stroll through a variety of market stalls and watch local entertainment that stretches along Casuarina Drive for about 1.2km.

A day at the Seabreeze Festival is filled with local music and performances, fun activities and fabulous food in a spectacular setting on the Nightcliff foreshore. You can join in the sand sculpture competition with cash prizes for the most creative work, view Aboriginal artwork and meet some of the locals in the cultural tent or take a look at the collection of Voltzwagens, in all sizes and colours, from the Darwin's VDub club.

The event: 2pm - 10pm. The Seabreeze bar opens at 3pm. Entry is free! For more info go to http://nightcliffseabreeze.com/

Bass in the Grass (Saturday 26 May)

With a line up like never before, this year's Bass in the Grass concert on Saturday 26 May is set to be one to remember. Headlining acts include Hilltop Hoods, Boy and Bear, The Jezabels, The Temper Trap as well as Calling All Cars, Redcoats, Drapht, Stonefield, 360 and some locals acts will be performing at Bass in the Grass 2012.

Only $60 for pre-sale tickets or $80 at the gate. The concert is a great outdoor event open to all ages, held at the Darwin Amphitheatre in the Botanical Gardens. For ticket information go to http://www.bassinthegrass.com.au/tickets

V8 Supercars (June 15 - 17)

The SKYCITY Triple Crown V8 Supercars is the biggest event on the Territory's sporting calendar. The three-day event is held at Hidden Valley Raceway, 10 kilometres from Darwin's CBD, and is fuelled with entertainment on and off the track. The Hitachi stunt team, Victor Bray, drag displays and the Race and Rock after-party are some of the favourites over the long weekend of motor sport action.

To find out more go to http://www.majorevents.nt.gov.au/v8supercars/ticketing/

Darwin Festival (9 - 26 August)

The Darwin Festival is an annual event that brings Australian and international art, music and drama performances together during an 18-day fiesta in the tropical city of Darwin. Most of the action happens in Civic Park in Darwin City, the larger events are held at the Amphitheatre in the Botanical Gardens and other shows are held at the Darwin Entertainment Centre and around the Darwin area - all venues are held within close proximity to the CBD.

Prices for shows vary and some events are free. The full program and tickets are available online at http://www.darwinfestival.org.au/

Mindil Beach Markets (May to October)

Australia's largest outdoor market, the Mindil Beach Markets, is a tantalising experience for all your senses. The markets offer cuisine from many parts of the world: Thai, Indian, Chinese, African and Greek just to name a few. Browse through the stalls selling jewellery, clothing, homewares and artwork or sit down on the beach with your chosen dinner and watch the spectacular dry season sunset over the ocean.

The markets are held every Thursday 5 - 10pm and Sunday 4 - 9pm at Mindil Beach. The first market for 2012 is on Thursday 26 April.

Mindil Beach is about 3km from Darwin's CBD and is an easy walk or you can catch bus 4 from Darwin City or Casuarina to get there . Alternatively, you can catch a taxi or there is plenty of room to park if you have your own vehicle.

These are just a few of the events on in Darwin in 2012. Enjoy!