What to expect
Bring the whole family along for a fun and relaxed evening under the stars! Enjoy a lively program of music from your favourite movies, performed live by the Darwin Symphony Orchestra - perfect for kids and grown-ups alike.
Pack a picnic blanket or chairs, settle in on the lawns of the beautiful Botanic Gardens, and enjoy the friendly community atmosphere. With tasty food and drink options available and plenty of space for little ones to move around, it’s an easy, enjoyable night out for everyone in the peak of dry season.
Expect great music, familiar tunes, and a magical outdoor experience the whole family will love.
Do I need to book tickets?
This community concert is entry by donation and we do ask that you book in advance. Registrations are essential to help us manage numbers and ensure a safe, comfortable experience for everyone, as the venue has a limited capacity. Once we reach that limit, we won’t be able to admit additional guests.
We’d love to welcome you, so be sure to arrive with plenty of time to find a car park (see below). a spot to settle on the lawns, relax and enjoy what promises to be a wonderful evening.
Entry by donation
No cash? No worries!
At Movie Hits, making your entry donation will be easier than ever. Our friendly DSO volunteers will have electronic Donation Point terminals available on the night - simply choose the amount you wish to donate, tap your card or phone, and you’re good to go.
Every donation helps keep live orchestral music accessible for our community and supports DSO’s performances, education programs and outreach across the Territory.
How to get there
Movie Hits will be held at the Darwin Amphitheatre in the George Brown Botanic Gardens, located along Gilruth Avenue and Gardens Road, approximately 2 km from the Darwin city centre. As there is no parking onsite or within the venue, we strongly encourage environmentally friendly travel options such as walking, cycling, carpooling, public buses, or e-scooters and e-bikes.
Where to park
Gardens Road will be closed and parking will be available for this event at Mindil Beach. There is no parking on sight or within the venue.
What to bring
Feel free to bring your own movie snacks, drinks, folding chairs or picnic rug - just please note that glass items, sharp utensils and alcohol are not permitted.
Outdoor Comfort & Safety
As this is an outdoor event, we encourage you to come prepared for a relaxed and enjoyable evening. Consider bringing sun protection, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle to stay comfortable throughout the night.
You’re welcome to bring a picnic rug or folding chairs, and we recommend dressing for the weather, with an extra layer for when the evening cools down.
Our team will be on-site to assist if needed, and we kindly ask everyone to follow event guidelines so we can create a safe and welcoming environment for all.
Gates Open
Gates open from 4:30pm. A security checkpoint will be in place, so please have your bag and registration ready for inspection to help keep things moving smoothly. We also recommend arriving early to secure a great spot on the lawns.
Accessibility
We’re committed to making this event accessible and welcoming for everyone. An accessible drop-off point is available in front of Eva’s Café, with nearby parking at Mindil Beach for drivers. There is also an accessible entrance near Eva's Cafe and a dedicated seating area to ensure a comfortable experience for all guests.
VIP Access
Enter through the dedicated VIP entrance located near Eva’s Café, where our team will welcome you - just have your ticket and photo ID ready.
You’ll be granted access to the exclusive VIP area, where food and drinks will be served from 5pm for you to enjoy in comfort before the show.
Pre-concert Entertainment
We’ve got something special for the kids at Movie Hits!
From 4:30pm – 6:30pm, little ones can enjoy face painting by the talented artistic team at Mirror Mirror on the Wall.
This is a free activity for everyone to enjoy, with donations by cash or tap-and-go - gratefully accepted in support of the orchestra and this community event.
Food and drinks
A range of food and drink vendors will be available from 5:00pm. Best of all, 12% of every purchase - including snacks, meals, and bar items - goes directly towards supporting your Orchestra!
Stay hydrated
Thanks to our friends at Power and Water, you can bring your water bottle for free refills at the water stations onsite!
Toilets
Toilets are conveniently located near the main gate entrance, as well as inside the venue near the food vendors on the right-hand side of the stage.
