Cairns is a vibrant city in Tropical North Queensland, Australia, that hosts many exciting events throughout the year. Whether you're looking for cultural festivals, sporting events, or outdoor activities, Cairns has something for everyone. Attending an event in Cairns can enhance your holiday experience, offering an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and connect with the community. Here are some major events in Cairns that you might want to check out:
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair
This annual event celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through art exhibitions, music, dance, and workshops. It's a great opportunity to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region and interact with local artists.
Cairns Festival
his festival showcases the best of Cairns, with a range of events and activities that highlight the city's arts, music, food, and cultural diversity. The festival culminates in a street parade and fireworks display.
Ironman Cairns
This triathlon event attracts competitors from around the world and offers a challenging course that takes participants through the stunning scenery of Tropical North Queensland.
Cairns Amateurs
This is one of the biggest horse racing events in Australia and offers three days of racing, fashion, and socializing. It's a great opportunity to dress up, socialize, and enjoy the excitement of the races.
Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival
This annual running festival offers a range of events for all ages and fitness levels, including a marathon, half marathon, and a family-friendly 2.3km run. The courses take runners through the stunning scenery of the Cairns region.
Attending any of these events can be a great addition to your Cairns holiday experience. Be sure to check the dates and plan accordingly, as some of these events can be quite popular and attract large crowds.
When: July
Where: Cairns Esplanade
Australia's Premier Indigenous Art Fair will shine a spotlight on emerging and established visual artists.
Much more than an Art Fair, CIAF is a platform for artists to tell their stories through performance: music, song and dance; theatre, screen and fashion; workshops and informative talks.
CIAF is committed to providing an ethical marketplace for the sale and purchase of Queensland Indigenous art and features the best contemporary and traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art from Queensland.
Perfectly located in the city all art on display is for sale at the excellent Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal on the waterfront. This is a unique event that invites first-time buyers, investors and the curious to seek out exciting new artists.
Come and view the paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photography, new media art, works on paper and fibre art, while enhancing your understanding of Queensland`s Indigenous artists and art work.
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair ( CIAF ) - Much more than an Art Fair.
When: Mid July
Location: Cairns Show Grounds
Each year Cairns Show brings to you a variety of entertainment to be enjoyed by all ages.
The Cairns Show is an annual event held at the Cairns Show grounds just 5 minutes from the City Centre. Over 3 days visitors can experience Performing artists, Historical displays, Farm & Produce exhibits, Wood chopping competitions & local businesses displaying their wares.
For the children & young at heart, Side Show Alley is a 3 day, fully equipped fun park with rollercoasters, Dodgem cars and all the rides and entertainment you would expect.
The first Cairns Show was held in September 1891. Originally the show consisted of Trade & agriculture exhibitions and competitions.
For visitors to the region the Cairns Show offers a great insight into the region and a seriously exciting day.
When: Usually held on Father's Day, (the first Sunday in September)
Where: Collins Avenue, Edge Hill
Come and celebrate Fathers Day on Collins Avenue with markets, music, food, kids’ entertainment, buskers and much, much more!
Carnival on Collins is a great family fun day featuring loads of free entertainment for people of all ages. Local art, craft, produce and plants are available at a diverse range of market stalls, with free, live entertainment on the main stage in the Cairns Botanic Gardens. There is the children’s entertainment area, roving buskers and food and drink stalls.
Carnival on Collins celebrates it's 29th birthday. Indulge in a wide range of activities, entertainment and market stalls.
9am - 3pm and entry is FREE
When: September
Where: Cairns
Held annually during the August and September Festival Cairns is one of Australia’s leading regional cultural festivals.
As Cairns becomes the stage of fun and festivities, the Festival harnesses the strengths of Cairns’ natural ambience, beautiful scenery, balmy spring weather and quality cultural and tourism attractions to create a unique festival experience.
From signature food and wine events and performances by guest national and international artists, to multi-cultural and community celebrations that showcase the region’s talent, Festival Cairns is a celebration of Tropical Australia’s diverse cultural life.
Ticketed events are complimented by a wide range of free outdoor performances including the Festival Finale which attracts an audience of around 40,000.
Cairns Festival Signature Events
Saturday Grand Parade & Fireworks
An iconic event in the Cairns community attracting over 20,000 spectators each year. Incorporates the traditional crowd pleasers the Parade of Lights and Explosion of Lights. Starting at Minnie St at 3.30pm floats of every shape and size will meander along the esplanade heading for Fogarty Park. The parade will be followed by fireworks, around 9pm.
Festival Family Concert
Throw a blanket down on the grass near the Lagoon and enjoy a late afternoon wind down with this FREE concert featuring the best of local talent.
When: June
Where: Cairns
Situated at the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns Airport IRONMAN Cairns is set in one of the world's most iconic tropical locations and boasts a stunning backdrop that will take your breath away.
With arguably the most spectacular bike course in the world, competitors race up the Captain Cook Highway hugging the coastline from Cairns to Port Douglas.
From reef to World Heritage listed rainforest, and a run along the stunning Cairns boardwalk, the race finishes in the heart of the city.
This race has become a 'must-do' on the IRONMAN circuit, and there is every reason to believe the hype.
North Queensland locals support this event with spectacular enthusiasm and welcome athletes and their families and friends from all over the world to our tropical city.
