Baby Animals and Choirboys to headline Alice Springs Masters Games’ opening ceremony
Two of Australia’s most iconic rock acts, Baby Animals and Choirboys, will headline the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Alice Springs Masters Games (ASMG), marking the event’s 40th anniversary in spectacular style. The free, family‑friendly celebration will take place at ANZAC Oval on Saturday 10 October, kicking off at 5pm with a participant march at 6pm, followed by live entertainment through to 10pm. The popular mid‑week street party also returns on the Council Lawns, featuring entertainment, market stalls and the iconic Masters Mile, now open to all ages.
ASMG 2026 will showcase more than 25 sports, including Athletics, Netball, Aussie 9s, Cycling, Mountain Biking and Pickleball. Masters Games Golf also returns with a refreshed format, including the new NT Mid‑Amateur Championship and 2027 NT Senior Order of Merit points. A competition‑free day on Wednesday 14 October will encourage participants to explore Central Australia and support local operators.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service has been announced as the official charity partner, with RFDS SA/NT Chief Executive Tony Vaughan ASM saying the partnership “helps us continue to deliver vital care across the Red Centre and remote areas of Australia.”
Choirboys frontman Mark Gable said the band is thrilled to return to Central Australia. “We are going to be in the Centre of Australia! ALICE SPRINGS,” he said. “Choirboys have not been there in decades… The Masters Games will be a blast and after I will climb up Mount Johns again.”
ASMG continues to be supported by Games Ambassador Nathan Buckley and Games Patron Dawn Fraser. In 2024, the event generated $2.60 million for Alice Springs, with more than 1,200 participants competing across 23 sports.
Registrations for the 2026 Games from 10-17 October 2026 are now open, with the Games fee set at $99, including a merchandise pack, access to all social events and the sports clinic. More information and registrations: alicespringsmastersgames.com.au