DARWIN INTERNATIONAL LAKSA FESTIVAL 2026

If there’s one thing Darwin knows how to do, it’s laksa – and October is the month when our love of this iconic dish really gets put to the test.

The Darwin International Laksa Festival returns from 1–31 October 2026, celebrating Darwin’s multicultural community, local food scene and, of course, our shared obsession with a good bowl of laksa.

The month-long festival is your chance to explore participating restaurants, cafés and eateries across the Territory and sample everything from traditional laksa to some seriously creative laksa-inspired creations. And if previous years are anything to go by, expect plenty of surprises – laksa has made its way into everything from ice cream and burgers to pastries and other inventive dishes.

You can also join the Laksa League, where you check in at participating venues, try their dishes, vote for your favourites and earn points along the way. There are prizes up for grabs, so there’s plenty of incentive to make your way around town and discover a new favourite.

The festival wraps up with the Grand Finale at Darwin Waterfront, featuring live music, cooking demonstrations, food trucks, challenges, entertainment and the presentation of the coveted Golden Bowl and People’s Choice Awards.

So whether you’re a die-hard laksa fan, a curious foodie or simply looking for an excuse to get out and support local eateries, October is the perfect time to grab a spoon and join the fun.

Darwin International Laksa Festival
📅 1–31 October 2026
📍 Locations across the Territory
🎟️ Free entry to the festival and Food Tour

Let the laksa battle begin!