Araluen Arts Centre: 
Alice Springs Beanie Festival 2026
Thankyou! Thankyou! Beanies of Gratitude!
30th anniversary and final festival!
Welcome Beanie Lovers to the Alice Springs Beanie Festival 2026!
I reckon it will be our biggest year ever celebrating our final festival. Yes folks, we have grown with such success it is no longer sustainable for us to continue.
We have too many beanie makers, too many beanies and not enough room for the punters to get through the doors. We have racked our brains to find ways to continue and remain a truly inclusive event full of joy but alas can’t find a way forward.
It is a credit to all those who have been a part of our delightful festival. From little things, 100 beanies in 1997, to big things, 8000 beanies in 2026…grow! I loved and am honoured to have been a part of the journey and thank the many friends and family that joined me along the way.
The sharing of all your stories about your special beanie has been inspirational and very dear to my heart. And here we are for a promised 4 days of glorious beanie magic…beanies, workshops, live entertainment and delicious homemade tucker – and as a special treat a puppet show for young and old to create a big smile and warm heart. Check out program below.
Our main aim is to provide opportunities for the Indigenous women of remote Central Australia to get involved.
This year, we have run workshops in Santa Teresa, Titjikala, Ali Curung, Utopia and Old Timers. Some of these women will be attending the festival, so take some time to join their workshops and hear some of their stories. Look out for all these creations in the Gallery.
Many thanks go to the many volunteers who have put this festival together: they are our backbone. Also, a big thank you to our sponsors. May you all walk proud with warm, creative heads and hearts forever and always..
Jo Nixon | Chief Beaniologist
Gallery
The Alice Springs Beanie Festival is a community- based event that began in 1997 with a ‘beanie party’, organised by Adi Dunlop.
In the early years, the festival was run by a group of friends including Pamela Bladon, Merran Hughes and Jo Nixon on a volunteer basis. The core group has slowly grown into a committed band of beanie-ologists.
The festival was organised to sell beanies crocheted by Aboriginal women in remote communities. It has grown into a fun event where Aboriginal and non- Aboriginal artists share their culture and exhibit together. The festival is unique because of the incredible amount of community participation and our unique ties with local Aboriginal organisations.
The festival’s aims have always been to develop Aboriginal women’s textiles, promote womens’ culture and the beanie as a regional art form, as well as promote handmade textile arts.
Dates
Times
Festival (19 - 22 June)
See 2026 Beanie Festival Program for all opening dates and times.
Exhibition (23 June to 12 July)
10am to 4pm | 7 days
Prices
Beanie Central
Gold coin donation, no tickets required
Beanie Exhibition
FREE for the Festival (19 - 22 June)
then the below gallery fees apply.
(23 June - 12 July)
Adult $8 | Concession $6
Family Pass $20 | Free for NT residents
Children's Corner Workshops
Free, drop in anytime
Beanie Festival Workshops
Prices vary, please see program
https://www.beaniefest.org/
Genre
Location
Extra information
Accessibility
