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

View the 2026 Beanie Festival Program: https://www.beaniefest.org/