Music, dance and culture will meet footy and basketball in Kakadu this dry season, with the return of two major celebrations for the region running side-by-side.

For the first time since 2019, the Kurrung Sports Carnival and Mahbilil Festival will both run on August 28-29 in Jabiru.

Each year, the Kurrung carnival brings together hundreds of athletes from remote communities in Arnhem Land for men's and women's AFL football and basketball, while Mahbilil Festival hosts art and traditional dance, bush foods, market stalls, family-friendly activities and music.

Iconic singer-songwriter Christine Anu leads the line up in 2026, set to perform on Saturday night.

The local Kurrung season is a time of hot and dry weather, and, as Mahbilil Festival boasts, "when the days are warm, the nights are cool, and the Magpie Geese are on the move".

The festival is named after the afternoon breeze felt during the time of the year.

"Our region is special for many reasons - however the most celebrated has to be the incredible culture, the arts, music and of course sport," West Arnhem Regional Council Mayor James Woods said.

"The Kurrung Sports Carnival and Mahbilil Festival are two iconic events that showcase everything that makes Kakadu and West Arnhem such a unique and vibrant place.

"Bringing them together again will create an incredible atmosphere for everyone involved."

The sports carnival is one of the Top Ends largest Indigenous sporting occasions delivered by the Council and promotes a healthy, safe and inclusive environment.

Mayor Woods encouraged visitors to come and experience one of the biggest local weekends of the year.

Mahibilil Festivals's Caron Farrell is also eager to see people experience what's on offer in the "heart of Kakadu".

"Mahbilil Festival is a vibrant celebration of Mirarr culture, bringing together music, traditional dance, bush foods, art, sport, workshops, and community activities," they said.

"Held alongside the Kurrung Sports Festival, the event reflects the spirit of the Kurrung season, when cool afternoon breezes bring people together to celebrate culture, country, and community."

Through the continued transition into a tourism and cultural destination, the co-events are being championed as playing a larger role locally — promoting the region and support businesses while also strengthening cultural connection.

This connection can extend to visitors for an authentic experience of First Nations culture, Farrell said.