Araluen Arts Centre: 
29th Alice Springs Beanie Festival | Sporting Headgear
Welcome Beanie Lovers to the Alice Springs Beanie Festival 2025!
We invite you to come along and be a part of our 29th Anniversary celebrations. WOW! 29 years of beanies! How to imagine in 1997, 100 beanies and a band of friends grew to 8,000 beanies and thousands of beanie lovers form around the world! Enjoy the warmth, colour and joy that everyone brings to our unique Central Australian event.
We have a bumper crop of beanies (over 8000 - our biggest ever) from all over the world and they are looking for heads to keep warm. So, splash out and get yourself, and your friends, some of the world’s most creative head gear. Alongside the beanies, there is plenty to keep you entertained.
Sit down, have a read of the program and make sure you get involved. We will be holding a “Disability Hour” on Saturday 21 June from 9am - 10am for anyone with a disability to come along and enjoy the festival while it is quiet.
On Monday we have the Big Beanie Sale with 10% off all stock, including beanies.
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 Ltyentye Apurte/Santa Teresa, Titjikala, Ali Curung, Amplatawatja, Kaltjiti/Fregon Yuelamu and Yuendumu. Some of these women will be attending the festival, so take some time to join their workshops and hear some of their stories.
With funding form the Alice Springs Town Council we have been able to run beanie making workshops in Ross Park, Gillen and Larapinta primary schools. 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.
From Chief Beaniologist, Jo Nixon
Gallery
29th Alice Springs Beanie Festival
GALA OPENING NIGHT | FRI 20 JUNE | 5.30PM | ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE
Sponsored by the Alice Springs Town Council.
- Opening address from His Worship, Mayor Matt Paterson.
- Welcome to Country from Senior Arrernte Woman Amelia Turner.
- Announcement of the 29th Alice Springs Beanie Festival competition winners.
- Entertainment including Gleny Rae Virus Trio, Katie Harder and Dave Crowe with special guests Cassii Williams and Jamie-lee Ashenden.
- Beanies for sale at Beanie Central and Sporting Headgear Exhibition/National Beanie Competition
- Delicious food and treats available from food stalls.
- Drinks from the Araluen bar.
- Extra security staff manning the carpark and the event thanks to Outback Security.
Cost: FREE
BEANIE CENTRAL | FRI 20 JUNE - MON 23 JUNE | WITCHETTYS @ ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE
Beanie Central is the centrepiece of the festival long weekend. This is where the thrill and mayhem of chasing the perfect beanie takes place, with thousands of beanies on display and for sale. There will be plenty of beanies, Indigenous beanie making, textile workshops and free crotchet workshops. And don’t forget our fabulous teashop or even something from the BBQ to keep your bellies warm.
Beanie Central is open the following days/times:
- Friday | 20 June | 10am to 5pm | 5.30pm to 8.30pm
- Saturday | 21 June | 9am to 10am (disability access hour) | 10am to 5pm
- Sunday | 22 June | 10am to 5pm
- Monday | 23 June | 10am to 2pm
Cost: A gold coin dontation.
SPORTING HEADGEAR EXHIBITION & NATIONAL BEANIE COMPETITION | FRI 20 JUNE - SUN 13 JULY | ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE
A wild array of fantastic textiles by makers from across Australia and the world. The exhibition highlights works from Indigenous workshops held annually in communities across Central Australia. See the winners of the National Beanie Competition and cast your vote for the Centred in Choice People’s Favourite Beanie Award.
Sporting Headgear Exhibition & National Beanie Competition is open the following days/times:
- Friday | 20 June | 6pm
- Saturday | 21 June | 10am to 5pm
- Sunday | 22 June | 10am to 5pm
- 23 June to 14 July | 10am to 4pm | 7 days a week
Cost: Free during the festival weekend 20-22 June then standard Gallery entry fees apply.
To view all full 29th Alice Springs Beanie Festival Program go to https://www.beaniefest.org/
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