40th Anniversary
Opening Ceremony
Get ready to celebrate a major milestone as the Alice Springs Masters Games marks its 40th year in 2026 — and it’s kicking off in style.
Join us for a huge Opening Ceremony headlined by two iconic Australian rock acts — Baby Animals and Choirboys.
The free, family friendly event will take place at ANZAC Oval on Saturday 10 October, kicking off at 5pm, the participant march begins at 6pm, followed by live entertainment through to 10pm.
A talented local support act will also take the stage (to be announced), setting the tone for an unforgettable Games.
Music
Choirboys
Few names are as synonymous with Australian pub rock as Choirboys. Formed on Sydney’s Northern Beaches in 1978, the band has spent more than four decades shaping, and soundtracking, the country’s live music culture. Led by charismatic frontman Mark Gable, alongside long time members Lindsay Tebbutt and Ian Hulme, Choirboys came up in an era when rock poured out of pubs every night of the week, and they quickly became one of the scene’s defining acts.
Their 1987 smash hit Run to Paradise remains an Australian anthem, capturing the spirit of the 80s and propelling the band onto national and international charts, including the U.S. Billboard rankings. Follow up hits such as Boys Will Be Boys, Never Gonna Die and Struggle Town cemented their place in the country’s musical DNA, backed by multiple Top 30 albums and a recording deal with the legendary Albert Productions.
Renowned for their high energy live shows, Choirboys continue to deliver the raw, humorous and unmistakably Aussie rock experience fans love. Their recent stage production Run to Paradise: Great Australian Rock ’n’ Roll Stories further showcases the band’s legacy, blending music and storytelling from the golden era of pub rock. After 40 years, Choirboys remain true icons of Australian rock.
Baby Animals
Baby Animals burst onto the scene in the early ’90s with a string of smash hits and a #1, multi-platinum debut album.
Fronted by rock icon Suze DeMarchi, the band also features guitarist Dave Leslie, bassist Dario Bortolin and Ricki Rae on drums.
They’ve toured with the likes of Van Halen, Bryan Adams, ZZ Top, Robert Plant and many more and continue to tear up stages nationwide. A new album is slated for a 2026 release and they’re showing no signs of slowing down.
Be Part of the Celebration
Join us for the 19th edition of the beloved ‘Friendly Games’ as we celebrate sport, community and connection in the heart of Australia.
We can’t wait to see you in Alice Springs in 2026.
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