There are hats and hats - these beanies stretch the definitions like never before.

The Alice Springs Beanie Festival is a unique event that celebrates this great Australian icon and the place people can come to find the perfect beanie from among more than 3,000 beanies displayed at the Araluen Cultural Precinct in Alice Springs.

Beanie Central, the feature event of the weekend, is held at "Witchettys" in the Araluen Cultural Precinct. Items for sale include Central Australian indigenous textiles, including the famous Tjanpi baskets and batik and painted beads from Ernabella. Indigenous artists also demonstrate traditional Pitjantjatjara spinning.

Other events include the Beanie Olympics, a speed crochet event, textile workshops, story reading and crafts for kids.